Charles and Marie-Laure de Noailles, who commissioned Robert Mallet-Stevens to design their villa overlooking Hyères, would likely be thrilled at the success of Design Parade. Modelled on the Festival International de Mode, d’Accessoires et de Photographies organised by the Villa’s team since 1986, Design Parade has become an essential springboard for emerging talents in the design field. At the heart of the annual event is an exhibition of work by the ten young designers competing for different prizes. Several other exhibitions take place in parallel, including a solo exhibition by the Grand Prix winner of the previous year’s edition, who is invited to return to the villa with work produced thanks to the prize. Design Parade encourages support and transmission between different generations of creators. As part of a rich and diverse programme, talks and presentations open to all take place alongside the “professional days” which open the festival.
In order to account for all aspects of the contemporary decorative arts, since 2016 the Villa Noailles team has also developed a complementary programme dedicated to interior architecture and design, which takes place in parallel to the main festival at several venues across Toulon.
