Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
Matter And Shape is a contemporary design fair launched in 2024, held annually during Paris Fashion Week. It highlights projects at the intersection of design, craftsmanship, and fashion, offering a unique experience to professionals in the sector.
Matter And Shape 2027 takes place in Paris, France. Venue: Jardin des Tuileries - Esplanade des Feuillants.
TL;DR
- 1Scale and Focus: A curated design fair from the Who's Next team, set in a central Paris garden and focused on furniture, lighting, objects and material-led studios rather than mass-market homeware.
- 2Product Scope: Collectible and contract furniture, decorative lighting, ceramics, glass, textiles, stone and metalwork, mirrors, tableware and limited-edition accessories.
- 3Who Attends: Interior architects, design retailers, gallery owners, hospitality buyers, stylists, press and sourcing teams looking for pieces with a clear point of view.
- 4Registration: Trade registration is handled through the official Who's Next / Matter and Shape site; bring business credentials and confirm badge access before booking travel.
- 5Travel Snapshot: CDG and ORY are the main gateways; Metro Line 1 stops at Tuileries, with RER, metro and taxi transfers taking roughly 30-60 min depending on traffic.
Why visit
For design buyers, Matter and Shape is useful because it compresses a highly edited group of furniture, lighting and object studios into one central Paris location. Dates and Venue: March 2027 at Jardin des Tuileries - Esplanade des Feuillants, Paris; confirm exact opening days on the official Who's Next / Matter and Shape schedule. Who Attends: Interior architects, design retailers, gallery owners, hospitality buyers, stylists, press and sourcing teams looking for pieces.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at Matter And Shape provides access to a targeted audience of design professionals. Scale and Focus: This design show showcases contemporary design, craftsmanship, and interior architecture. Buyer Authority: Attracts architects, interior designers, stylists, and trend agencies. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Designers showcasing contemporary furniture, Craftsmen specializing in unique handmade items, Manufacturers of innovative design products.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Architects looking for unique design pieces
Interior designers seeking inspiration and trends
Stylists interested in contemporary design
Journalists covering design and fashion events
Trend agencies scouting for new products
Buyers from the fashion and design sectors
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Designers showcasing contemporary furniture
Craftsmen specializing in unique handmade items
Manufacturers of innovative design products
Interior architecture firms presenting their work
Fashion brands collaborating with designers
Artisans focusing on sustainable materials
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Seating: lounge chairs, sofas, stools and benches
Case goods: tables, desks, sideboards and storage
Decorative lighting: pendants, sconces and portable lamps
Rugs, carpets and textile floor coverings
Upholstery fabrics, curtains and soft furnishings
Ceramics, stoneware and tableware
Glassware, blown glass and mirrored objects
Metalwork, hardware and sculptural furniture elements
Stone and marble objects for interiors
Woodwork, marquetry and specialist joinery
Outdoor furniture and garden-appropriate design
Mirrors, wall art and decorative objects
Material samples and finish systems for interiors
Limited-edition collectible design and gallery pieces
Hospitality and contract collections
Location & Facilities
Venue
Jardin des Tuileries - Esplanade des Feuillants
Paris, France
Facilities
Parking
Jardin des Tuileries - Esplanade des Feuillants in Paris typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Jardin des Tuileries - Esplanade des Feuillants in Paris typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Jardin des Tuileries - Esplanade des Feuillants for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Next edition
Not announced yet
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Paris, France
Why it matters
Attending Matter And Shape 2027 on 2027-03-05 to 2027-03-05 in Paris lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · EUR
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Charles de Gaulle
Main long-haul gateway. RER B to Chatelet-Les Halles then Metro 1 to Tuileries is usually the fastest rail option; taxis use fixed right-bank fares. Times are estimates and depend on traffic and security queues
Approx. 30 km / 19 mi
to venue
45-60 min by taxi; 50-65 min by RER B + Metro 1
by car
Paris Orly
Closer to central Paris than CDG. Metro Line 14 connects Orly to central Paris; taxis to the right bank use a fixed fare. Confirm current airport and metro access before travel
Approx. 19 km / 12 mi
to venue
30-45 min by taxi; 35-50 min by Metro 14 + walk/metro
by car
Paris Beauvais
Used by some low-cost carriers. The official shuttle bus to Porte Maillot is usually cheaper than a taxi; allow extra time for the transfer
Approx. 85 km / 53 mi
to venue
75-90 min by road; longer in peak traffic
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Lion d'Or Paris Hotel & Suites
Central ParisApprox. 380 m to venue
Closest of the captured properties; good for early badge pickup and walking to the Esplanade. Approximate March rate; confirm taxes and cancellation.
