Usagi: a new interdisciplinary space in Paris' third arrondissement
It's inspired by Asia’s mythical moon rabbit, but don’t be discouraged if you can’t get to grips with the full part-Japanese name of usagiと_ paris. Those in the know just call it ‘usagi’. This new interdisciplinary space, designed by Sou Fujimoto, is dedicated to art and exchange, and has contemporary Japanese culture at its heart. Established to showcase a wide range of creative talent through designer-artist collaborations and collector editions, usagi is the latest new hot spot to open on the Right Bank, in a quiet courtyard on rue Notre Dame de Nazareth.
The brainchild of Michiko Horie, usagi comprises a contemporary art gallery, boutique and tea salon. Having lived in Paris for more than 15 years, the new venture’s Japanese director sees the location as a gateway to Paris’ third arrondissement – an area buzzing with new energy while still being culturally diverse.
Fujimoto’s design of the space washes the building’s original materials with swathes of white. Configured in a U-shape, the three spaces merge into one, with the exhibition and event space continuously adapting with solo shows, carte blanche exhibitions, performances or lectures. The inaugural show comes courtesy of French duo Christophe Berdaguer and Marie Péjus. Following this will be Laëtitia Badaut Haussmann’s investigation of Charlotte Perriand and her ‘Kyoto phantoms’, who will haunt the gallery throughout the coming months. The primarily Franco-Japanese programming of usagi is being overseen by curator Julien Arnaud.
The boutique gives an outlet to up and coming young designers such as Salvy, Yasutoshi Ezumi and KIKOF. As the space becomes established, Horie also plans to give a platform to international designers and traditional artisans from Kyoto and establish usagi’s own collection of contemporary products. For now, however, artist and illustrator Philippe Dufour-Loriolle has designed his first original limited edition series of sweatshirts, made from a fabric manufactured in Tokyo for the store.
Above all, usagi hopes to provide a welcoming atmosphere. In keeping with Japan’s meticulous tea ceremony traditions, young Japanese chef Mikiko Kanno (who honed her skills at the Grand Hôtel du Lion d’Or) is masterminding the salon’s seasonally changing menu, fusing Franco-Japanese flavours with more formal creativity. Atsushi Tanaka (of restaurant A.T) will also create guest dishes on a regular basis.
usagiと_ paris will open officially on 29 January 2016 – overseen, of course, by the mythical moon rabbit.
INFORMATION
For more information, visit usagiと_ paris’ website (coming soon)
Photography courtesy
usagiと_ paris
ADDRESS
usagiと_ paris
60 Rue Notre Dame de Nazareth
75003 Paris, France
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
A new book highlights the work of Turkish interior designer Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu
‘Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu: Luxury Redefined’, published by Rizzoli, traces the career of leading Istanbul-based designer Zeynep Fadillioglu, the first woman to design a mosque in Turkey
By Léa Teuscher Published
-
London gallery Incubator’s six emerging artists to see in spring 2024
Incubator's spring programme features six artists in consecutive two-week solo shows at the London, Chiltern Street gallery
By Mary Cleary Published
-
Blue Copper Loft is a Dubai sanctuary for a modern nomad
Blue Copper Loft designed by Anarchitect in the heart of Dubai is a peaceful, yet luxurious sanctuary for a modern nomad
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Inside design salon Matter and Shape’s first edition
The inaugural edition of Matter and Shape, held at the Jardin des Tuileries in early March 2024, brought together brands, designers and craftspeople in a unique design salon
By Minako Norimatsu Published
-
Sarah Andelman’s new pop-up at Le Bon Marché is all about the universe of books
Sarah Andelman presents Mise en Page at Paris' Le Bon Marché, a pop up of curiosities featuring products and installations celebrating books (until 21 April 2024)
By Minako Norimatsu Published
-
Andrée Putman’s Paris loft is the stage for Nigerian artist Jamiu Agboke’s work
Take an exclusive look inside Andrée Putman’s Paris loft as it forms the backdrop to Jamiu Agboke’s work, for an exhibition by art adviser Valerio Polimeno and gallery VIN VIN
By Minako Norimatsu Published
-
Paris Design Week 2024: the highlights
The best of Paris Design Week 2024, from chic takeovers to new launches of furniture, wallpapers and textiles
By Rory Robertson Published
-
As Ligne Roset’s ‘Togo’ sofa turns 50, tour the home that inspired the design
To celebrate 50 years of the ‘Togo’ sofa, we join the Ligne Roset CEOs to explore their family home, a place of vibrant creativity and design
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Puiforcat reopens its Paris store
Reopening in the heart of Paris’ 8th arrondissement is Puiforcat’s boutique, with interiors by the brand’s artistic director Charlotte Perelman
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
New design salon Matter and Shape will make its debut in 2024
‘A reflection of design today,’ Matter and Shape is a new initiative by journalist Dan Thawley and fair specialist WSN, taking place 1-4 March 2024 in Paris’ Jardin des Tuileries
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Friedman Benda Paris to open in 2024
Friedman Benda Paris will see the US design gallery bridge the Atlantic, opening in an industrial building in the Marais
By Tianna Williams Published