Mistralou: Lisa Bravi & Romain Joly’s Breezy Tribute to Provence’s Wind.

In the sun-drenched city of Toulon, the 8th edition of Design Parade Toulon brought a fresh breeze of creativity to the French Riviera. Among the standout projects was “Mistralou”, an immersive installation that captured the essence of Provence’s famous Mistral wind.

Created by the young French visual artist and designer duo Lisa Bravi and Romain Joly, the installation was set within the historic walls of Toulon’s former bishop’s palace, transforming a simple room into a dynamic tribute to the region’s iconic wind.

“Mistralou” is a masterclass in textile manipulation. The space is enveloped in quilted panels reminiscent of traditional wood panelling found in old country houses. But these are no static walls—they move and undulate, mimicking the gusts of wind rushing through the room. It’s as if the Mistral itself has taken up residence, shaping the very fabric of the space.

Sangmin Oh’s Knitted Lights Bring Deeper Appreciation for the Natural World’s Extraordinary Beauty.

These sophisticated glow-in-the-dark knitted 3D shapes are reminiscent of glowing coral reefs—a comment on the fact the coral reefs around the world are losing their colours due to rising sea temperatures.

The duo’s attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the installation. Half-open windows offer glimpses of turbulent landscapes, while furniture crafted from threaded buttons seems suspended in time, caught in the gentle caress of the invisible breeze. In a nod to the layers of history present in every Provençal home, patches of old tapestry peek through the walls, whispering ancient stories carried on the wind.

By harnessing the power of textiles and movement, the French duo have created a space that breathes with the rhythm of the region’s most famous natural phenomenon.

Bravi and Joly were also the recipients of the prestigious Visual Merchandising Prize awarded by CHANEL at Design Parade Toulon 2024. Selected from a pool of ten finalists, the duo took home €20,000 to create a new project for next year’s festival. Watch this space.

Discover the Magic of Métiers d’art at Design Parade Toulon 2024.

This international festival continues to be a boon for emerging designers to collaborate with established brands and artisans, emphasising the extraordinary craftsmanship of the Métiers d’art.

Bravi and Joly’s winning project for Visual Merchandising Prize awarded by CHANEL at Design Parade Toulon 2024.

Lisa Bravi & Romain Joly. Portrait by Luc Bertrand.

[Images courtesy of Romain Joly. Photography by Luc Bertrand.]