Imagine a world where every object whispers a story, where color dances with form, and where tradition is challenged by the bold embrace of innovation. This is the world of India Mahdavi, Wallpaper’s Designer of the Year 2023. Mahdavi, a master of her craft, is not just a designer; she’s a storyteller, a weaver of dreams that blend the familiar with the extraordinary.
A Peek into Mahdavi’s Parisian Haven
Let’s step into her Parisian apartment, a haven in the bustling 7th arrondissement. Nestled near Saint-Germain, it boasts a quiet garden view, offering a welcome respite from the city’s energy. The apartment, an L-shaped flat with a charmingly impractical layout, is a testament to Mahdavi’s eclectic taste. Vintage pieces, prototypes, and objects collected from her travels create a personal landscape that reflects the evolution of her life, each item whispering a story of inspiration and discovery.
Mahdavi’s love for vibrant hues spills over into her home, where a tiny corner kitchen becomes a whimsical dining room. She has transformed it into a haven for friends, with a yellow oval table, checkered curtains, and a glass light suspension creating an intimate ambiance. This space, though small, embodies the spirit of her design philosophy: transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary with a splash of color and a dash of whimsy.
The Bishop: A Story of Transformation and Legacy
A standout piece in Mahdavi’s repertoire is the Bishop. This iconic stool, born from a wood-turned bar stool for a New York club, has evolved over the years, appearing in ceramic form in Mexico City and becoming a signature piece. But it’s the Apple Blossom Baby Bishop, a collaboration with Émaux de Longwy, that truly captures the essence of Mahdavi’s vision. This exquisite piece, adorned with delicate floral motifs using the ancient cloisonné technique, is a testament to her commitment to reviving traditional craft and infusing it with contemporary spirit.
A Day in the Life of a Designer
Mahdavi’s days begin with the comforting sounds of the France Inter radio station and a steaming cup of coffee. Her quiet mornings offer a space for reflection and inspiration, often fueled by the pages of a good book. And when the day’s demands call for a break, she finds solace in the warm glow of her living room, lost in a captivating story and the harmonious rhythm of her favorite melodies.
A World of Color and Inspiration
Mahdavi’s world is a symphony of colors, textures, and stories. She’s a collector of experiences, acquiring objects that spark joy and resonate with her creative spirit. Her recent acquisitions, a pink ceramic basket by artist Audrey Ballacchino and the culinary masterpiece “Small Fires” by Rebecca May Johnson, reflect her appreciation for both artistic expression and the delights of everyday life.
A Creative Spirit in Constant Motion
Mahdavi’s sources of inspiration are as diverse as her design portfolio. She finds beauty in the everyday, from the grandeur of Rome’s architecture to the intimacy of a Parisian garden. The fantastical apartment of Giacomo Balla, a stark contrast to Giorgio de Chirico’s studio, offers a glimpse into her fascination with the interplay of art and design. And her upcoming trip to Benin to visit the Foundation Zinsou promises to further enrich her creative wellspring.
A Vision for the Future
Mahdavi’s passion for design transcends borders, as she shapes the future of art and architecture. She’s currently working on a contemporary art museum in Trondheim, Norway, and an artist’s residence in Arles, projects that reflect her commitment to fostering creative expression and cultural exchange. This is a world she envisions, a world infused with color, history, and a touch of magic, where every object tells a story and every space invites you to dream.
Mahdavi’s Message to the Next Generation
Her message to aspiring designers is one of embracing the power of color, the beauty of tradition, and the audacity of imagination. She encourages them to push boundaries, to experiment with form and function, and to create a world where design is not just a profession, but a transformative art form.
