What do you think about the French design scene? Is there any interesting movement or change going on? If there is, can you tell us about it?

JMM : Because of political commitment and involvement in the 80’s, French design and art schools are generally excellent. I believe education is the key of any form of progress. In France, the investment has lead to generations of fertile and eclectic designers.

Phillip Stark said in a recent interview with a German newspaper that "I was a producer of materiality and I am ashamed of this fact…Everything I designed was unnecessary. Design is a dreadful form of expression." What do you think about this statement?

JMM : In my opinion, design is first a philosophical approach, then a strategic one and at the end a proposal of goods or services. The purpose is not to feed the vain fashion system and to satisfy a demand based on pulse/frustration. It is not such a stylistic approach but rather actions on new life scenarios. I cannot share Philippe’s point of view, but it’s probably all about what each one understands under the word “design”.


Are there any new, up-and-coming designers who you are paying attention to? If so, what is particular about their design?

JMM :There are many different designers on the French scene: Cédric Ragot (“arty” approach), Mathieu Lehanneur (combining science and art) or Noe Duchauffour (great tradition of decoration “à la française”).


Is there any project that you haven’t done, but you are eager to do in the future?

JMM : My design and life project is to develop objects and services that manage to re-conciliate our desires and our responsibilities as human beings. I am eager to work and develop ethical marks/labels with this continuous ambition.