Le Petit Gourmet by Franck Fontana

Le Petit Gourmet: Dinner's ready, kids!

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

I'm Franck Fontana, and I've been working as a designer since 2003.My love of simple shapes and natural materials means I design objects that are timeless, useful, and long-lasting - I'm very cost-aware.

Tell us about your career path and what you're currently working on

 

I trained in industrial design at the 'Ensci les ateliers' in Paris. After gaining initial experience in an agency, I set up on my own so as to be able to work with companies and factories whose expertise and mindset I admire. I've been working with Tolix, the Manufacture de Sèvres factory and Opinel, among others, for 8 years now. The constraints and challenges facing society today encourage me to think within a constrained framework, where the search for practical, effective and economical solutions is the order of the day. Keen to pass on this pragmatic and sustainable approach to design, I also teach in design schools with a view to raising awareness of these issues.

Can you tell us about Le Petit Gourmet?

 

This is a complete set of 3 easy-to-hold and durable cutlery sets designed for kids to use at every meal. The cutlery nests together for easy storage and transport. They also mean kids can learn to lay and put away their cutlery as part of a fun shared experience.

How did you come up with this idea?

 

Beyond the search for ergonomics, the idea of a little additional feature for the storage of cutlery came quite naturally, with a view to extending interaction with the child and encourage their autonomy. Holding the cutlery together therefore became the little challenge to be overcome with the help of Opinel's design office, which put all its ingenuity into developing the technical solution that would allow them to be securely clipped together.

How does the Le Petit Gourmet cutlery set differ from traditional children's cutlery?


Firstly, on account of its quality materials, its warm, comfortable wooden handle, its timeless design and its practicality. The Clip, which allows the cutlery to be joined together once the meal is finished, is a real plus that gives children a sense of playfulness, encouraging them to set up and clear away their space at the table. This colourful detail at the end of the sleeve also marks the optimum gripping area for children, helping them to position their fingers and improve their dexterity. This system also means that cutlery can be used on the move – a value that Opinel holds dear.

What advantages doe the Le Petit Gourmet set offer?


The wooden handle provides genuine comfort, and its shape makes it easy to hold while adapting to a wide age range. The knife is comfortable to use and prevents injury. The wide fork makes it easy to grip the food, while the curved spoon allows you to scoop generous quantities of food without making it difficult to get the food into your mouth. Finally, storage is made simple by the fact that all the cutlery can be clipped together.

How did the partnership with Opinel come about?


In 2017, I met Françoise Detroyat, Opinel's marketing and communications director, who suggested I think about a packaging project. So we set up a long-term partnership to tackle a variety of projects ranging from packaging to the design of new products, including the creation of POS displays, stands, and illustrations for limited editions.

How long did this project take you?


The creative phase, presented in an idea booklet in September 2023, required a few weeks' work, including thinking about ideas and how they would work upstream. Once we had decided how to move forward, occasional design and redesign phases in the form of 3D models were necessary as discussions progressed during the development phase.

Which is your favourite Opinel knife?

It's a tough choice, the Nº08 remains a classic 😊, but I also really like the other folding knives, such as the new Effilé 8 and the neo6.

 

Do you have any memories or a story about Opinel that you can share with us?

My grandfather always signed the bread with his Opinel at mealtimes before slicing it.

The kids' table set in 3 words?

Easy-to-use, fun, durable.