Giorgio Pace and Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte redefine the collectors’ market

A three floor mansion with a long front garden, nestled away in the hillside with the beach in the background.
Giorgio Pace and Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte announce their unprecedented collectors' market, Nomad, set to debut in Monaco next spring
(Image credit: SBM (La Société des Bains de Mer))
By Elly Parsons
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Next spring, capitalising on the increased cultural footfall in Monaco during Art Monte-Carlo, Giorgio Pace and Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte will present Nomad, a new itinerant showcase and salesroom for collectable design.

Bellavance-Lecompte, one half of Oeuffice and co-founder of Beirut's Carwan Gallery, is no stranger to dealing with collectors. He, along with brand specialist Pace, understand that there's a gap in the luxury market for a highly curated, extremely exclusive version of a global art fair. ‘Nomad will rethink the classic idea of fairs and exhibitions to create an event that is bespoke, intimate and that presents work in a radically new context,' the duo explain.

This three-day event aims to work just as much for the galleries as for the collectors; priding itself in locating the design objects within the broader environment in which they're seen. With the full list to be announced in January, around 15 galleries are expected to participate – with some familiar names, as well as a few left-field ones. Each gallery will have the rare luxury of space and privacy for their displays – something that's often lacking in traditional art fairs. Each gallery will occupy its own, beautifully appointed room.

A terrace with brown paving slabs and three beach chairs.

La Vigie's terraces will provide the backdrop for a programme of exhibitions and talks during Nomad.

(Image credit: SBM (La Société des Bains de Mer))

The iconic building Bellavance-Lecompte and Pace have picked to house this inventive showcase couldn't be more choice. Perched on a rocky precipice high above Monte-Carlo Beach Club, La Vigie is one of the oldest and most prominent houses in Monaco. Built in 1902, the villa once served as a private home for the Monegasque Princely family before being fully restored and inhabited by Karl Lagerfeld.

Nomad, living up to its name, will relocate every year to another important architectural location – though we challenge them to top this inaugural clifftop venue.

Two males standing against a wall wearing smart clothing. Left: A red blazer with grey trousers. Right: A grey two piece suit with open collar.

Nomad founders Pace (left) and Bellavance-Lecompte are no strangers to luxury design collectors.

(Image credit: Damian Griffiths)

An outdoor swimming pool with people.

The location chosen to host the fair, La Vigie in Monte-Carlo, is known for its prominent design history.

(Image credit: SBM (La Société des Bains de Mer))

INFORMATION

Nomad Monaco will take place from 27–30 April 2017. For more information, visit the Nomad website

Elly Parsons

Elly Parsons is the Digital Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees Wallpaper.com and its social platforms. She has been with the brand since 2015 in various roles, spending time as digital writer – specialising in art, technology and contemporary culture – and as deputy digital editor. She was shortlisted for a PPA Award in 2017, has written extensively for many publications, and has contributed to three books. She is a guest lecturer in digital journalism at Goldsmiths University, London, where she also holds a masters degree in creative writing. Now, her main areas of expertise include content strategy, audience engagement, and social media.

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