This series, COLLECTIBLE In-Depth, unveils the backstage of contemporary creation. Tackling various topics from personal designer processes to the position of collectible design on the global design market, COLLECTIBLE In-Depth offers different views to suit all tastes. Today we talk to Tanguy Tourain and Julie Desmidt, who founded Atelier Tourain.

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COLLECTIBLE: What do you think about the position of contemporary collectible design on the design market? How do you think the contemporary collectible design market is evolving?

TT&JD: We think people increasingly understand what high-quality materials contribute to the quality of life. Besides that, we think collectibles enforce the recognition for craftsmen- and women that their knowledge and craftsmanship is truly one of a kind and truly unique in such a mass production-world we live in now. People should be proud to get their hands dirty if you see what they can accomplish and make with them! And this growing recognition gives clients more and more possibilities to have beautifully curated interiors with pieces that they can identify themselves with or express them with.   

C: Can you talk about a new piece / collection that you release for COLLECTIBLE this year?

TT&JD: We have a few new pieces we will show at COLLECTIBLE actually. For instance our Ablaze table and our Ablaze chair. We have some pieces inspired by the movement of lava and its "fat layers" that it creates when the mountain or land overflows. This table and chair are inspired by the colours and power that a volcano shows when it erupts. The powerful red-orange-black colours seen in lava are reflected in the stone and fabric of these pieces. These were encrusted in a hand-cast brass frame that was fluidly shaped as magma crusts around lava. In addition, we also have a new TONDEL light with our funghi that again is a piece unique. With these pieces, we always work around the piece of wood we have available and design around that. With these designs, we do not start from a design that the material has to bend to, but the material brings us the idea and the shape. And then lastly, we have a new console table called Megalith. We leave it to the visitor to experience it and guess what historic object inspired us!

C: How did you get into collectible design? Why did you focus your practice on this type of design rather than industrial design?

TT&JD:We have been carrying out projects for architects and clients with our company Fo Le Fer for many years. In doing so, you must always respect the client's design and creations, which we have always, and still, enjoyed realising. However, we felt the urge to create things and objects ourselves, that’s how A T E L I E R   T O U R A I N came to life. What is so satisfying for us is the fact that you can effectively create what is in your head. You are your own 3D printer if you can put it that way. You sketch and come up with an idea and you can bring it to life yourself and that's wonderful to experience.

C: If you were to collaborate with someone outside of the design scene, from another industry, who would you pick?

TT&JD: This applies to both of us but definitely Daniel Roseberry, Schiaparelli's creative director. The work he does for this fashion house is something we are inspired by every time. unique, sophisticated and daring. We think it would be fantastic to one day create unique pieces for such fashion houses or to create our own. Handbags, glasses in brass: why not!

C: What are the key questions you ask yourself before starting to conceptualise a new piece?

TT&JD: Absolutely nothing! We find it important to dare to dream or dare to think of all the possibilities or anything that goes through our heads. Tanguy has sketchbooks all over the house and studio where he constantly draws ideas. He might see something small lying on the ground or have a certain click from a conversation and suddenly have a complete design idea inspired from that. For us, asking questions in advance for your design works as a hindrance instead of liberating and inspiring. We let details, finishes and certain designs come to us during prototyping but prior to that, everything must be open. 

C: How do you understand collectible design’s unique story from your concept to a piece someone lives with (and perhaps forms an emotional connection to)?

TT&JD: Collectible design should thrill and excite you. Having functional art should do the same to you as is expected of sculptures or paintings on your wall. Besides being functional, it should trigger you to touch it, experience it or get lost in textures, shapes or patinas.