Tina Frey on Design, Meditation and Her Return to Paris
American designer Tina Frey, known for her organically shaped resin pieces with a soft, matte finish, chose Shoppe Object Paris to mark her return to the Paris scene.
Shoppe Object Paris took place at the heart of Who’s Next, marking its Paris debut at the crossroads of design and lifestyle. Among the designers presented at the fair, Tina Frey stood out for her work in resin, transforming the material into soft, matte forms with an almost unexpected finish. After several years away from the French scene, she chose this new Paris platform to mark her return. Between new materials and projects inspired by meditation, a new chapter is opening for the brand. We met her on the Tina Frey Designs stand.
Tell us about Tina Frey Designs and the philosophy behind the brand?
Tina Frey Designs was founded 18 years ago out of a creative passion. I began by sculpting bowls because they’re such functional objects in a home, whether used in the kitchen or displayed on their own. I always felt there were never enough beautiful bowls, so I started creating my own while keeping their function in mind.
At my first exhibition, people began asking for more pieces, and the collection naturally grew from there. Today, we offer over 300 designs, from tableware to lighting and furniture, though we’re especially known for working with resin, a material I love for its versatility and durability.
Resin is at the heart of your work. Why did you choose this material?
When I started, very few designers were working with resin. I immediately felt its potential was almost endless. It can evoke porcelain, stone, glass, sometimes even ice. That ability to transform is what really drew me to it. Resin allows me to create very refined, delicate forms while still being durable, where porcelain might be too fragile. And then there’s the element of surprise: you think you’re touching ceramic, but the texture, the lightness, or the matte or translucent finish reveal something else entirely. That sense of surprise is an essential part of the experience.
Between design, art, and function, how do you find your balance today?
For many years, I developed what I call the commercial line, creating pieces designed for boutiques, hotels, restaurants and private residences. There are always practical expectations tied to price and functionality. As a creator, I didn’t want to feel confined by those constraints. I needed a more open space. That’s how the Lab was born, a more experimental environment where I explore conceptual pieces, installations, and larger formats. Today, these two dimensions coexist naturally: on one side, everyday objects; on the other, a more artistic and instinctive exploration. They feed into each other.
Meditation plays an important role in your creative process.
Yes, very much so. I’ve been meditating for nearly nine years, and the practice has deeply transformed the way I live and create. I’ve taken part in several retreats in complete darkness. Deprived of light and external stimulation, you reconnect with your inner world. The senses sharpen, the mind becomes clearer, and a rich inner space opens up as a source of inspiration. From this experience came important pieces such as the Meditation Orb, followed by the Orbit collection. I first developed these forms in resin before translating them into bronze, a significant step that brought a strong sense of fulfillment and transmission.
How does it feel to return to Paris with Shoppe Object Paris?
It’s a thrill to be back! We hadn’t been back to Paris for several years and, in the meantime, even though we invested heavily in digital, we missed the human connection. Being here again, reconnecting with buyers and this community, is very emotional. A fair isn’t just about presenting products; it’s also a place for meeting and where real camaraderie can grow. Shoppe Object Paris does a remarkable job, with thoughtful curation and smooth organization. I’m convinced it’s only going to grow in Paris and will be important for international brands like ours.
