This is Monocle on Design Extra.
It's a short show to accompany our weekly program where we discuss everything from architecture
and craft to furniture and graphic design.
I'm Maelie Evans.
Design weeks and Biennales are seemingly springing up everywhere across the globe these days.
It can be a somewhat overwhelming tas to plot these out on your calendar for the upcoming months,
but fear not,
the Monocle team have a keen eye and ear on some of the events you really don't want to miss.
Pen's at the ready here's Monocle's design editor, Nick Monise.
Let's be real.
The year only really starts in February.
Now is the perfect time to set your agenda for 2025,
and mine is packed with industry fairs and festivals.
People often ask why I go to so many of these design events.
Aren't these just manufactured fun
or brands flogging their newest products an excuse to party with everyone from the industry?
The answer is yes.
And while I love a night out, these gatherings are also a vital bellwether of the industry.
Take the year's first two major design events in Paris, Maison Objet and Matter in Shape.
Both put the spotlight on independent practices