Nilufar pairs historic furniture with contemporary creations at Design Miami Paris 2026
Nilufar returned to Design Miami Paris 2026 with a curated presentation of vintage and contemporary collectible design at L’Hôtel de Maisons in Paris. Taking place from October 20 to 25, the exhibition marked the Milan-based gallery’s third participation in the fair, bringing together rare historical furniture, contemporary commissions, and experimental decorative objects. Presented in Room 20 on the second floor, the selection reflected founder Nina Yashar’s approach to collecting, connecting different periods through craftsmanship, material research, and cultural references. Works by Carlo Bugatti and Gabriella Crespi established the historical foundation, accompanied by contemporary designs that extended the conversation across generations.
Among the historical pieces, three furnishings by Carlo Bugatti, dating from approximately 1900 to 1902, demonstrated the designer’s unconventional treatment of structure and ornament. A chair, table, and armchair combined ebonized and stained woods with parchment, pewter, copper, bone, and silk tassels, creating intricate compositions defined by geometric detailing and contrasting textures. Gabriella Crespi’s contribution introduced a distinct sculptural language through furniture from her Rising Sun and Plurimi collections. The selection included the Rising Sun dining table, Quick Change sofa and armchairs, and Scultura low table, illustrating her interest in natural forms, adaptable furniture, and the relationship between functional objects and artistic expression.
Contemporary works introduced new interpretations of decorative traditions through material experimentation and specialized craftsmanship. StudioDanielK presented Jóia, a bar cabinet inspired by jewellery design, combining bronze, wood, and parchment in a composition that treated furniture as an ornamental object. Von Pelt Atelier contributed Spring Fountain 2, a table lamp referencing historical silver decorative objects through metalwork and Murano glass. Above the presentation, Christian Pellizzari’s monumental Heliconia ceiling lamp, produced specifically for the fair, extended the exhibition vertically with an organic arrangement of blown Murano glass elements. Its sculptural silhouette introduced a botanical reference while demonstrating the expressive possibilities of traditional Venetian glassmaking.
The exhibition also incorporated design practices informed by regional craftsmanship and cultural exchange. Vikram Goyal’s Bagh consoles drew inspiration from Indian gardens, translating architectural and botanical references into decorative furniture. Colombian textile atelier Hechizoo presented the Tilapia carpet, connecting traditional Colombian weaving techniques with influences from Japanese visual culture. Together, these pieces expanded Nilufar’s presentation beyond European design history, introducing different approaches to pattern, surface, and ornamentation. Their placement alongside historical furniture emphasized how established craft traditions continue to inform contemporary collectible design through reinterpretation, technical experimentation, and cross-cultural references.
For Nina Yashar, the presentation reflected collecting as an ongoing process of research, in which historical objects and contemporary creations acquire new significance through their relationships. The juxtaposition of Bugatti’s richly detailed furniture, Crespi’s sculptural forms, and newly commissioned works illustrated the gallery’s interest in design beyond chronological classifications. Held within the historic interiors of L’Hôtel de Maisons, the exhibition formed part of the fourth edition of Design Miami Paris, bringing together international galleries and collectors. Through its selection of furniture, lighting, and textile design, Nilufar presented a perspective on collectible design grounded in material knowledge, decorative heritage, and the continuing evolution of craftsmanship.
All images courtesy of Nilufar
