This new series, COLLECTIBLE In-Depth, unveil the backstage of contemporary creation. Tackling various topics from personal designer processes to the position of collectible design on the global design market; these COLLECTIBLE In-Depth offer different views to suit all tastes. Today we talk with Laetitia Ventura from MONO Editions.

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COLLECTIBLE: What are the challenges in presenting contemporary collectible design?

Laetitia Ventura: One of the main challenges is to present a different approach while designing pieces that will last and adapt to the largest span of functionalities . When creating MONO Editions, I thought about how we could offer a strong and fresh aesthetic, but above all, I wanted our furniture to focus on the material. The material that makes it functional, accessible, and sustainable - not the opposite. That’s also why I decided to collaborate with architects. Then, to limit the production chain, I had this simple idea: one collection, one material, one creator, one producer. Everything MONO!

Architects concerned with giving value to our moments of life.

C: What tips would you give to a collector who wishes to start collecting contemporary design?

Laetitia Ventura: I’d probably advise to learn a little bit about design history, how the different European schools all influenced each other over the past century. Also, how both architects and designers – either from Memphis, Bauhaus or de Stijl -  have defined many of today’s most desirable designs. After that, it is both interesting and fun to find the influences on contemporary design.

Then, of course, you will need to visit  as many fairs as you can, go to flea markets, and visit the great retrospective exhibitions  that museums offer designers. 

C: How would you describe the boundary between functional art and collectible design? Where do you situate your practice between those two?

LV: It comes together. I firmly believe function and form can’t be separated; which is why I decided to work with architects. They conceive their projects in their entirety - in my opinion, this approach can and should be applied to collectible design. At least that is what we propose in our collections.  

About MONO Editions

MONO is a new furniture Editor with one vision: each collection is designed from a single material.

Its ambition: to limit the production chain in order to create design objects that are first and foremost accessible and sustainable objects of desire.

To imagine furniture that will stand the test of time as well as trends, adapt to spaces as well as to uses, the editor has called on architects concerned with giving value to our moments of life. Modules that can be adapted, hybrid creations: their signed pieces offer the freedom to invent functions.

MONO Editions offers singular furniture with an inspired design, celebrating the meeting of savoir-faire and material.

Laetitia Ventura, Portait. © Mono Editions