YMER&MALTA and French Decorative Arts

Everyone within the world of design has heard about Valérie Maltaverne and her unique project. She has become the ambassador and champion of French craftsmanship and decorative arts, with her mission being to keep their rich and storied legacy alive. Since founding her Parisian design studio Ymer&Malta in 2009, Maltaverne has envisioned a unique and environmental concept which she describes as ‘slow made.’ Think about ‘slow food,’ the organization that promotes local food and traditional cooking; this is what Maltaverne does for French handmade crafts.

Through commissioning designers and artists to create contemporary objects of which the execution requires the highest technical expertise—like weaving, woodwork, metalsmithing, and clay—she has succeeded to elevate art furniture to the level of haute couture by merging design and craftsmanship. These pieces by Ymer&Malta have been recognized by museum curators for their significant historical value, including being exhibited and collected by various museums.

Now her passionate collection will be presented in a guest exhibition titled Taking the Time at Christie’s spaces on Avenue Matignon in Paris for a week beginning January 16. It is assured to be a special occasion with the opportunity to see most of the pieces she has produced in the past 15 years and witness the level of craftsmanship that existed in France.