ALAIN GILLES UNVEILS NEW COLLECTIONS DURING MAISON & OBJET & PARIS DESIGN WEEK 2025

Images courtesy of Alain Gilles

Illusion Collection, Nova Ceramic Vases, Piled Vases

Belgian designer Alain Gilles introduces three striking collections in Paris, where glass and ceramics become vehicles for illusion, history, and play.

Nova Ceramic Vases for XL BOOM: Between Past and Future

In the Nova collection for XL Boom, Gilles bridges ancient traditions and digital innovation. The vases echo the oldest pottery method—coil building—while also referencing 3D printing, where clay is extruded layer by layer. Their ribbed texture and sculptural presence draw inspiration from West African vernacular forms, yet their precision underscores their digital origins. Available in both floor and tabletop versions, the vases can be arranged like an abstract village, creating a lively dialogue between craft, architecture, and technology.

Presented by Magran Living

Illusion Collection for Glass Variations: Stability in The Balance

The Illusion collection, crafted entirely in glass, explores the paradox of balance and instability. With geometric purity reminiscent of Bauhaus, the pieces seem to defy gravity. Their secret lies in layered construction: a tinted or textured glass base paired with a clear glass layer that provides unseen stability. The result is a poetic tension between fragility and strength, enhanced by subtle shifts of transparency, color, and shadow. From consoles to desks, each piece is a testament to craftsmanship and the expressive potential of glass.

Piled Vases: Classical Forms Reimagined

Also for XL Boom, the Piled ceramic vases reinterpret the visual language of stacked vessels. Evoking still life paintings, the forms appear as bowls layered into a new whole. Their narrow yet functional openings make them ideal for both minimal floral arrangements and full bouquets. Straddling modernity and tradition, the Piled vases highlight Gilles’ ability to inject dynamism into everyday objects.

The collections reflect Alain Gilles’ ongoing exploration of contemporary design in 2025.