Hotel Paris Louvre Opera
Louvre / OperaApprox. 650 m to venue
Walkable to the Tuileries and close to Metro Line 1; ask for a quiet room away from street noise.
Hotel Golden Tulip Opera de Noailles
Opera / 2nd arrondissementApprox. 860 m to venue
Useful if you want Opera transport links and a slightly quieter evening location; confirm current star rating and fees.
Representative 3-star chain hotel, 1st arrondissement
Louvre / Palais RoyalApprox. 0.8-1.5 km to venue
Budget tier near the Louvre; compare breakfast, city tax and free cancellation before booking.
Representative 4-star boutique hotel, 1st/8th arrondissement
Tuileries / Concorde / MadeleineApprox. 1-2 km to venue
Design-led tier for buyer meetings and press dinners; March rates can spike around fashion and trade calendars.
Serviced apartment, Louvre / Tuileries
1st arrondissementApprox. 0.5-1.5 km to venue
Better for stays of 3+ nights or small teams; watch minimum-stay rules and cleaning charges.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
RER + metro
Estimated costApprox. EUR 11.80 one way for RER B airport ticket plus metro connection; confirm current fare
Best forCharles de Gaulle (CDG) to Jardin des Tuileries - Esplanade des Feuillants
Take RER B toward Chatelet-Les Halles, change to Metro Line 1 toward La Defense and alight at Tuileries. Allow 50-65 min plus walking.
metro
Estimated costApprox. EUR 10.30-11.80 one way on Metro Line 14 plus onward metro/walk; confirm current Orly fare
Best forParis Orly (ORY) to Jardin des Tuileries - Esplanade des Feuillants
Metro Line 14 links Orly to central Paris; change at Pyramides or Chatelet for Line 1/Tuileries. Allow 35-50 min.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. EUR 56-65 fixed taxi fare to the right bank; confirm current fixed-rate rules
Best forCharles de Gaulle (CDG) to right-bank Tuileries area
Use the official taxi rank, not unlicensed drivers. Journey 45-60 min in normal traffic; longer in rush hour.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. EUR 36-45 fixed taxi fare to the right bank; confirm current fixed-rate rules
Best forParis Orly (ORY) to right-bank Tuileries area
Official rank pickup; 30-45 min in normal traffic. Cheaper than CDG but still subject to delays.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. EUR 160-220 by taxi; shuttle bus is much cheaper at approx. EUR 17-20
Best forParis Beauvais (BVA) to Jardin des Tuileries - Esplanade des Feuillants
BVA is far from Paris; the official coach to Porte Maillot is usually the practical choice. Taxi prices are estimates only.
airport bus
Estimated costApprox. EUR 16.60-17.50 one way on Roissybus; confirm current fare
Best forCharles de Gaulle (CDG) to Jardin des Tuileries - Esplanade des Feuillants
Roissybus stops near Opera, a 10-15 min walk or short Metro ride from Tuileries. Useful if you have luggage and do not want RER stairs.
airport bus
Estimated costApprox. EUR 11.50 one way on Orlybus; confirm current fare
Best forParis Orly (ORY) to Jardin des Tuileries - Esplanade des Feuillants
Orlybus connects to Denfert-Rochereau for Metro Line 6/4/RER B; then continue to Tuileries by Metro.
metro
Estimated costApprox. EUR 2.15-2.50 per single Metro/RER zone 1 ticket; confirm current tariff
Best forCentral Paris city single ticket
Buy a single or a carnet/day pass depending on your meeting schedule; Metro Line 1 serves Tuileries directly.
Weather
Paris in March is cool and changeable: daytime highs usually sit around 11-13 C (52-55 F), nights around 4-6 C (39-43 F), and rain is common with roughly 8-10 wet days across the month. The Tuileries is an outdoor garden setting, so expect wind, showers and cool mornings even if the forecast looks mild. Pack layers, a waterproof coat, a compact umbrella and comfortable shoes for gravel paths. Check a local forecast 7-10 days before travel; this is a climatological guide, not a guaranteed forecast.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
France uses 230V type E sockets (two round pins plus earth); bring a universal adapter for UK, US and other plugs. EU roaming rules apply for EU SIMs; non-EU visitors can buy a local prepaid SIM or eSIM from major French operators at CDG, ORY or in central Paris. Wi-Fi may be available in show areas and nearby cafes, but do not rely on it for live order systems; confirm venue Wi-Fi with the organiser and keep a mobile hotspot or offline copy of your appointment list.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Language and greetings
Start conversations with 'Bonjour' and use 'Merci' when leaving; English is common in design showrooms, but a few French phrases help with independent makers and older ateliers.
Tipping
Service is usually included in French restaurant bills. Round up or leave a small extra for good service; do not feel obliged to match US-style percentages.
