Jaime Hayon, President of the jury Design Parade Hyères 2025, “The Mirror”

This exhibition, “Le Miroir,” isn’t just a display of objects; it’s an invitation to understand the journey, the sometimes-circuitous path that has defined my creative vision over the past 25 years. It’s about the constant dance between art, the honest hand of craft, and the considered purpose of design – realms I’ve always found to be beautifully intertwined.
My work thrives on a certain boldness – a love for vibrant materials and unexpected forms. But this boldness is rooted in a deep respect for tradition, for the skills and knowledge passed down through generations. I believe that by understanding and even challenging these traditions, we can create something truly new, something that resonates with our time while echoing the wisdom of the past.
This “mirror” we present here is structured in two parts, two interconnected spaces that delve into the very core of my creative process: inspiration, research, and the often-exhilarating, sometimes frustrating, act of execution.
The first room is a fragment of my studio, a dynamic space where ideas are born and nurtured. This isn’t a static museum display, but rather an evocation of the constant experimentation and exploration that fuels my imagination.
Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of history and juxtaposing time-honoured techniques with the exciting possibilities of cutting-edge technologies is visible here. Artifacts, sketches, and material samples sit side-by-side, illustrating this constant conversation.
This room is a glimpse into the global influences that colour my aesthetic. From ancient crafts to traditional art forms and the vibrant narratives of folklore from diverse cultures, these references form a rich undercurrent in my designs.
Raw materials, early prototypes, and pieces born from pure experimentation are all part of the Atelier. This is where the hands get dirty, where the boundaries of ceramics, wood, glass, and metal are constantly being tested, pushed, and sometimes broken. This hands-on approach, this dedication to what I call “extreme craft,” is fundamental. It’s about pushing the limits of what’s possible, both technically and expressively.
Within the workshop, you’ll find some of my sculptures and paintings. These are not separate from my design work; they are the very foundation. They reveal my ongoing exploration of form, colour, and narrative, providing a deeper understanding of the visual language that informs all my three-dimensional creations. They are the pure artistic impulse that then finds its way into functional form.
The second space is a reflection on the journey so far, a curated selection of significant works from the past 25 years. It’s not just about showcasing finished products, but about tracing the evolution of my distinctive style, that consistent innovation that has sought to redefine the relationship between art, craft, and design.
Many designs here defy boundaries, challenging the traditional hierarchies between what is considered “fine art” and what is “functional design.” For me, the two are intrinsically linked.
This room highlights the importance of material from the intricate beauty of sculptural ceramics to the elegant lines of wooden furniture, the delicate glow of glass lamps to the monumental presence of bronze sculptures. Each piece is a testament to the endless possibilities that arise when you truly engage with a material, when you push it beyond its perceived limitations.
The personal reinterpretation of tradition and how classic archetypes are infused with my own contemporary sensibility is visible in many of the examples or work.
A selection of sketches, preparatory drawings, and illustrations will reveal how this fundamental practice underpins everything I do. Drawing is my tool for exploration, for dreaming, for translating the intangible into a tangible vision. It is the essential first step in this ongoing odyssey.
This exhibition, this “Le Miroir,” is an invitation to see the connections, the inspirations, and the relentless pursuit of “extreme craft” that defines my work. It’s a reflection of the past, a glimpse into the present, and a hopeful nod towards the future of design – a future where the boundaries continue to blur and the possibilities remain boundless.