Paris' Matter and Shape Design Event Celebrates 3 Years of Bridging Fashion, Art & Lifestyle

The intimate, curated design showcase has carved out a unique niche during Paris Fashion Week.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:21am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a repeated pattern of a sleek, modern chair design in shades of electric blue, hot pink, and neon yellow, conceptually representing the diverse and innovative design objects showcased at the Matter and Shape event.The vibrant, curated design showcase of Matter and Shape celebrates the intersection of fashion, art, and lifestyle in an intimate, community-driven setting.Today in Nashville

Three years into its existence, the Matter and Shape design event in Paris has become a beacon for fashion and design enthusiasts, attracting a unique crowd that blends creativity and commerce. This event, founded by Matthieu Pinet, has successfully carved out a niche in the bustling fashion week calendar, offering a refreshing take on the traditional trade show.

Why it matters

What makes Matter and Shape truly captivating is its ability to foster an intimate and curated atmosphere. Unlike the typical fashion shows, this event is a sanctuary for design aficionados, providing an immersive experience that goes beyond the runway. The event's emphasis on scale and its diverse range of exhibits, from industrial design to one-of-a-kind collectibles, reflect real-life design choices and attract a high-end, intellectual crowd of influencers, fashion veterans, and design enthusiasts.

The details

The third edition of Matter and Shape, with its theme of scale, showcased a diverse range of objects, from industrial design to one-of-a-kind collectibles, all presented in a way that feels like a home away from home. 'We want to represent both big and small players and show industrial design next to one-of-a-kind collectibles, making sure that it feels like the way people actually build up their homes,' explains Dan Thawley, the creative director. This approach ensures that the event is not just a showcase of luxury but a reflection of real-life design choices.

  • Matter and Shape was founded in 2024.
  • The third edition of the event took place in 2026.

The players

Matthieu Pinet

The founder of the Matter and Shape design event in Paris.

Dan Thawley

The creative director of the Matter and Shape event.

Leslie Johnsen

A fashion world veteran who attended the Matter and Shape event.

Carlos Tavares

A representative from the historic Portuguese fine jewelry brand Tavares 1922, who shared that Matter and Shape has helped them connect with retailers in the U.S. and the Middle East.

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What they’re saying

“'We want to represent both big and small players and show industrial design next to one-of-a-kind collectibles, making sure that it feels like the way people actually build up their homes.'”

— Dan Thawley, Creative Director, Matter and Shape

“'Looking ahead, organizers are focused on creating cultural dialogue and bringing unexpected entities together.'”

— Dan Thawley, Creative Director, Matter and Shape

What’s next

Organizers of Matter and Shape are focused on continuing to create a unique, intimate, and curated design event that fosters cultural dialogue and brings together unexpected entities from the worlds of fashion, art, and lifestyle.

The takeaway

Matter and Shape has successfully carved out a niche in the bustling fashion week calendar, offering a refreshing take on the traditional trade show. By emphasizing scale, curating a diverse range of exhibits, and fostering an intimate atmosphere, the event has become a must-attend destination for design aficionados, fashion enthusiasts, and those seeking the intersection of creativity and commerce.