Limited-edition collection by Shaha Raphael for House of Today draws inspiration from fossils, shells, and marine life, sparking speculation: 'Nature-inspired, or artificially crafted?'
Shaha Raphaël, a Beirut-based architect and jewelry designer, has unveiled a captivating limited edition collection titled "Low Tide – Marée basse" for House of Today. This collection, which was on display in the picturesque town of Saint-Tropez until 27th July 2025, showcases a unique fusion of Brutalism and Art Nouveau, merging the Mediterranean spirit with Lebanese craftsmanship.
The inspiration for the collection came from Raphaël's organic collaboration with artisans from Beirut, Tripoli, and the Beqaa Valley. In an almost archaeological process, actual shells became the models and inspirations for the designs. The exhibition, curated by Raphaël and Chérine Magrabi, founder of House of Today, aimed to reflect these sea-inspired forms, with the scenography designed by Simon Basquin to reinforce the feeling of a tide revealing treasures.
The collection primarily features authentic shells and traditional Lebanese artisan techniques, although the exact materials beyond the shells and artisan locations are not explicitly stated. The craftsmanship highlights a strong artisanal element rooted in Lebanon's heritage, connecting natural sea elements with functional art and design.
Among the intriguing pieces in the collection, the Fossil table stands out, made of a pale southern Lebanese stone with brass legs. The Claw side tables, resembling crab claws, are crafted from unpolished onyx. Decorative spoons, cast by hand in silicon from fossilised fishbones, and three pairs of candelabras with a fish-bone design, coated in three different patinas, were also present.
A lampshade with a brutalist base and a delicate chain, as well as a chess table laid with shells cast in two different patinas, were other highlights of the exhibition.
In addition to Raphaël's exhibition, the town of Saint-Tropez also played host to Marseille-based architect Isabelle Castanier's group exhibition 'Une Maison á Saint Tropez'. This summer, both exhibitions provided a unique blend of fine art, design, and craft, asking the question "Is it found, or is it designed?" by merging natural organic forms with contemporary design, representing a poetic dialogue between nature and craft.
These unique collections at the Saint-Tropez exhibition, including Shaha Raphaël's "Low Tide – Marée basse," offer a captivating fusion of lifestyles, especially in the realms of fashion-and-beauty, such as decorative spoons and candelabras, and home-and-garden, like the Fossil table and Claw side tables. This blend seamlessly represents a poetic dialogue between nature and craft, offering an endless source of design inspiration.
