“Portugal – Eldorado Archi, Design and Craft?” will be one of the main highlights of this year’s Maison et Objet conferences programme. This unique conference won’t have a focus on wall mirror designs, nevertheless, the Wall Mirrors blog thought one should consider attending it to learn more about Portuguese design and crafts. It will take place on January 21st (2:00-2:45pm) in Hall 7 and now, in this article, we will put on the spotlight what visitors can expect to see and listen during this conference.

The conference will be moderated by journalist Guy-Claude Agboton and it will count with the knowledge of interior architects from Oitoemponto, Artur Miranda and Jacques Bec as well as Joana Astolfi designer from Astolfi Studio and Amândio Pereira, founder of Covet Foundation. When several European designers moved to Portugal, the media asked them why. Two answers come back; the existence of craftsmanship skills and a certain state of mind with the human at the centre. Truth or fantasy?

Portugal has been increasingly a game changer in the Design field, injecting considerable verve into a previously conservative industry as well as bringing a new fresh inspiration worldwide. As the luxury home design world is moving at a fast pace to improve authenticity and differentiation, top-notch quality has been relying on finest craftsmanship to create unique pieces for one of a kind interiors. An emerging realm that has been in the spotlight where the meticulous and hard-earned skills from master artisans are treasured. Now, let’s get to know more about each speaker.

Artur Miranda and Jacques Bec / Oitoemponto

Oitoemponto* emerged in 1993 from the perfect alchemy between two strikingly different but terribly complementary personalities. It is almost the ideal success story.

With Artur Miranda’s experience of the world of fashion and design, he set himself apart by his decidedly modern vision of decoration, a clearly marked desire to break with the established codes and dare the most unexpected combinations, while at the same time fostering and developing an innate sense of colour.

Jacques Bec brings to the duo a refreshing enthusiasm and the French touch, as well as the precious know-how acquired during his studies at the Met de Penninghen graphic arts school in Paris.

Together, the two designers create sublime décors for dozens of lucky people. Each production is the fruit of long hours of coordination during which the lifestyle of the client is examined in minute detail in order to create an optimum match for their needs and wishes.

The result is a subtle mixture of the owners’ tastes and the incomparable talent of Jacques Bec and Artur Miranda. Unique places, at once refined and convenient to live in, bright and discreet, modern and timeless…

⇒ Related Article: 5 Bathroom Mirrors You Ought to Take a Peek at Maison et Objet Paris ⇐

Amândio Pereira / Covet Foundation for Design & Craftsmanship

Founder & CEO of Covet Group, an international creative company that holds and manages 11 luxury design brands, he started the journey in the design world in 2005 when he founded the renowned Boca do Lobo.

Deeply connected with the Portuguese legacy of fine craftsmanship, he soon started to draw attention for its statement and edgy furniture and lighting collection’ brands after he finished his degree in Product Design by Politecnico di Milano.

Injecting considerable verve into a previously conservative industry in Portugal, Amândio revealed strong leadership and entrepreneurship managing nowadays a corporation with 40 distinct businesses with more than 500 employees.

Due to his motto in life to inspire the world through Design and Craftsmanship, in 2018 he established the Covet Foundation. A non-profit institution which works as a tribute to Arts & Crafts, along as promoting a valuable environment across industries, where skilled artisans are encouraged and treasured worldwide.

Joana Astolfi / Studio Astolfi

Joana Astolfi (b. Lisbon, 1975) is an artist, architect and designer who draws visual inspiration from a broad universe of found objects. Porcelain statuettes, miniatures, vintage chairs, lamps, toys, diaries and photographs of people she never met populate and shape her creative vision. Her artworks, installations and window displays are inspired by imperfections, mistakes and the irrepressibility of humour.

A keen sense of history also characterizes her interior design and architectural work for commercial and private clients. Distinctive surfaces, fixtures, details, textures and patinas bring depth and complexity to clean, simple lines and illuminated open spaces, always with an eye toward the history and memory of the place. Astolfi sees objects and spaces as experiences, caught in time, but also capable of transcending and bridging time – and she leads her audiences on this fantastic journey.

Astolfi has lived and worked in London, Munich, Venice and Los Angeles, returning to Lisbon in 2007 to set up Studio Astolfi. Starting from Joana’s creative vision, Studio Astolfi is a team of artists, artisans, sculptors, designers, architects, and technicians who specialize in telling stories, evoking memories, and captivating the curiosity of our audiences. Astolfi’s work has been exhibited in various countries and acquired by several collectors. She is Portugal’s window designer for Hermès since 2014 and invited artist window designer worldwide.

⇒ CLICK HERE to see all of the conferences that will be taking place at M&O Paris

The ultimate lifestyle and design trade show, Maison et Objet Paris will take place from 18-22 January 2019, and visitors can expect to experience a highly creative and pro-business atmosphere full of interior design trends and inspirations as well as special features, including this conference, so don’t miss it!

⇒ See Also: Discover Ex.T’s Nouveau Bathroom Collection at Maison et Objet 2019 ⇐

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