**Say ‘Oui’ to Collaborative Creativity at Oui Design! 2024 in NYC**

Design is more than aesthetics—it’s a shared language, a bridge between cultures, and an expression of our collective imagination. This spring, New York City becomes the heartbeat of this creative spirit as **Oui Design! 2024** takes center stage from **May 15 to May 21**. Hosted by **Villa Albertine** and part of the renowned **NYCxDESIGN Festival**, this weeklong event celebrates the synergy between French and American design communities, blending heritage craftsmanship with forward-thinking innovation.

### **Where Design Tells a Story**

Villa Albertine has carefully curated a vibrant program spanning over **30 galleries and studios** across New York City. Going beyond conventional exhibits, Oui Design! invites audiences to experience the stories behind the artistry. From open studios and atelier tours to interactive workshops and panel discussions, the event offers a front-row seat to the creative process.

The festival’s theme—design as a shared narrative—is perfectly encapsulated by design historian **Alexa Griffith Winton**, who will moderate the opening day panel. “Design is not just about objects; it’s about people and the stories they tell,” Winton says. This ethos fuels the collaboration-focused programming, blending tradition with cutting-edge perspectives.

One must-see feature is **Ronan Bouroullec’s “Lampes Sèvres” collection**, displayed in Villa Albertine’s Venetian Room. This groundbreaking exhibit redefines porcelain artistry through a collaboration with the **Manufacture nationale de Sèvres**, merging centuries-old techniques with sleek, modern designs.

### **Highlights to Watch For**

Oui Design! 2024 promises daily showcases that celebrate craftsmanship, sustainability, and artistry. Here are some standout moments you won’t want to miss:

1. **Studio Laurence (NY Design Center):** A vessel collection crafted from **zero-waste biomaterials**, this exhibit highlights eco-conscious design solutions.
2. **Combray Open Studio (Brooklyn):** Discover the intersection of **dance, architecture, and embroidery** in designs that marry movement and intricate detail.
3. **SWADOH: “In Praise of the Hand” (Karen Pearse Showroom):** A tribute to artisanal excellence, featuring live demonstrations of lighting, textile, and paper design by master craftspeople.
4. **Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance’s Exclusive Tour:** French designer Duchaufour-Lawrance invites audiences to explore his “Made in Situ” project, which tells stories of local materials, craft, and community through design.
5. **ICFF (Javits Center):** The **International Contemporary Furniture Fair**, with over **450 leading brands**, includes strong French representation showcasing the latest in contemporary furniture and innovative materials.

Fashion aficionados can savor a rare collaboration between **Christian Louboutin** and designer **Pierre Yovanovitch**, featuring a gallery tour inspired by strong female archetypes. Emerging talents like **Aurélie Hoegy’s rattan sculptures** and **aurèce vettier’s art-meets-design innovations** promise to further intrigue those in search of cutting-edge creativity.

### **The Power of Collaborative Design**

At its core, **Oui Design!** is more than an event—it’s a movement. By uniting French and American creatives, the festival showcases how cross-cultural collaboration can drive innovation. French designer **Jean-Marc Bullet**, known for amplifying Afro-Caribbean voices through his work, and Japanese fiber artist **Terumi Saito**, who fuses traditional weaving with modern sculpture, are just two of many participants redefining artistry through inclusion and sustainability.

With both heritage and innovation on display, each exhibit underscores the growing importance of sustainable design. Events like **Studio Laurence’s biomaterial collection** remind us that beauty and functionality can coexist with environmental care.

### **An Invitation to Experience Creativity Without Borders**

Oui Design! 2024 isn’t merely about admiring exceptional design—it’s an opportunity to engage with the creative minds shaping tomorrow. Whether it’s witnessing the legacy of craftsmanship at **SWADOH**, exploring eco-conscious artistry at the **NY Design Center**, or immersing yourself in stories that celebrate cultural diversity, this festival is your gateway to a deeply enriching experience.

Villa Albertine frames the festival’s mission best: “Design has the power to dissolve cultural barriers and inspire innovation.” Oui Design! proves just that as it champions human connection, endless curiosity, and shared aspirations.

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable week of creativity, conversation, and collaboration. This May, join the global design dialogue and say “Oui” to a future of artistry without limits.