Matter of Course, a Berlin-based collective of female designers, presented a premium curation in its debut at the January 2025 Maison&Objet fair.
In January 2025, the renowned design fair in Paris marked the debut of Matter of Course, a Berlin-based collective of female designers. This edition reflects the event organizers鈥� newly implemented strategy to amplify the distinct strengths of their January and September editions and the launch of Women&Design by Maison&Objet. This initiative will spotlight women in the design world. The January fair was reimagined as a hub for premium curation and limited-edition designs, focusing on the new Collectible Design section.
Matter of Course鈥檚 exhibition in Hall 7 aligned seamlessly with this premium-focused vision. The collective presented a fresh collection that artfully bridged design, art, and craftsmanship. With their philosophy deeply rooted in sustainability, collaboration, and innovative design, captivated attendees with their bold vision and intricate creations. Their debut was a display of objects and a statement of values, celebrating traditional techniques and contemporary perspectives in harmony.聽
鈥淲e all work with manufacturers in different materials,鈥� Carolin Zeher stated during a press tour. 鈥淵ou鈥檒l see wood, glass, wool, lighting, and more. We founded our collective in 2021, as you can imagine as an outcome of Corona time. After many conversations, we decided combining forces would help put us forward as women in empowerment. Although the size of the companies vary, we鈥檙e all one-woman-run entities. Our diverse expertise ranges from 7 to 15 years, so the exchanges we have are rich.鈥�
We selected four remarkable designers to highlight: Joa Herrenknecht, Mareike Lienau, Elisa Strozyk, and Carolin Zeyher, whose creations captured the essence of the collective鈥檚 ethos.
Carolin Zeyher: Nature and Narrative
Carolin Zeyher, the creative force behind , infused her Maison&Objet presentation with a sense of wonder and storytelling. Drawing inspiration from nature and everyday life, Zeyher鈥檚 designs combined functionality with a whimsical, organic aesthetic. Her furniture and interiors, crafted with an eye for sustainability, reflected her deep commitment to ethical craftsmanship.
Her Standing Bench Bock previously won two awards for its multi-use, such as a bench for high tables and counters or as an independent furniture piece on which we can rest or put a jacket. The pulley chord underneath lets users hang clothing or objects.
鈥淚t鈥檚 like a helper,鈥� she said in an interview with 杏吧原创. 鈥淵ou can use it as a ladder too, by stepping on it to reach for something high on a shelf.鈥�
Similar to the bock, her oak table El Caballito is entirely built with timber joints and doesn鈥榯 contain glue or screws. The legs can be easily removed by knocking out the conical wooden nails. There are two different sets of leg heights, so the table can be changed between a dining table and a high table. Beneath the table is an elastic rope, where textiles and magazines can be set or hung.
鈥淚f you don鈥檛 want the elastic rope, you can remove it. Everything is easily removed. You simply untie it at the end and pull it through the holes.鈥�
Having launched her label in 2016, Zeyher鈥檚 portfolio celebrates high-quality materials and responsible production. Her collaborations with ethical producers in Europe underscored her dedication to creating pieces that are as meaningful as they are beautiful.
Joa Herrenknecht: Minimalism with a Twist
Joa Herrenknecht, founder of , captivated Maison&Objet attendees with her signature minimalist approach. Her designs stood out for their clean, evocative lines and subtle, surprising details. Guided by the belief that objects possess an aura capable of influencing a room鈥檚 atmosphere, Herrenknecht鈥檚 work emphasized beauty and functionality. Her lighting and furniture collections, showcased at the event, reflected a timeless quality intended to resonate for generations.
Since founding her studio in 2012, Herrenknecht has developed a diverse portfolio that includes collaborations with international furniture brands. The PICA lighting collection and the CURT modular sofa series exemplified her ability to distill objects to their essence, intertwining aesthetic appeal with everyday usability. Her Maison&Objet presentation reinforced her reputation as a designer who brings a sense of lightness and elegance to any space.
Mareike Lienau: Tradition Reimagined
Mareike Lienau, the visionary behind , presented works that embodied her ongoing exploration of contemporary craftsmanship. Her knotted and woven textiles, crafted from traditional materials, were designed to connect audiences to the rich histories behind their creation. Through her process, Lienau created a dialogue between past and present, showcasing the enduring relevance of traditional techniques in modern design.
At Maison&Objet, her pieces emphasized the interplay between functionality and storytelling. Lienau鈥檚 commitment to ethical production was evident, with her creations certified by Label STEP and handmade by skilled artisans in Nepal. These objects served as functional items and reminders of global responsibility, from fair trade practices to sustainable resource use. Her presentation was a masterclass in thoughtful design that bridges cultures and generations.
Elisa Strozyk: Material Alchemy
鈥檚 display at Maison&Objet pushed the boundaries of material experimentation. Known for her innovative Wooden Textile, Strozyk鈥檚 work transformed traditional materials into unexpected, flexible forms. Her designs blurred the lines between 2D and 3D, soft and hard, challenging conventional perceptions of how materials behave.
Since founding her studio in 2009, Strozyk has continued to innovate, with projects like Ceramic Tables and Woven Glass reflecting her penchant for blending craftsmanship with modernity. At Maison&Objet, her creations explored form and texture, inviting visitors to experience wood, ceramic, and glass in entirely new ways. Strozyk鈥檚 work exemplified the collective鈥檚 ethos of rethinking materiality and expanding the boundaries of design.
Matter of Course鈥檚 debut at Maison&Objet was a landmark moment for the collective. Through the unique visions of Herrenknecht, Lienau, Strozyk, and Zeyher, they demonstrated the transformative power of design鈥攏ot just as a craft but as a medium for dialogue, sustainability, and innovation.
