©Stephane Ribeiro Da Ascencao Interview with Maurizio Galante and Tal Lancman
When Haute Couture meets design and art
On the occasion of the exhibition Maurizio Galante & Tal Lancman: Haute Couture, Design, ArtPresented at the Cité de la dentelle et de la mode (City of Lace and Fashion) and the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Museum of Fine Arts) in Calais, the two artists reflect on their collaboration of over twenty years, their penchant for blending disciplines, and their fascination with the transformation of materials. An invitation to discover a world where emotion, beauty, and curiosity are in constant dialogue.
How did your collaboration come about?
What is the secret of this artistic duo?
Our collaboration began in New York with a project for a Japanese brand. We were both working as art directors on a concept centered on cross-functionality. This project then traveled the world, notably to Paris and Beijing.
Since then, our collaboration has been based primarily on mutual respect for our creative worlds. We have shared the same curiosity and the same desire to explore new territories for 20 years. We are frequently asked what our next challenge will be after working in fashion, design, or art. And very often our answer is to to continue to surprise ourselves and to imagine projects that we have never carried out before.
You navigate between Haute Couture, design and art. Why do you like to create a dialogue between these worlds?
For us, Each discipline feeds into the other. It is essential to create bridges between these different universes, of building connections and fto facilitate dialogue between skillsThis notion of hybridity is at the heart of our artistic approach. We like to explore the boundaries between Haute Couture, design and art, because it is often in these encounters that the most interesting ideas are born.
Our work is a continuous exploration of the notion of beauty. We are fascinated by what may seem strange, unexpected, or even sometimes grotesque.
You are often described as 'free electrons'. Does this definition apply to you?
Yes, in the sense that the notion of freedom is essential for us. We have always worked trying to remain independent, without being guided by marketing strategies or external constraints.
Throughout our journey, we have sought to create according to our own convictions, for ourselves as well as for others. Our greatest objective is ultimately quite simple: to be able to go to bed at night with a clear conscience, feeling that we have remained true to our vision.
We try to make as few compromises as possible and to create projects that reflect who we are, that give us pleasure and that retain their sincerity.
©Stephane Ribeiro Da Ascencao In your creations, the materials seem to come to life.
What fascinates you so much about working with materials?
Materials and techniques are ultimately just a path to the final result. What fascinates us most is that's the idea of transformation: starting from simple materials to create something unique. It's a bit like baking. With very simple ingredients like flour or eggs, you can create an extraordinary cake. In our work, it's the same: we like to transform raw materials to give them new life and bring forth a unique creation.
©C_Stephane_Ribeiro_Da_Ascencao What interests us is precisely this boundary between beauty and what we perceive as different.
Between the Lace Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts
How did you conceive of this dialogue between the two museums?
We were initially inspired by the places themselves. At the City of Lace and FashionWe envisioned a kind of retrospective of our work across different disciplines, with a significant focus on works made with lace and the various techniques and materials we explore.
Au Museum of Fine ArtsThe approach is different. We conceived this space as a true "white box," a luminous setting where the works engage in dialogue around a central theme: nature. Some pieces are inspired by it very obviously, others in a more subtle or poetic way.
Each place thus possesses its own identity, while participating in the same creative journey.
©Stephane Ribeiro Da Ascencao 
©Stephane Ribeiro Da Ascencao 'Tiger Cloud' welcomes visitors
Why choose this spectacular work?
This piece was originally created for Baccarat's headquarters in Paris. It perfectly embodies our working method, as it conveys a technique, a construction, and an idea all at once. Tiger Cloud is primarily about transformation: starting with a simple material to create something extraordinary. This approach is found throughout our work, whether it involves glass, textiles, or other materials.
But this artwork also carries a message. Our role isn't simply to create objects or aesthetic forms. We also like to tell stories and raise public awareness of certain realities. Through this tiger, we remind people that there are only about 4,500 tigers left in the wild today. It is therefore a work that invites both wonder and reflection.
©Stephane Ribeiro Da Ascencao One word to describe your world?
Emotion, above all.
Our universe is nourished by this reflection: questioning our perspective, exploring the unexpected and revealing beauty where it is not necessarily expected.