DMW.nu is a Dutch company specialising in taxidermy and other natural products for interior design. They are experts in preserving the beauty of nature through taxidermy and sourcing unique items that bring nature inside. What started as a small 65m² showroom has grown into a successful international business with a team of 15 employees, including six passionate taxidermists. 'We do everything ourselves and only work with animals that have died naturally. This way, we give them a second life and show how beautiful nature is, and how important it is to protect it,' shares one of the company's founders, Nicolette Naphausen. We interviewed her after their participation in Maison&Objet.
Nicolette Naphausen at Maison&Objet.
A quieter year at Maison&Objet
Although DMW has its roots in the Netherlands, the company is also well-represented in other European countries, particularly France. 'We exhibit at Maison&Objet, and the French market has a strong affinity for our products. In addition to taxidermy, we also sell beautiful shells and other natural items, which do very well in France,' says Nicolette.
She notes that the fair was somewhat quieter this year, partly due to the Paralympic Games. 'Visitors were more hesitant to come because of this. We also heard from some of the visitors that some French exhibitors, which come every year, were absent this year. Although there were fewer visitors, our loyal customers still came to see us. We also welcomed some new clients, but it's not the same as previous years. Direct purchases at the fair have decreased compared to before. Nonetheless, we wrote some great orders and made new connections,' Nicolette explains. Despite these changes, she still sees the fair as the best way to reach the market, especially internationally. 'It remains an effective B2B sales method, but it must not become too expensive for both visitors and exhibitors.'
Rare pieces
DMW is known for its unique and rare items, and this was no different at the fair. 'What we bring to the fair depends on what we receive, such as animals that have passed away in zoos. But we do try to save our unique and special items for the fair. This year, we had beautiful cockatoos and parrots. Everything we sell is one-of-a-kind, and people know that. They came to our stand on Thursday to reserve items right away,' says Nicolette. 'Another crowd favourite were the colourful butterfly domes, featuring tropical butterflies in a variety of colours. The classic blue butterflies also remain popular.'
Plans for the future
DMW will be back at the fair in January next year, but in the meantime, their showroom is open to visitors. 'Here we showcase our private collection, which functions as a sort of museum. It includes unique and rare pieces, such as a meteorite and rare birds. People always enjoy seeing these,' says Nicolette.
In addition to their work for interior designers and retailers, DMW also collaborates with natural history museums. 'We do a lot for showrooms and exhibitions. At the moment, we are working on a new project, which will be revealed in the future,' Nicolette concludes.
More information:
DMW.nu Interior & Taxidermy
+31 24 360 0506
[email protected]
www.dmw.nu
The Netherlands