Creative Ideas From Milan Design Week

Milan Design Week 2022 showcased a variety of temporary installations designed to captivate the design community. These installations frequently leveraged unique settings, ranging from abandoned nunneries and military hospitals to former sports venues and historic villas, to create impactful experiences. The event featured nine notable installations that demonstrated innovative approaches to design and material use. One featured installation was “A Statement of Form” by Gaggenau, a kitchen manufacturer, which was located in the Villa Necchi Campiglio, a historic Italian villa known from the film “House of Gucci.” This installation, a collaboration with architecture firm 1zu33, marble expert Salvatori, and ceramic specialist Kaufmann, presented a sleek kitchen design within a luxurious setting. Another highlight was "Monumental Wonders" by SolidNature, exhibited at Alcova’s Lavanderia building. This installation showcased the versatility of natural and semi-precious stones, featuring nine types of onyx in a dramatic entry portal. OMA designed a stone-wrapped doorway and marble-and-onyx furniture pieces, including a rotating cabinet and a bed with hidden storage. Sabine Marcelis contributed a pink onyx bathroom sculpture, demonstrating the material’s aesthetic and functional potential. “Silentscape” by Isabella Del Grandi for Slalom, also at Alcova, focused on acoustics. This colorful sound studio installation integrated soft surfacing materials and suspended upholstered spheres to create a calming, sound-absorbing environment, highlighting acoustic system solutions. Hermès presented "Houses" by Charlotte Macaux Perelman, a luminous installation of ash wood and translucent colored paper structures at La Palota. Inspired by water towers, these glowing geometric forms displayed new cashmere fabric designs for the home. Flos’s “See the Stars Again” exhibition, curated by Calvi Brambilla at the Fabbrica Orobia, introduced 14 new lighting products. A key feature was the anniversary edition of the Arco lamp, Arco K, which showcased its lead-free crystal base. The exhibition also included sculptural displays and indoor gardens. Lee Broom’s “Divine Inspiration” presented six new lighting collections and 30 products in a gallery setting. Drawing inspiration from religious architecture, the exhibition featured unique moods in each room and included limited-edition hand-sculpted pieces, such as a broken pendant light in the Requiem collection. Amine El Gotaibi’s 300-pound ceiling-mounted weaving for Beni Rugs, titled Spoken Lines, was unveiled at Alcova. This site-specific artwork, made from 80 feet of natural wool, set the stage for a collection of 10 rugs and was crafted by a cooperative of female weavers in Morocco. Caffè Populaire, a collaboration between Lambert & Fils and DWA Design Studio, offered an _aperitivo_ garden at Alcova. The installation combined sculptural lighting from Lambert & Fils with flowered wallpaper by Superflower and various plantings. It featured an elevated interior garden and a water sculpture, contrasting Brutalist lighting forms with hyperrealistic floral imagery. Finally, "Holotype" by Refractory, a newly launched furniture brand, was presented at Alcova’s E/Space building. The installation created a unique sensory experience with the scent and visual presence of turmeric, used to tint concrete walls and piled on the ground. This backdrop framed Refractory’s artisanal furniture and lighting pieces, crafted from materials like cast bronze and solid black walnut, and incorporated paleontological specimens and imagery of America’s West. #MilanDesignWeek #InstallationArt #ProductDesign #InteriorDecor #FurnitureDesign #LightingDesign #TextileArt #MaterialInnovation #ExperientialDesign

Milan Design Week 2023, the first to return to its regular April schedule since 2019, showcased significant shifts and emerging trends in interior design. Attendees observed a strong emphasis on comfort and inviting silhouettes, with “Squish Is the New Blob” emerging as a dominant theme. Oversized, plump seating, such as Gal Gaon’s Macaron chairs at Nilufar Gallery and Cassina’s Moncloud sofa by Patricia Urquiola, highlighted a preference for soft, curvaceous forms designed for relaxation. Fendi Casa also embraced this trend with its Blow Up modular sofa, indicating that comfort remains a top priority in contemporary design. Outdoor living spaces are undergoing a technicolor transformation, moving away from traditional neutrals to incorporate vibrant hues and pastels. Joana Vasconcelos’s new indoor/outdoor BomBom chairs for Roche Bobois exemplify this