In April 2021, DS Automobiles launched a competition called the DS x Métiers d’art with the aim of bringing together a wide range of professional artists to present new techniques and materials that can be displayed in a unique DS 9 and feed into DS Automobiles’ creativity.
Working in combination and alongside an array of French artists and craftsmen, the vehicle manufacturer has sought to continue its history of using unique materials such as feathers and straw marquetry in its concept cars and production vehicles.
Currently, 10 candidates have been shortlisted, and with help from the DS Automobiles design team each individual will produce one or two unique samples.
Out of the 10 contestants, three finalists will be chosen by a jury to trim a piece of DS 9 door panel using the same techniques as their previous sample project. The work will then be presented at a special event in Chantilly, France, in September, when a winner will be chosen to design an entire DS 9 interior.
“The level of creativity and commitment shown by the DS x Métiers d’art candidates is impressive,” commented Thierry Metroz, design director at DS Automobiles. “Since the beginning of DS Automobiles, we have been working with great craftsmen with exceptional expertise to bring French luxury to life. This initiative aims to discover additional talent by getting it in front of us and by getting new challenges in front of them to create new opportunities.”
