Cesar Giraldo attends the Haute Facture Group Dinner at Hotel Le Marois.
This past May, Ateliers D’Art de France welcomed art and designer lovers from across the globe for the Révélations Biennial. The 7th annual iteration of the festival showcased unseen works by almost 500 designers from some 30 countries, all under the glass roofs of the newly restored Grand Palais in Paris.
Designer César Giraldo, founder and principal designer of the California-based César Giraldo Design, shares his experiences at the event here, along with his greatest takeaways visiting the City of Light.
Destination: Paris, France
Month traveled: May
Temperature range: Mid-50s to mid-60s
First visit or repeat destination? Paris is one of my favorite cities — I visit every year. But this was my first time attending Révélations, which made the experience all the more special.
I was honored to be selected as part of an international delegation of interior designers for Révélations 2025, held at the Grand Palais in Paris from May 21–23. Organized by the French Furniture Export Group (GEM), the program brought together designers engaged in high-end residential and hospitality projects to explore the exceptional craftsmanship and innovation that define French design.
Over the course of the program, I visited iconic French ateliers including Rinck, Atelier d’Excellence, and Le Lit National, attended private events at the Révélations exhibition, and connected with the artisans shaping the future of the French Art de Vivre. The initiative was part of French Living in Motion, a movement celebrating sustainability, creative excellence, and the singularity of French savoir-faire.
From curated atelier tours to a prestigious dinner with members of Haute Facture, the experience fostered a rich exchange of ideas and inspiration. It was a privilege to engage with such a vibrant community and explore new possibilities for cross-cultural collaboration in design.
Bed by Le Lit National
The lodgings…
I stayed at the Nuage Hôtel, a boutique, family‑owned retreat just steps from the Champs‑Élysées. The hotel has been thoughtfully reimagined as an urban sanctuary, celebrating slow living in the heart of Paris.
The interiors are calm and minimalist, with soft neutral tones, natural woods and subtle metallic accents. Artisanal objects and original artworks by the owner give the spaces a warm, curated character that feels both personal and refined. Architecturally, the property retains its 19th‑century charm while embracing a contemporary sensibility, creating an elegant blend of history and modernity.
And I have to add — I absolutely loved the breakfasts. Beautifully prepared, fresh and served in a serene setting, they made each morning feel like part of the design experience itself.
It was the perfect place to recharge and reflect between the busy, inspiring days at Révélations.
Must-sees for design and architecture enthusiasts…
Paris is undeniably one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but this trip was about more than just its iconic landmarks — it was a journey into the heart of French craftsmanship and design. I encourage anyone visiting the city to look beyond the usual sights and discover its extraordinary design culture. Don’t miss the Révélations exhibition next year — it’s an unforgettable experience.
Postcard moment…
Visiting Atelier Midavaine was the defining moment of my trip. Founded in 1919, Atelier Midavaine specializes in artistic lacquer and gold‑leaf work and is officially recognized as an Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant, a mark of excellence for preserving and advancing traditional French craftsmanship. The atelier is led by Anne Midavaine (pictured above), a third‑generation lacquer artist who has been at the helm since 1994, carrying forward her family’s legacy with vision and passion.
One creation that truly captivated me was “La Panthère Cartier,” a collaboration unveiled in 2021. This lacquer and gold‑leaf panel reinterprets Cartier’s iconic panther motif — a symbol of elegance and modern femininity — through the painstaking techniques of traditional lacquer work. Seeing how heritage methods could give such depth and brilliance to a contemporary luxury emblem was unforgettable.
Meeting Anne herself was equally inspiring. She shared stories of her family’s history, her role as both custodian and innovator and the patience required for her craft — with some pieces taking up to eight months to complete. Listening to her describe the process while standing before these remarkable works was a moment that left me in awe. It was a rare and unforgettable glimpse into the soul of true craftsmanship.
Révélations Exhibition
Souvenirs…
I didn’t bring an object home with me — I always travel with just a carry‑on. However, I returned with my soul filled with incredible brands and stories that will undoubtedly inspire and find their way into my future projects.
Lasting influence…
As a designer, I’m always in search of exceptional quality, innovation and true craftsmanship. This trip was especially meaningful because it introduced me to French design houses and artisans I hadn’t been familiar with before. It was inspiring to discover new French makers I’m excited to incorporate into future projects.
Arts Décoratifs Ruhlmann Exhibition
Greatest takeaway?
I’m constantly surrounded by luxurious and beautiful work — but what made this trip truly special was the sense of discovery. It was refreshing to encounter new brands, techniques, and perspectives that enriched my curiosity and reminded me that great design still has the power to surprise and inspire. It was also incredibly rewarding to connect with fellow international designers and share experiences from around the world.
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