trend, inspired by Portuguese sunsets and transforming showrooms into kaleidoscopic displays. Flexform and Dedon also introduced colorful outdoor furniture, with Dedon developing a unique color-shifting fiber for its seating, underscoring a desire for playful and expressive outdoor environments. Nature-inspired design, specifically “Moss-Core,” is another prominent trend, moving beyond subtle nods to nature to an immersive integration. Buccellati’s exhibit, featuring accessories nestled among carnivorous plants curated by Lily Kwong, and Forma Rosa’s ceramics paired with real flora and fauna at Alcova, illustrate this approach. Rinck’s designs incorporating undulating vine motifs further highlight the trend of intertwining design with natural elements, expected to influence textiles, rugs, and soft furnishings. Lighting is becoming more portable and versatile, reflecting a move towards indoor-outdoor living. Euroluce, the biennial lighting fair, featured portable lamps that can be easily moved, exemplified by Ginori 1735’s perfume bottle-inspired lights designed by Luca Nichetto, and Tom Dixon’s miniature versions of popular silhouettes. Italian design house Porada also contributed with the Ekero Move, a small, portable wood lamp, showcasing the growing demand for flexible and functional lighting solutions. Murano glasswork is experiencing a contemporary resurgence, with new designers breaking into the traditional space. Barbini Specchi Veneziani’s exhibit at Alcova showcased traditional Venetian glass alongside modern interpretations by emerging artists like Lucia Massari, whose confectionary Toppings chandeliers were displayed at Nilufar Depot. Dolce & Gabbana’s collaboration with Bradley Bowers on the chrysalis-like Fiosa vase, and Sofia Zevi Gallery featuring Akira Hara’s intricate vessels, demonstrate a fresh approach to this heritage craft. Aluminum is gaining traction as a preferred material, appreciated for its lightness and versatility. At Alcova, Arthur Vandergucht presented industrial tables and stools made of aluminum, emphasizing minimalist design and functional adornments. Kiki Goti’s debut collection also featured aluminum components in sconces, candlesticks, and mirrors, showcasing its playful potential. Ledongil Workshop from Korea presented functional objects with stainless steel bases and aluminum plates coated in glass fiber, creating a light, plastic-like appearance. Trompe-l’œil effects are adding a chic, deceptive element to design. Rinck, the French cabinetmaker, presented furnishings with subtly marbled surfaces that, upon closer inspection, were revealed to be lightweight composites. The Touch Wood duo developed a unique terrazzo using wood chips, challenging traditional material perceptions. Additionally, N/A, a design partnership between Natalia Triantafylli and Andrew Scott, utilized 3D printing to create clay mirrors and vessels based on scanned objects, blending traditional craft with digital aesthetics. Finally, textile design is focusing on sustainability and innovative production methods. Goran Sidjimovski’s BOI collection featured home textiles knitted from dead-stock yarns, organic cotton, and recycled polyester, with a production process that minimizes waste. Atelier LUMA presented a wool tent with a working felt machine and floor pillows woven from palm leaves, highlighting alternate uses for underloved textiles. Demeter Fogarasi’s “Frozen Textile” chair, made from a heat-pressed jute-based biocomposite, showcased how innovation can create inviting and comfortable forms from unexpected materials. #MilanDesignWeek #InteriorDesignTrends #FurnitureDesign #SustainableDesign #LightingDesign #MaterialInnovation #OutdoorLiving #TextileArt #DesignExhibitions

Milan Design Week transforms the city into a global design hub, attracting attendees to both Salone del Mobile and Fuorisalone. This year's event showcases a diverse range of installations, highlighting innovative approaches to design, lighting, and materiality. Atelier Biagetti, a recurring favorite at Fuorisalone, presents "The King," an exploration of obsessions inspired by Elvis Presley. Their installation reimagines a fantastical living room featuring "The King Sofa," a modular piece accompanied by guitar cases cleverly reinterpreted as tables with intricate Ravenna mosaics. This piece exemplifies their propensity for the impossible and their unique artistic vision. Ross Gardam, an Australian lighting designer, offers "Transcendence," an exhibit focused on the allure of illuminated glass. Gardam, known for creating meditative moods with his fixtures, demonstrates his broad talents and deep fascination with