The historic Monte Carlo villa that Karl Lagerfeld occupied for over a decade opens to the public for the first time today, to showcase works commissioned by the world’s leading design galleries.
David Gill Galleries, Nilufar and Massimo De Carlo are among the galleries that will showcase sculptural design pieces at the inaugural edition of collectible design fair Nomad.
Nomad takes place annually and displays in a different city every year. This year’s edition allows visitors an exclusive look inside the historic property of the prestigious villa La Vigie.
Nomad revisits the classic idea of fairs and exhibitions to propose a new format for the XXI century. Nomad is a travelling event for collectable design that will bring together a selection of the world’s leading galleries in incredible architectural locations. Nomad establishes a unique dialog between gallery works and a very personal context, gathering a community of individuals looking for a different experience. Nomad is an event for collectors, interior designers, architects and art professionals.
Facing out over the Côte d’Azur, La Vigie was built in 1902 and is now widely considered one of the finest properties on the French Riviera.
It was home to fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld throughout the 1990s who was a well-known resident of Monaco with ties to the royal family, who often wear his designs. After Karl moved out the property became an exclusive invite only hotel and event space.The hilltop villa is now able to be visited by the public for the first time.
Other Nomad exhibitors this year include London’s Gallery Fumi, Copenhagen’s Etage Projects and Paris’ Galerie BSL.
Among their exhibitions will be new and recent designs by architects and designers including the Campana brothers, Studio Mumbai, James Plumb, Arik Levy and the late Zaha Hadid.
Organizers Giorgio Pace and Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte see the event as a new approach to the traditional design fair.
“Nomad will rethink the classic idea of fairs and exhibitions to create an event that is bespoke, intimate and that presents work in a radically new context,” they explained.
“We hope to attract a community of individuals that is looking for a new experience,” they continued. “La Vigie’s rich history and beautiful architecture provides the perfect location to realize our vision.”
The four-day fair is open from 27 to 30 April 2017.
The program also includes a conversation between architect Norman Foster and Design Museum director Deyan Sudjic, a project by the Serpentine Galleries, and a lounge designed by fashion designer Rick Owens and his wife and collaborator Michèle Lamy.
Sources: www.nomadmonaco.com & www.dezeen.com & www.homes.nine.com.au
