AN INNOVATIVE MEETING BETWEEN ISIDORE LEROY AND THE ÉCOLE BOULLE IN PARIS
THE TENDO PROJECT: A COLLABORATION THAT EXPLORES THE POTENTIAL OF PAPER
The meeting between Isidore Leroy and the École Boulle Paris stems from a shared desire to explore new creative horizons. Together, we have brought to life the "TENDO" project, which invites you to discover the many transformations of paper and its infinite potential.
A MEETING OF IDEAS AND TECHNIQUES
Driven by Isidore Leroy’s desire to go beyond its traditional avenues of development, this collaboration with the Master’s students in Object Design from the École Boulle allowed them to unleash their creativity in an experimental framework. Under the project name "TENDO" (from the Latin "to stretch", meaning "to extend" or "to develop"), this initiative opened the door to in-depth research on the many transformations of paper: folding, cutting, scoring, and much more.
For six months, six teams of two students each worked passionately to design and finalize three objects each, with the aim of pushing the material’s limits and discovering new applications for paper.
THREE CATEGORIES OF INNOVATIVE PROJECTS
This collaboration resulted in the creation of three distinct categories of objects:
- Unique objects: Designed to be used at trade show booths and in the brand’s window displays, these are original exhibition pieces that captivate attention with their innovative designs.
- Objects for custom projects: These creations are intended for contractual projects, such as in hotels and public spaces, where aesthetics meet functionality.
- Objects for the general public: A range of decorative objects accessible to all, set to be marketed starting in 2025.
CREATIVE ENERGY AND PRACTICALITY
The students not only demonstrated great creativity, but they also successfully integrated practical considerations into their creations. Manufacturing, transportation, assembly, usage, strength, and long-term durability were all challenges that were met with success. The result of this collaboration exceeded initial expectations and has become a source of inspiration for the future of our brand.
Jean-Etienne Bélicard, Director of Isidore Leroy, praised this fruitful collaboration by stating: “A wonderful collaboration with the teachers and students of the École Boulle. A lot of creativity and innovation emerged from the encounter between these young talents and the history and models of our brand.”
A PROMISING ALLIANCE FOR THE FUTURE
While the TENDO project marks a significant milestone in the exploration of the possibilities of paper, we are simultaneously pursuing other initiatives, such as the upcycling project around papier-mâché. In collaboration with the artist Carole Benzaken and the Marmottan Museum, a first creation will be exhibited starting October 16, 2024.
