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Collectible, the fair for 21st century design.

Xavier Lust. Eagle Console, 2020. Courtesy Xavier Lust

Design bites

Xavier Lust

3 June 2021

This new series, Design bites, 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 bites offer different views to suit all tastes. Today we talk with the designer Xavier Lust.

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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?

 

Xavier Lust: There is a growing interest from enthusiasts and collectors for this particular market. As we moved in design history, the lines between art and design were first up for discussion and then progressively blurred, which allowed the emergence of contemporary collectible design. Collectors’ behaviours have changed. They used to collect single categories but nowadays they head towards a form of art that comes from a mixture of style and periods. Therefore they are willing to add to their interiors custom or limited edition pieces of design, more complex and valuable.

“ Collectors’ behaviours have changed. They used to collect single categories but nowadays they head towards a form of art that comes from a mixture of style and periods.”

C: What do you think collectible design brings compared to other more massively produced pieces?

 

XL: For designers, the process of creating collectible design means you do not have to compromise your vision as much. Materials and budget are no longer an obstacle. However, the attention to details as well as the challenges linked to the production are exacerbated. For collectors, collectible design gives them the opportunity to own a piece that will feel very personal and fulfill a different kind of statement.

 

C: What is your opinion on 3D designs and renderings compared to other more traditional ways of presenting design? How do you foresee evolutions in that domain: do you think it is a perenne practice or an ephemeral one that reflects our needs for escapism and imaginary spaces?

 

XL: We use 3D models to verify all details of the project and get the best possible idea of what the piece is going to look like. It is an incredible tool, I have come to prefer it to 2D drawings. This technology has been around for almost two decades in my studio but is coming out in the spotlight due. I personally find digital creation extremely stimulating, it is a great way to introduce our new collection. I believe it is most likely only the beginning of the realm of possibilities designers will have for 3D and digital creations. 

However, I consider that the strongest emotions will always come from interacting in person with design or art. Digital is a wonderful way to complete an existing work, to place it in an imaginary space, almost like a dream.

 

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

 

XL: Above all, the design makes sense and the piece has a strong reason to exist. It can be a piece of art and offer a perfect function at the same time. 

Collectible, the fair for 21st century design.

Xavier Lust. Hard Whale, 2021. Courtesy Xavier Lust

Collectible, the fair for 21st century design.

Xavier Lust. Deep Dive Console. Courtesy Xavier Lust

About Xavier Lust

 

Xavier Lust’s work is clearly identifiable through the visible tension he gives to his objects, and the curves inspired by his innovative (de)formation process of metallic surfaces, giving the illusion of lightness and motion. He has received numerous awards including Compasso d’Oro’s special mention and his work has appeared in over 50 exhibitions around the world.