COLLABORATION WITH VACHERON CONSTANTIN, Shanghai

At the invitation of the Swiss watch manufacturer Vacheron Constantin, twelve students of the ECAL Master of Advanced Studies in Design for Luxury & Craftsmanship, accompanied by the director Alexis Georgacopoulos and Nicolas Le Moigne, head of programme, went to Shanghai for an exploratory week. On this occasion, they were able to participate in the context of Twin Villas (a property that hosts the Vacheron Constantin Mansion) to a press conference celebrating the partnership Vacheron Constantin/ECAL and unveiled a preview of the exhibition "Arts & Crafts & Design: Time according to ECAL and Swiss Craftsmen » which was presented during the Milan International Furniture Fair in April, as well as the Expo Milano 2015 (World Expo) in May. They could also discover cultural venues such as Tongji University, the Shanghai Museum, the Maison Hermès, the Glass Museum, visit iconic companies related to design as MXM (upholstered furniture), Shang Xia (hi-end craftsmanship) Stellar Works (wood specialist) Spin Ceramics (ceramic brand), Neri & Hu (architecture and design agency) and look over typical neighborhoods for luxury and crafts.

Collaboration (2015)

On this occasion, they were able to participate in the context of Twin Villas (a property that hosts the Vacheron Constantin Mansion) to a press conference celebrating the partnership Vacheron Constantin/ECAL and unveiled a preview of the exhibition "Arts & Crafts & Design: Time according to ECAL and Swiss Craftsmen » which was presented during the Milan International Furniture Fair in April, as well as the Expo Milano 2015 (World Expo) in May.

They could also discover cultural venues such as Tongji University, the Shanghai Museum, the Maison Hermès, the Glass Museum, visit iconic companies related to design as MXM (upholstered furniture), Shang Xia (hi-end craftsmanship) Stellar Works (wood specialist) Spin Ceramics (ceramic brand), Neri & Hu (architecture and design agency) and look over typical neighborhoods for luxury and crafts.

Press conference at the Twin Villas by Vacheron Constantin . Photo: VC

Press conference at the Twin Villas by Vacheron Constantin . Photo: VC

Press conference at the Twin Villas by Vacheron Constantin . Photo: VC

Press conference at the Twin Villas by Vacheron Constantin . Photo: VC

1/4

Factory visit Stellar Works (wood specialist) Photo: Jean-Baptiste Colleuille

Factory visit Stellar Works (wood specialist) Photo: Jean-Baptiste Colleuille

Factory visit MXM (upholstered furniture) Photo: Jean-Baptiste Colleuille

Visit Shang Xia (hi-end craftsmanship) Photo: Jean-Baptiste Colleuille

1/4

Visit of the Tongji University

Visit of the Tongji University

1/2

Discovering Shanghai Photo: Jean-Baptiste Colleuill e

Discovering Shanghai Photo: Jean-Baptiste Colleuille

Discovering Shanghai Photo: Jean-Baptiste Colleuille

Discovering Shanghai Photo: Jean-Baptiste Colleuille

1/4

Projets similaires

See more projects

Seoho Ahn – Cascade

MAS DESIGN FOR LUXURY & CRAFTSMANSHIP

Seoho Ahn – Cascade

by Seoho Ahn

Jewellery is often seen as an ornamental object, yet it contains structural principles. A chain forms a continuous system of interconnected links that responds to gravity and distributes forces throughout its structure. Cascade explores how this logic can be translated from the body to space. When scaled up, the chain evolves from a decorative element into a load-bearing framework. Connections between links become structural joints, while the continuous flow of the chain becomes a path for transferring and balancing forces. Rather than borrowing the aesthetics of jewellery, Cascade translates its structural principles into a furniture system, transforming a decorative chain into an architectural structure.

Anna Andersson – LYSA

MAS DESIGN FOR LUXURY & CRAFTSMANSHIP

Anna Andersson – LYSA

by Anna Andersson

LYSA is a portable lamp designed for outdoor rituals and small everyday adventures. Inspired by the emotional connection we have to bags and objects made to be carried, the project explores how light can become something intimate and mobile. The lamp is intended for picnics, gardens, balconies, and walks in nearby nature, bringing a sense of warmth and domesticity outdoors. It features dimmable light, USB-C charging, and a protected charging port. The materials — cork, dark brown suede, and linen fabric — were chosen for their tactile and atmospheric qualities. LYSA explores fabric translucency, color tones, light diffusion, and stabilization techniques to create an object that feels soft, warm, and made to accompany quiet moments outdoors.

Maxime Billoud – Lampe trois + 1

MAS DESIGN FOR LUXURY & CRAFTSMANSHIP

Maxime Billoud – Lampe trois + 1

by Maxime Billoud

Lampe trois + 1 is rooted in material research and innovation. At the intersection of craftsmanship and design, this ceramic and porcelain lamp reflects both the artisan's gesture and the designer's approach. It is composed of three identical legs connected by a central technical component, while molded porcelain panels are integrated into the structure. The smoked clay elements, inspired by the Japanese raku technique, contrast with the delicacy and translucency of porcelain. Designed as a flat-pack lamp that can be easily assembled, Lampe trois + 1 embodies a process of material exploration while resulting in a functional and tangible object.

Thibaud Kanty Boto – ROHY

MAS DESIGN FOR LUXURY & CRAFTSMANSHIP

Thibaud Kanty Boto – ROHY

by Thibaud Kanty Boto

In Madagascar, rabane, a textile made from woven raffia fibers, has traditionally been used to make bags, mats, and everyday objects. Today, this weaving technique is gradually disappearing in favor of standardized production intended for export, particularly crochet-based work. Rooted in this evolving artisanal heritage, ROHY explores new possibilities for rabane. Through experimentation, by combining woven fibers with a binder and then molding them, this project reveals the structural and aesthetic potential of rabane. The collection proposes a contemporary reinterpretation of this ancestral craft through a series of accessories.

Martin Brouckaert – Brunch Service

MAS DESIGN FOR LUXURY & CRAFTSMANSHIP

Martin Brouckaert – Brunch Service

by Martin Brouckaert

Brunch Service is a modular collection of objects that transforms Sunday brunch into an architectural landscape. It consists of containers, utensils, and cutlery that, when stacked, create abstract graphic silhouettes. Based on tubular forms, the objective of this project is to break away from industrial standards through a twist that forms sculptural compositions. This system was designed to elevate the ritual of brunch, acting as a reinterpretation of modern silverware that serves as a celebration.

Related courses

See all courses

MAS DESIGN FOR LUXURY & CRAFTSMANSHIP