'Palm Springs Splendor'

For this exhibition, I sought to take the viewer on a delightful escapade to the enchanting world of Palm Springs.

Over the decades, I had the privilege of wandering through this mid-century paradise many times, and with each arrival on its sun-kissed soil, I was swept away by a surge of excitement and a quiet sense of magic. It felt as though every building, every corner, and every sun-drenched street softly whispered its storied past.

As a devoted aficionado of mid-century architecture, I reveled in the remarkable concentration of architectural gems, all gathered in harmonious proximity. The glamour and glitz of a bygone era had continued to shimmer vividly, even after all these years. There was something almost surreal in the contrast: the crisp warmth of the desert heat, and within minutes, a cable lift carrying you into a snowy, wintry landscape. Palm Springs, with its timeless allure, had preserved its old-world glamour with effortless grace.

During my stays, I had the opportunity to visit many of these mid-century residences, wandering through their intriguing interiors and imagining the lives unfolding within those beautiful and singular walls.

For this exhibition, I aimed to capture that very essence — a whimsical journey back in time, where iconic modernist masterpieces harmoniously mingled with eclectic treasures that echoed the true spirit of Maison de la Folie. This mid-century reverie shimmered with all the glamour one might imagine. 

I brought together cult vintage design pieces and one-of-a-kind creations in a carefully curated composition. Furniture, lighting, objects, and jewellery were assembled to express the spirit of the exhibition, creating a layered and immersive scenography.

Among the highlights were a monumental rotating billboard presenting three images from the Palm Springs series by Thømson + Dree, an original Terrazza set by Michel Ducaroy for De Sede, a lucite dining set by Vladimir Kagan, a refined selection of Empoli glassware, and a series of iconic chairs by Pierre Paulin. The composition was anchored by a striking pair of oversized orange doors, in true Palm Springs style, created especially for the exhibition.

In true Palm Springs fashion, art was never far away. The exhibition featured the remarkable works of Tilde Grynnerup, renowned for her sculptural wall pieces, which brought an added layer of texture and depth to the overall composition.

Alongside these works, a curated selection of photographs by Thømson + Dree was presented, capturing a series of iconic mid-century houses and further anchoring the exhibition in its architectural narrative.

For this exhibition, we created an exclusive 'Palm Springs Splendor' scented candle alongside a bespoke journal.

A curated series of accompanying events, private & puvblic, unfolded around the exhibition, each offering a distinct entry point into its narrative.

The exposition 'Palm Springs Splendor' participated in Brussels Design September, where it found its place within the city’s wider dialogue on design and aesthetics. In this context, I was invited to speak at the official press event.

The expo took place at Arthus Gallery in Brussels from September 11 to October 4, 2025

The making off 'Palm Springs Splendor':