"Shaha Raphaël's limited edition collection for House of Today finds its inspiration in fossils, shells, and marine life, leading to a thought: 'Are these discoveries or creations?'"
News Article: Shaha Raphaël's Shell-Inspired Furniture Collection Unveiled in Saint-Tropez
Shaha Raphaël's latest furniture collection, titled "Low Tide," has made its debut in the picturesque town of Saint-Tropez, France. This limited edition collection, a collaboration with House of Today, showcases Raphaël's passion for collecting shells, fossils, and sea-life forms, and explores the interplay between natural inspiration and designed form.
Raphaël's creative process began with casting and hand-making models reminiscent of fishbones, inspired by organic, geological elements. The collection features artisanal craftsmanship from Lebanon, with pieces such as the Spine coffee table incorporating found wood and aluminium, emphasising natural textures and forms linked to marine life.
The Spine coffee table, described as an infinitely modulating piece, is one of the standout pieces in the collection. It is composed of four aluminium modules and a 'comma' shaped base made of found she-oak wood. Another notable piece is the Fossil table, made of pale southern Lebanese stone with brass legs. The Claw side tables, made of unpolished onyx and resembling 'crab claws', also catch the eye.
In addition to furniture, the collection includes tableware, glasses, cutlery, and coffee cups, all crafted with the same attention to detail and exploration of new materials and functions. Decorative spoons in brass and silver are cast by hand in silicon from fossilised fishbones. A lampshade with a brutalist base and a delicate chain is another intriguing addition to the collection.
The collection's exhibition title is 'Low Tide - Mareé basse', and it is currently on display at Place des Lices, 17 avenue Foch in Saint-Tropez. The exhibition will run until July 27, 2025.
Shaha Raphaël originally imagined the lampshade as a necklace, which reflects the designer's innovative approach to design. House of Today, a non-profit organisation, amplifies emerging designers in Lebanon through mentorship, residencies, and exhibitions in cities like Basel and Milan.
The town of Saint-Tropez is hosting further creativity this summer with exhibitions by Isabelle Castanier, Marion Mailaender, Sacha Parent, Linde Freya Tangelder, and Astier de Villatte, making it a must-visit destination for art and design enthusiasts. Visitors to Saint-Tropez can immerse themselves in the world of Shaha Raphaël's shell-inspired furniture and object collection until July 27, 2025.
[1] House of Today Press Release, 2025 [2] Shaha Raphaël's official website, 2025 [3] Place des Lices, Saint-Tropez official website, 2025 [4] House of Today official website, 2025 [5] Saint-Tropez Tourism Board, 2025
The furniture collection, 'Low Tide,' by Shaha Raphaël, currently on display at Place des Lices in Saint-Tropez, encompasses not only his innovative furniture designs inspired by marine life but also an array of fashion-and-beauty items like decorative spoons and a brutalist lampshade. This exhibition, a collaboration with House of Today, showcases Raphaël's transcending design approach, as he initially envisioned the lampshade as a necklace.
Meanwhile, the town of Saint-Tropez presents another captivating fusion of art and design, offering exhibitions by Isabelle Castanier, Marion Mailaender, Sacha Parent, Linde Freya Tangelder, and Astier de Villatte, making it a vibrant hub for lifestyle enthusiasts, with Shaha Raphaël's shell-inspired home-and-garden collection adding to the allure.