Dress and footwear
Smart-casual layers work for showrooms and buyer meetings. The Tuileries paths are gravel and uneven, so choose comfortable shoes over thin soles or heels.
Business cards and follow-up
Bring both paper cards and a digital contact method. French design businesses often follow up by email after a short in-person introduction, so note the project and material interest on the card.
Security and transport disruptions
Paris airports and major sites have bag checks. Allow extra time on Metro Line 1 and keep valuables secure in crowded areas; check RATP service updates before travelling.
Tuileries garden etiquette
The Esplanade is a public garden setting: do not touch exhibits unless invited, respect roped areas and posted signage, and follow organiser instructions during set-up and dismantling.
Scheduling
Paris meetings often start with a short greeting and can run over; leave buffer time between the fair and city showrooms, and confirm appointments the morning of the visit.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: CDG
Sample itineraries for a 5 March 2027 arrival show direct London LHR-CDG in about 1 hr 25 min, New York JFK-CDG nonstop in about 7-7.5 hr, and Dubai DXB-CDG itineraries from about 7 hr 55 min to 12 hr 55 min. Return-date searches used 9 March 2027, so treat those dates as a planning window and confirm the final fair schedule before ticketing. CDG has the widest long-haul choice; ORY can be faster into central Paris from some origins. Book flexible fares if your meeting schedule may shift, check baggage for sample cases, and allow 2-3 hours at CDG for check-in and security on departure.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Charles de Gaulle (CDG): 45-60 min by taxi; 50-65 min by RER B + Metro 1; Paris Orly (ORY): 30-45 min by taxi; 35-50 min by Metro 14 + walk/metro; Paris Beauvais (BVA): 75-90 min by road; longer in peak traffic. Allow road or rail time to Jardin des Tuileries - Esplanade des Feuillants; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Jardin des Tuileries - Esplanade des Feuillants: Central Paris: Lion d'Or Paris Hotel & Suites; Louvre / Opera: Hotel Paris Louvre Opera; Opera / 2nd arrondissement: Hotel Golden Tulip Opera de Noailles.
Ride-hail: Uber, Bolt and FreeNow operate in Paris, with G7 taxis as the traditional app/phone option. For the Tuileries, set pickup points on Rue de Rivoli or Place de la Concorde rather than inside the garden; traffic and security closures can change access. Confirm the fare estimate in the app and keep the vehicle plate visible.
Public transit: Metro Line 1 is the direct line for Tuileries station, with Concorde also served by Lines 8 and 12. RER C stops at Musee d'Orsay across the river, and Chatelet-Les Halles connects to RER A/B/D. Use a single ticket, carnet or day pass depending on your schedule; confirm current RATP fares and any service works before travel.
Parking: There is no dedicated exhibition parking on the Esplanade des Feuillants. Use underground car parks around the Louvre, Pyramides or Concorde, then walk 5-15 min to the venue. Expect approx. EUR 4-6 per hour or EUR 30-45 per day; confirm current tariffs and height restrictions. For exhibitor deliveries, arrange access and unloading windows with the organiser in advance.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March 2027
Temperature: Approx. 5-13 C (41-55 F) daytime; 3-7 C (37-45 F) at night. Confirm forecast 7-10 days before travel.
Seasonality: March is cool and changeable with frequent light rain; Paris averages roughly 8-10 wet days in March. Showers can pass quickly; carry a compact umbrella and a light waterproof layer.
Packing: Smart-casual layers for showrooms and client meetings, a waterproof coat, comfortable low-heel shoes for gravel paths and long hall days, a compact umbrella, a tote for catalogues, and a universal power adapter (France uses type E sockets, 230V).
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Matter And Shape 2027 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm dates and register
T-2
Book a refundable hotel
T-3
Lock flights and airport transfer
T-4
Check visa and passport
T-5
Build a target list
T-6
Plan the floor route
T-7
Prepare sourcing files
T-8
Pack for March weather
T-9
Arrive and orient
T-10
Follow up within 48 hours
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Jardin des Tuileries - Esplanade des Feuillants
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Matter And Shape 2027 registration concourse
Jardin des Tuileries - Esplanade des Feuillants
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Jardin des Tuileries - Esplanade des Feuillants
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights€190.00
- Per diem × 2€150.00
Estimated total€340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Matter And Shape 2027 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Design solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Matter And Shape 2027 in Paris.
Min. budget
$450.00
Timeline
4–8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change — confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Design products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
3–6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall — confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Paris show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is Matter and Shape?
Matter and Shape is a curated design fair from the Who's Next team, held at the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris. It focuses on furniture, lighting, objects, materials and limited-edition design rather than mass-market homeware.
Where in Paris is Matter and Shape held?
