Walking into the Pavilion of Art and Design fair in Paris in April, Sinéad O’Connor’s Nothing Compares 2 U started playing in my mind. Immediately, it was clear the ’90s were back. There were iconic pieces by Andrée Putman, who had redesigned the interiors of the Concorde in 1995. And ironic pieces by Philippe Starck including a This Is Not A Wheelbarrow armchair (1996) that looks precisely like it is one, though padded in a manner that would not displease Marie Antoinette.

The Pavilion of Art and Design (PAD), launched in 1998, was the first fair to combine art and design under one roof. Since then, collectable design fairs have sprung up all over the world as interest in rare and limited-edition furniture, lighting and home accessories has flourished.