Since 2008, Business France has organised the Art de Vivre à la Française exhibition across the world, in cities such as Tokyo, Berlin, Abu Dhabi, Beijing, New York and Singapore. New Delhi is the latest addition to this list of iconic cities. The first Indian edition of this fair was held this year at Bikaner House, New Delhi from 20–22 March 2024 in collaboration with the French Institute in India, the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and OGAAN-India Design ID.

The exhibition was meticulously curated by an Indo-French team from Business France (the trade commission of the French embassy), and GCG Architects (an Indo-French agency) to showcase France’s prowess in the interior design industry, seamlessly fusing timeless traditions with state-of-the-art technology. Over 30 brands showcased the elements of French lifestyle, ranging from interior design, furniture, tableware, and home decor to architecture and new technologies. The event was attended by more than 450 professional visitors ranging from architects, interior designers, art galleries, HNIs, importers and distributors from the capital and all cities in India.

The exhibition was inaugurated by H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou, the Ambassador of France to India, and the Princess of Jaipur, Smt Diya Kumari, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, which set the tone for a special preview. This was followed by a sit-down dinner at the Bikaner House ballroom that was transformed to look like the mirror gallery of the Chateau de Versailles. Each room was staged to recreate the experience of a luxurious French house. The ballroom featured a special exhibit by Féau Boiseries, Mathieu Lustrerie, and Lesage Intérieurs, showcasing luxurious and meticulous craftsmanship. All of which was designed with coordination from Alexis de Ducla, a French citizen based in Mumbai.

Beyond the exhibition floor, the event hosted a series of talks titled Creative Dialogue, organised by the French Institute in India, that was attended by renowned French and Indian brands, architecture studios and designers such as Wilmotte & Associés, Morphogenesis and its founder Sonali Rastogi, architect and interior designer Jean-Louis Deniot, Gaurav Gupta and Mobilier National, discussing topics ranging from the history of design to the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary creation.

This event paved the way for more collaborations between both countries in art, craftsmanship and design. To conclude, there was a cocktail and dinner hosted by DLF at the Chanakya Mall, where distinguished personalities from the lifestyle segment and guests from IFCCI and Business France came together for a befitting finalé.

All participating brands and visitors came away with a collective sense of accomplishment, having fostered meaningful connections and sharing a sense of optimism for burgeoning business opportunities in the future. More to come from France during the next Design Weeks in India.

Kudos to Business France and Eric Fajole, Trade Commissioner, that made this event a success along with the other sponsors: Air France, MONIN, Galeries Lafayette, The Chanakya and DLF, Chandon, Schneider Electrics along with our partners India Design ID, Ogaan Media, Elle Decor India, Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI), Design & Furniture Associations of France, l’Ameublement Français, Le FRENCH DESIGN, Francéclat, Mobilier National, in collaboration with the Invisible Collection & Sèvres, GCG Architectes and French Institute of India.