A new generation of design gallery directors, raised amid experimental and collectible pieces, is reshaping the market by attracting younger buyers and promoting innovation in contemporary furniture and decorative arts. Among them is Clara Krzentowski, who joined Galerie kreo—founded by her parents in Paris—in 2021 as a director and now leads its London operations. Krzentowski’s upbringing was immersed in iconic design works, including pieces by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec and Marc Newson, fostering an appreciation for craftsmanship and playful innovation.
Krzentowski has helped spotlight London-based designer Marco Campardo, whose glossy, resin-cast tables in vibrant hues have captured the attention of collectors in their thirties. Two pieces from Campardo’s limited Jello collection recently sold for €24,000 and €27,000 respectively, underscoring growing interest among younger buyers. Galerie kreo plans to present one of these tables at the upcoming PAD London fair, scheduled for October 13-18.
This trend of familial succession and fresh perspectives in design galleries is reflected in other European ventures. Luna Laffanour of Paris joined Laffanour | Galerie Downtown, established by her father François Laffanour in the 1980s, and Mia Lacoste recently took a role at Galerie Jacques Lacoste, a family-owned business specializing in 20th-century decorative arts. Both emphasize a passion for rare and distinctive works, with Lacoste noting that younger collectors prioritize pieces with provenance, quality, and narratives over mere brand recognition.
Despite an uneven global art market—with overall art sales declining by 15.5% across 2023 and 2024—collectible design, furniture, and decorative arts have seen a 20% sales increase in the first half of 2025, outpacing several traditional art categories. Reported by sources including ArtTactic and corroborated by Art Basel and UBS data, this gain signals renewed optimism within this niche sector. High-profile auction results, such as the $33.5 million sale of Claude Lalanne mirrors commissioned by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, have further boosted the market’s visibility.
Galerie Dumonteil in Paris, under artistic director Dorian Dumonteil, is also highlighting “artist-led design,” featuring functional yet sculptural pieces with strong storytelling elements. The gallery will showcase works by Jean-Marie Fiori, Aurélien Veyrat, and others at PAD London, underscoring an affinity among younger collectors for craftsmanship and everyday usability.
Younger collectors have been described as “omnivores” in collecting habits, blending interests across art, design, fashion, and jewelry. They seek engaging experiences and narratives, a focal point for galleries such as Laffanour | Galerie Downtown, which launched a series of exhibitions emphasizing dialogue between 20th-century and contemporary works. For example, the recent exhibition Trônes in Paris combined sculptural seating from different eras with contemporary artistic pieces, illustrating the evolving language of design.
Digital access to information has empowered newer collectors to enter the market with greater knowledge and a preference for unique, unexpected works. Laura Tsoukala of Stefanidou Tsoukala Gallery in Athens highlights how young buyers start with informed perspectives and embrace eclectic collections that mix established and emerging artists.
Krzentowski also notes economic pressures, such as rising production costs, have made contemporary pieces more expensive relative to vintage offerings. This dynamic compels buyers to be more selective, while galleries focus on creating opportunities for designers to innovate and for collectors to develop a deeper understanding of value. Galerie kreo’s collaboration with the London-based design collective JAM epitomizes this approach, with plans to exhibit a large-scale blown-glass installation at their Paris space in late October.
As these emerging gallerists nurture a new generation of patrons, their shared emphasis on experimentation, craftsmanship, and accessibility is poised to redefine collectible design’s future.