Collectible Design Fair 7th edition - Bruxelles March 2024 - Immersive experience by TABLEAU
- Emmanuel Martini DC
- Mar 7, 2024
- 3 min read
At the 7th edition of COLLECTIBLE, held from March 7 to 10, 2024, in Brussels at the iconic Vanderborght building, the world of collectible design came alive with an exhibition that seamlessly blended art, architecture, and design. With 125 exhibitors from 21 different countries, this year’s edition attracted thousands of visitors, including global collectors, institutional representatives, journalists, and design enthusiasts. The show celebrated innovation and creativity, driven by a curated selection of designers and scenographers who transformed the space to reflect the fair’s unique aesthetic while working in harmony with the wood and glass elements of the venue.
Among the many highlights of the event, the immersive scenography of the entrance lobby took center stage. Designed by Copenhagen-based TABLEAU, the entrance set the tone for an unforgettable sensory experience. Drawing visitors into an enchanting grotto, the space was adorned with hand-painted paper, ambient sounds, and a distinctive selection of florals arranged in custom-designed 3D sand vases. This multisensory spectacle invited guests to embark on a journey from the moment they entered the venue. The scene was carefully crafted to engage all senses, balancing visual appeal with olfactory and auditory elements that transformed the lobby into a living, breathing artwork.
The scenography was further enriched by the scent, Dripping Rhubarb, an original perfume designed for Julius Iversen of TABLEAU in collaboration with the interior perfume brand En Doft by Emmanuel Martini. This fragrance added an extra layer of depth to the immersive environment, transporting visitors into a surreal, nature-inspired dreamscape. It was a complex blend of green, fruity, and woody notes that evoked an otherworldly forest, complete with towering tulips and metallic landscapes. The interplay of elements like rhubarb, tulip, and moss created an olfactory journey that was as thought-provoking as the visual components of the installation.
Dripping Rhubarb was a carefully crafted scent with a fascinating composition of notes including Rheum Rhabarbarum, Surreal Green Leaf, Abstract Rheum x hybridum, and a delicate Hatsuzakura tulip accord, developed in collaboration with scientific institutions. Complemented by earthy tones of patchouli, moss, and geosmin, the fragrance painted vivid landscapes in the imagination of those who encountered it. Created through a collaboration between Julius Iversen and En Doft, the perfume reflected a shared passion for breaking boundaries in both design and scent, perfectly capturing the spirit of the immersive scenography that defined COLLECTIBLE 2024’s entrance lobby.
While the entrance scenography by TABLEAU captured the visitors' immediate attention, the fair also featured other notable spaces. The Architect ⇔ Designer section, curated by Bastiaan Kalmeyer, and the Curated section, designed by Madeleine Oltra and Angelo de Taisne, further amplified the dynamic atmosphere of the event. Each section had its own unique identity, engaging visitors with a dialogue between contemporary collectible design and the carefully curated aesthetic of the space.
Frederik Molenschot’s Studio Molen also presented a notable installation, S TATI CA, which turned the venue’s atrium into a reflective space inspired by Jacques Tati’s Playtime. The installation explored the relationship between humans and nature, inviting visitors to engage in an interactive experience. Meanwhile, the introduction of outdoor collectible works, curated by landscape architect Bas Smets, brought a fresh dimension to the fair, further enhancing the immersive environment.
Throughout the event, innovative partnerships elevated the overall experience. FORMAE magazine showcased the role of cutting-edge materials in collectible design, while Dindins, the catering partner, collaborated with Sonian, a local heartwood producer, to create custom furniture pieces. These partnerships contributed to the fair’s emphasis on craftsmanship, materiality, and design innovation, ensuring that every detail, from the installations to the food, was aligned with COLLECTIBLE’s vision.
In its 2024 edition, COLLECTIBLE once again pushed the boundaries of collectible design, presenting an event that merged art, architecture, and sensory experiences. With contributions from leading designers, immersive scenography, and a captivating fragrance, the fair offered visitors an unparalleled exploration of contemporary design.
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