It is set at the Jardin des Tuileries - Esplanade des Feuillants in central Paris, within walking distance of the Louvre, Rue de Rivoli and Place de la Concorde. Use Metro Line 1 to Tuileries or Concorde.
When is the next edition?
The 2027 edition is expected in March 2027; confirm exact opening days, trade hours and preview slots on the official Who's Next / Matter and Shape schedule before booking non-refundable travel.
Is Matter and Shape open to the public or trade only?
Matter and Shape is positioned as a professional design event within the Who's Next ecosystem. Public access and badge type should be confirmed on the official event page before you plan a visit.
How do I register for Matter and Shape?
Register through the official Who's Next / Matter and Shape event page. Trade registration typically asks for company details and professional credentials; keep your badge confirmation and a business card with you at entry.
What design categories will I find?
Expect furniture and seating, decorative lighting, ceramics, glass, textiles and rugs, stone and metalwork, mirrors, tableware, material samples and limited-edition collectible design.
Is Matter and Shape part of Who's Next?
Yes. Matter and Shape is presented as part of the Who's Next group's event portfolio, so check the wider Who's Next schedule for crossover programming and dates.
How do I get to the Tuileries from CDG or ORY?
From CDG, take RER B to Chatelet-Les Halles and change to Metro Line 1 for Tuileries (approx. 50-65 min, approx. EUR 11.80), or take an official taxi (approx. EUR 56-65, 45-60 min). From ORY, Metro Line 14 plus a short connection is usually fastest (approx. 35-50 min, approx. EUR 10.30-11.80), or taxi approx. EUR 36-45.
Are there hotels within walking distance?
Captured options include Lion d'Or Paris Hotel & Suites approx. 380 m from the Esplanade, Hotel Paris Louvre Opera approx. 650 m, and Hotel Golden Tulip Opera de Noailles approx. 860 m. Book early and confirm current rates, taxes and cancellation terms.
Is there parking at the venue?
There is no dedicated exhibition parking on the Esplanade des Feuillants. Use underground car parks near the Louvre, Pyramides or Concorde and walk 5-15 min; expect approx. EUR 4-6 per hour or EUR 30-45 per day.
What language is used at the fair?
French is the local language, but English is widely used in design showrooms and international trade conversations. A short 'Bonjour' and 'Merci' go a long way with independent makers.
Can I bring large bags or product samples?
Expect bag checks at the venue and at major Paris sites. Confirm the organiser's policy for large bags, trolleys and product samples before arrival, and ask your hotel to store cases during the fair day.
Glossary
- Collectible design
- Furniture, lighting or objects produced in limited editions or as one-offs, often sold through galleries and valued for authorship, craft and scarcity.
- Contract furniture
- Furniture specified for hotels, restaurants, offices and other commercial interiors, where durability, fire performance and repeatability matter alongside design.
- Editeur
- A French term for a design publisher or editor that commissions, produces and distributes furniture or objects by designers, similar to a furniture brand with an editorial role.
- Artisanat d'art
- French craft disciplines such as ceramics, glassblowing, marquetry, metalwork and upholstery, recognised for hand skill and small-series production.
- Savoir-faire
- The technical know-how and hand skills behind a product, often used in French design to signal workshop expertise, material knowledge and finish quality.
- FF&E
- Furniture, fixtures and equipment: the movable or installed items specified for an interior, including seating, tables, lighting and case goods.
- OS&E
- Operating supplies and equipment: the smaller operational items a hotel or venue needs, from tableware to housekeeping equipment, distinct from FF&E.
- MOQ
- Minimum order quantity, the smallest number of units a maker will produce for a given design, colour or material specification.
- Lead time
- The period between order confirmation and delivery, covering production, finishing, quality control and shipping.
- COM
- Customer's own material: a specification where the buyer supplies fabric, leather or another material for the maker to use on a piece.
- Low-VOC finish
- A coating or finish with low volatile organic compound emissions, often requested for interiors with indoor air quality requirements.
- FSC-certified wood
- Wood from forests managed to Forest Stewardship Council standards, a common specification signal for timber sourcing.
- Capsule collection
- A small, focused collection, often limited to a few pieces or colourways, used by studios and galleries to present a seasonal idea.
- Prototype
- A first or trial version of a design, used to test proportions, materials and production details before a series is released.
- Hospitality specification
- A product brief for hotel, restaurant or bar projects that combines design intent with durability, fire safety, cleaning and maintenance requirements.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Paris Fashion Week 2027
- contemporary design fair
- Matter And Shape 2027 Paris 2027
- Matter And Shape Paris 2027
- Paris France
- Design Paris 2027
- Interior Architecture Paris 2027
- Contemporary furniture and decor
Trust footer
Sources
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References
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Publishers
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Date checked
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Who's Next
- event_website
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.