Charles and Marie-Laure de Noailles, the art patrons who commissioned architect Robert Mallet-Stevens to design the modernist Villa Noailles above Hyères, would be no doubt revel in the success of Design Parade. Modelled on the International Fashion, Accessories and Photography Festival that has been running annually in October at the Villa since 1986, Design Parade, held over the summer, has become an essential springboard for emerging young talents in the sector. At the heart of the event is an annual exhibition showcasing the work of the ten young designers competing for the festival’s various prizes. The programme’s numerous other exhibitions include one dedicated to the previous year’s Grand Prix winner, who returns to the Villa to show the works created as a result of the award. There are also retrospective exhibitions, including one devoted to the year’s jury president, while others spotlight the work of local craftspeople. Design Parade offers long-term accompaniment for designers and promotes transmission between different generations of creators. During the professional days at the start of the festival, events include talks and presentations by invited designers.
Since 2016, the Villa Noailles team has expanded the event to include interior architecture and interior design, addressing the decorative arts in all their diversity. This second part of the festival takes place over the same period in several locations in neighbouring Toulon.
