Aède blends storytelling craftsmanship and art deco influence in collectible design pieces
Aède is an emerging interdisciplinary design studio based in Paris, dedicated to creating high-end furniture and fine objects that fuse narrative, heritage, and craftsmanship. With a strong commitment to storytelling through design, Aède moves away from mass production in favor of timeless, meaningful pieces that speak to cultural memory and artisanal excellence.
Founded by Fedor Velyaminov, Ana Mira, and Alix Declercq, Aède benefits from a rich combination of backgrounds in interior design, architecture, graphic design, and branding. This diverse expertise allows the studio to approach each project with a holistic vision that bridges form, function, and emotion. The name “Aède” itself draws from ancient Greek culture, referencing the bards and poets who preserved and passed down stories—an ethos that is deeply embedded in the studio’s philosophy.
Aède’s design language is heavily influenced by the elegance and geometry of the Art Deco movement. However, it does not stop there. The studio also integrates historical motifs, folklore, and cultural symbolism into its creations. Each collection is meticulously researched and conceived as an homage to a specific historical period or culture, ensuring that every object carries a story and reflects deeper meaning beyond its physical form.
The Racines collection, introduced in 2021, exemplifies Aède’s commitment to culturally rooted design. It explores the rich, lesser-known world of Russian Art Deco, inspired by figures such as Sergei Diaghilev, who brought Russian ballet to Paris, and composer Igor Stravinsky, whose Neoclassical music echoed the spirit of the era. Racines is grounded in extensive research of medieval Russian and Eastern European art, traditional motifs, and regional folklore.
Comprising five unique pieces, the Racines collection brings together functional design and narrative symbolism. The dining table features a trapezoidal shape reminiscent of medieval Russian architecture and tent structures. A sculptural floor lamp with two heads references Slavic mythological creatures, specifically fiery multi-headed serpents.
A richly decorated tapestry draws on arabesque and Orthodox Christian ornamentation to capture the vibrancy and mysticism of Russian culture. Each item in the collection reinforces the blend of Art Deco elegance and cultural storytelling.
Aède places great importance on sustainable design and ethical production. All pieces are crafted in Europe by skilled artisans using time-honored techniques and environmentally responsible practices. This dedication to quality and sustainability ensures that every object is not only visually compelling but also built to endure.
In a time marked by uncertainty and rapid change, Aède offers a design philosophy grounded in beauty, heritage, and authenticity. The studio believes in the enduring value of culture and the human stories woven into the fabric of every creation. Through each handcrafted piece, Aède reaffirms the power of design as a timeless and meaningful form of expression.