A Design Fair At Karl Lagerfeld’s Former Monaco Villa

Cristina Romelli Gervasoni takes Bazaar Interiors on a tour of Nomad Monaco’s second edition of spectacular and one-of-a-kind design

A four-day soirée of collectable design recently took place at the Monte Carlo Cliffside La Vigie, the oldest villa in Monaco, previously inhabited by Karl Lagerfeld. Now in its second Monaco edition, the fair is the brainchild of creative publishing specialist Giorgio Pace and Carwan Gallery’s Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte.

Carwan Gallery’s installation at the Nomad Monaco 

Since its debut last year, Nomad has made an impression on the design community by shunning the traditional concepts adhered to by art and design fairs, and choosing instead to create a unique and immersive format. The fair’s founders have augmented unique architectural jewels, characterised by iconic design and history going on to create a highly curated experience where only a select number of galleries are invited to exhibit. Each gallery is given the rare luxury of space and privacy for its displays, unveiling superb installations with natural light – a rarity in itself, often lacking in traditional art and design fairs today.

Friedman Benda’s emphatic use of architectural jewels and natural lighting dress its showcase

The itinerant showcase, which is Nomad, enables each edition to unfold at a different architecturally significant location reflecting the spirit and dedication of its creators. The first edition, was held at Villa La Vigie in Monte Carlo, from 27-30 April 2017. A second edition followed in February 2018 and was held at St Moritz at Chesa Planta, a mesmerizing winter residence where, as per the unrivalled Nomad format, each gallery had its own beautifully appointed room.

Villa La Vigie in Monte Carlo was the site of the first edition of Nomad Monaco (27-30 April, 2017)

For its second edition in Monaco, Bellavance and Pace selected 17 international galleries, including special projects by the likes of LizWorks and Mathieu Lehanneur. A new exclusive limited edition of the Lebanese Claude Missir’s ‘Stick Table’ commissioned by Milan’s Nilufar welcomed guests to La Vigie, while Friedman Benda debuted with 15 important new works by fantastical American artist Misha Kahn alongside an exquisite sofa by the Campana Brothers. The Beirut-based Carwan Gallery showcased colourful mesh vases by Omer Arbel and pieces from Roberto Sironi’s Ruins series, while other young galleries and pieces were immaculately balanced in the magical atmosphere. These included the Copenhagen-based Etage Projects showcasing the pieces of Sabine Marcelis.

Etage Projects was one of the 17 international galleries that participated in the second edition of Nomad

In addition, Vincent Darré together with 18 Davies Street Gallery conceived the inaugural Nomad Lounge at La Vigie, where a range of talented speakers were hosted. Featuring a selection of artistic masterpieces, design objects and rare furniture, including a sculpture by Tony Cragg and spectacular chandeliers by Aristide Najean, the overall effect was mesmerising and divine.

Maison Darré & 18 Davies Street in the Nomad lounge at La Vigie

At sunset the Nomad Circle moved to visit unique architectural gems on the French Riviera. Said residences opened exclusively for this incredibly passionate group of people, who, by the end of the day, had become companions in their shared passion for the extraordinary. Amongst the residences visited were Villa Santo Sospiro, an incredible house painted by Cocteau and Picasso, Villa E-1027, an icon of modernist architecture and the first creation of Eileen Gray which housed Le Corbusier for a significant part of his illustrious life. The Nomadic Group’s tour wrapped up with a visit to Silvia Fiorucci’ s countryside home in Grasse where the patron and collector hosted a flawless picnic, revealing the latest 5rooms residency programme.

Galleria Luisa delle Piane

Nomad proved once again to be a rewarding and successful project, carefully curated for an effortless celebration of art and design. Nomad’s privileged attendees are gifted with an immersive, uncongested and singular experience. We eagerly await our next visit. Nomadmonaco.com