She discusses the elements of French design and how well-designed projects can help improve our daily lives
What is the essence of French design? It’s an inimitable quality that may be hard to put into words and perhaps makes the design scene more vibrant in consequence. “I like the idea that you can’t define it (French design). You really feel the (creative) freedom; every designer has his own way of doing design,” says French designer Matali Crasset.
Crasset was in Singapore for the premiere of Playful and Political Design, a documentary directed by Rémy Batteault as part of the Influences series produced by French TV channel France 5. “We see about 10 different projects (in the film); I try to show how I’m collaborating with people,” shares the 54-year-old. “It’s not about your ego. You have to consider (the person) whom you want to collaborate with here.”
Crasset had worked with Philippe Starck during the early years of her career; she recalls with awe the inspiring and liberating experience. “It was like a fairytale for me. I was in charge of 25 persons, running the design teams. I learnt a lot and I was able to understand how a huge company like that works.”
During her tenure, Crasset took charge of the design of several electronic devices at Thomson Multimédia and visited the company’s factory in Singapore over 20 years ago; she returned last year to design an installation, The Dynamic Lines of Our Nest, at National Gallery that caters to families with toddlers.
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