Highlights from Lisbon By Design Fair
This week, I am delighted to share an interview with Julie de Halleux of Lisbon by Design Fair, who was kind enough to share highlights from this year’s show, which took place in May.
Lisbon by Design Fair is an annual craft and design fair that celebrates the uniqueness and craftsmanship of Portuguese design. Each year, they feature pieces that are created specifically for the event that they have never seen before.
Read the full interview below!
For those new to Lisbon by Design Fair, can you tell me a bit about the show and concept?
Lisbon by Design Fair is an annual craft and design fair that celebrates the uniqueness and craftsmanship of Portuguese design. Each year, the fair features exclusively new pieces that are created specifically for this event and have never been shown before. This ensures that all the showcased items are unique and fresh.
The fair meticulously curates a list of talented designers and craftsmen, bringing together both emerging young artists and established names in the industry. These creators present a high-end selection of collectible designs that span a variety of mediums, including ceramics, textiles, furniture, glass, and metal objects.
The primary goal of Lisbon by Design Fair is to elevate Portuguese design to an international level. By mixing the innovation of young designers with the expertise of renowned professionals, the fair highlights the rich diversity and exceptional quality of Portuguese craftsmanship. This event not only provides a platform for local artists to gain global recognition but also enriches the cultural landscape with exquisite and original designs.
Is this for Portuguese-only designers?
The fair showcases works made in Portugal, highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship and design of the region. While most of the participants are indeed Portuguese, we do welcome some foreign designers who live and work in Portugal. This inclusion brings a fresh perspective and adds new ways of interpreting traditional Portuguese design, enriching the overall experience and diversity of the fair.
What are three designers or collaborations that stood out to you and why?
1. The Contamination Exhibition: This collaboration between Hum Gallery, Martinho Pita, and Vasco Barrão was incredibly innovative and creative. They blended their expertise by incorporating pieces from one designer into the works of another, such as embedding glass into wood. This fusion resulted in truly unique and captivating pieces that pushed the boundaries of traditional design.
2. Apewood and Sebastião Lobo: Their collaboration created an atmospheric setting reminiscent of the Viking Age. Sebastião Lobo’s metal plates and cutlery were perfectly complemented by Apewood’s use of driftwood from the Azores, crafting an organic table and shelves. This combination of materials and design elements brought a powerful and evocative aesthetic to their display.
3. The Echo Between Painted Tiles and Vases: Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance and Bela Silva showcased an inspiring dialogue between their works at Viuva Lamego. Noé’s painted tiles and Bela’s vases, all produced at the historic Viuva Lamego factory, highlighted the factory’s 175th anniversary. This collaboration celebrated the long-standing tradition of the factory working with artists and produced pieces that beautifully echoed each other's design language.
Can you tell me a bit about the curation and how you select the designers and artists who exhibit?
Each year, I curate a unique selection of artists and designers with the goal of reflecting a reinterpretation of Portuguese traditional culture. I strive to include a diverse mix of media in the fair, featuring ceramics, wood, furniture, glass, metal, and textiles. This approach ensures that the exhibition showcases the rich variety and creativity present in the contemporary design scene.
The curation process places a strong emphasis on quality and aesthetics, ensuring that every piece displayed meets high standards of craftsmanship and visual appeal. Additionally, we select designers who have the capability to produce bespoke design objects for specific projects. This allows us to not only highlight exceptional ready-made pieces but also to demonstrate the versatility and adaptability of the designers in creating custom works tailored to unique needs. By carefully selecting a blend of emerging talents and established names, we aim to highlight both the exceptional craftsmanship and innovative spirit of Portuguese design.
How can we learn more about the 2024 show and who was featured?
You can learn more about the past show and the featured artists by visiting our webpage, which provides detailed information about each participant. Additionally, I am currently producing a short video that will give an overview of the last edition, which took place in May. For more updates and information, please follow us on Instagram. This is where we regularly share news, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content from the fair.
Can we mark our calendars for the same dates in 2025?
I am currently considering changing the format and possibly even the venue for the next edition of Lisbon by Design. Since it will be our fifth edition, I want to elevate the experience to an even higher level. It will be a surprise, so stay tuned for exciting updates and new developments!
I've seen Lisbon change over the years. In terms of design, it’s become such an innovative city, which is exciting. What are your overall thoughts on the design scene in Lisbon?
There is a general trend towards authenticity and craftsmanship, with a growing appreciation for handmade, collectible objects. In a world dominated by mass consumption, people are increasingly seeking unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. This is precisely what we showcase at Lisbon by Design.
Portugal has a rich heritage of traditional craftsmanship, with many artisans still working with age-old techniques. Our role is to bring a contemporary direction to these traditional industries, helping them to adapt and thrive in today's market. By doing so, we ensure that these valuable skills and cultural expressions not only survive but also flourish in the modern design scene.
What are your thoughts on the artisan sector as a whole in the country?
The Lisbon by Design Fair serves as a platform linking artisans, designers, and the industry—particularly the hospitality sector through architects and interior designers. Our goal is to elevate the level of "Made in Portugal" by presenting one-of-a-kind, high-level works that attract both local and foreign visitors.
It's crucial to connect traditional craftsmanship with contemporary designers to refresh the image of Portuguese high craft and showcase it on the international stage. By fostering these connections, we aim to bring authenticity and innovation together, ensuring that Portuguese craftsmanship continues to thrive and gain the recognition it deserves globally.
Organizations like Passa ao Futuro, which I greatly admire, are involved in mapping traditional craftsmen in Portugal. They also excel at organizing residencies with designers to create new contemporary directions. Two years ago, I had the pleasure of showcasing the results of their first collaborations at the fair. Their work is invaluable in connecting traditional skills with modern design.
For more info, please visit: https://www.lisbonbydesign.com/fair
