At the prestigious Lalique showroom in Paris, creative and artistic director Marc Larminaux introduced the brand's much-anticipated 2026 collections during Paris Design Week. The setting itself, a grand townhouse, subtly hinted at the exquisite craftsmanship to follow, with its crystal-adorned French door panels and handles. Larminaux's presentation underscored Lalique's enduring connection to nature, a legacy established by founder René Lalique in 1888, now reinterpreted through the captivating "Air de Lalique" collection, which seeks to imbue the insubstantial essence of air into solid crystal forms. This visionary approach aims to design not just objects, but experiences and sensations, emphasizing lightness without compromising durability.
The "Air de Lalique" collection unfolds in two distinct phases. Chapter I, set to debut in March 2026, features prominent pieces like the 'Alizé' vase, which captures the warm hues of a sunset and includes limited editions adorned with shimmering rose gold leaf. Accompanying this is the 'Alizé' bowl, designed to appear as if gracefully suspended by an unseen force. Following in September 2026, Chapter II will launch the 'Alizé' lighting series. This collection, comprising portable, desk, and table lamps, as well as wall sconces and ceiling installations, mimics the gentle flow of fabric in the wind, casting a soft, ambient glow. Additionally, the event commemorated the hundredth anniversary of the 'Tourbillons' vase, a piece originally attributed to René Lalique but now recognized as the work of his daughter, Suzanne Lalique Haviland. This milestone is marked by a special edition featuring a vibrant coral patina, further symbolizing Lalique's dedication to transforming natural phenomena into crystal art.
Larminaux also unveiled his personal design venture, 'Teddy Air', a series of charming, balloon-like bear sculptures in soft, iridescent pink and blue. These whimsical creations, alongside a groundbreaking collaboration with Chinese cynical realism artist Fang Lijun, signify Lalique's embrace of both playful modernity and artistic innovation. The collaboration transforms Lijun's 'yawning man' motif into three-dimensional crystal sculptures, deliberately incorporating natural imperfections like bubbles and color bleeding, a departure from traditional Lalique flawless finishes. This blend of audacious experimentation and poetic expression demonstrates Lalique's dynamic evolution, proving that its artistic identity is not confined to a single style but is a vibrant, continuously developing entity, firmly rooted in its core values of artistry and natural inspiration.
Lalique's showcases at Paris Design Week are a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to artistic excellence and its forward-thinking vision. By skillfully merging time-honored techniques with contemporary design and innovative collaborations, Lalique not only honors its rich heritage but also redefines the future of crystal artistry. The brand's ability to capture the intangible and transform it into tangible beauty serves as an inspiring example of how tradition can be preserved and reimagined, fostering continued creativity and profound artistic expression.