glass's ability to transcend physical boundaries. The installation promises a dynamic curation of luminaires, showcasing the material's unparalleled qualities. Giopato & Coombes, Treviso-based lighting masters, unveil "18 Pockets" after six years of dedicated research. This exhibit provides a glimpse into their creative process, highlighting the magical qualities of the immaterial. Their previous fixtures are transformed into 18 unique luminaires through a complex system of weight and balance, creating charming and poetic combinations. Galerie Philia's "Desacralized" exhibition takes place in a deconsecrated 11th-century Milanese church, fittingly exploring the theme of desacralization. Over 20 artists from the gallery's roster contribute to this unique setting. Notable pieces include Studiopepe's octagonal marble side table, inspired by Italian baptisteries, Kar Studio’s chair, drawing inspiration from ancient Chinese Shang Dynasty script, and a monumental chandelier by Morghen Studio, designed to offer a transformative experience of light within the historic space. SolidNature returns with "Beyond the Surface," an OMA-designed installation that metaphorically connects quarrying stone with the act of dreaming across seven distinct rooms. A highlight is Sabine Marcelis’s lustrous table, an ombré glass coffee table anchored by impressive stone blocks, demonstrating her experimental approach to materials. Objects of Common Interest, composed of Eleni Petaloti and Leonidas Trampoukis, presents "Poikilos." Inspired by ancient Greek references to iridescence and insights from Romanian artisan Ovidiu Colea, their ethereal objects and tables with opalescent finishes and sinuous curves inject energy into the Nilufar Depot. Loewe Chairs, under Jonathan Anderson's direction, reinterprets chairs into distinctive totems through an emphasis on texture, personality, color, and weaving. The display integrates materials close to Loewe’s brand identity, such as leather and raffia, with unexpected techniques like incorporating thermal blankets, elevating the humble stick chair into a canvas for elaborate woven decoration. Suchi Reddy, founder of Reddymade Architecture and Design, collaborates with Lexus on "Shaped by Air," an installation focused on carbon neutrality. Visitors navigate a forest of Matisse-like forms to discover a life-sized interpretation of the Lexus Electrified Sport, designed to evoke the sensation of being shaped by air. Lastly, "Bar Flora" is a collaboration between Sophie Lou Jacobsen, Nick Ozemba, and Felicia Hung of In Common With. Building on their Flora Collection, which employs Venetian glassmaking techniques to mimic natural forms, this installation transforms Palinurobar into a floral oasis. It introduces two new additions, including a sandblasted amber colorway, further enhancing their partnership. Byredo, known for its unconventional approach to fragrance, showcases "Bal D’Afrique by Dozie Kanu." Founder Ben Gorham teamed with Portugal-based artist Dozie Kanu to capture the essence of the beloved fragrance through a showcase that merges Kanu's unique objects with photographic negatives from Adjoa Armah’s _saman archive_, creating a multi-sensory experience that extends beyond traditional perfumery. #MilanDesignWeek #DesignInstallations #Fuorisalone #LightingDesign #FurnitureDesign #MaterialInnovation #CollectibleDesign #ArtAndDesign

Milan Design Week annually transforms the city's historic streets with a multitude of installations, performances, and interventions, captivating visitors with creative displays in shop windows and hidden courtyards. In recent years, fashion brands have increasingly participated, extending their design expertise to furniture, interiors, and architectural spaces. This integration showcases a growing trend of interdisciplinary collaboration between fashion and design industries. Among the highlights of Milan Design Week 2019, Marni's 'Moon Walk' installation draws inspiration from celestial themes, merging 'primitive fascinations with the imagination of the future.' This project features a collection of brightly colored chairs, loungers, stools, and tables crafted from innovative materials by Colombian artisans, with whom Marni has a long-standing collaboration. The designs reflect an exploration of unexplored forms and textures, bringing a unique artisanal touch to the event. Jil Sander's 'Adjacent Field' installation, a collaboration between creative directors Lucie and Luke Meier and artist Linda Tegg, emphasizes sustainability and spontaneity. The Jil Sander headquarters in Milan houses a botanical display comprising mosses, succulents, weeds, herbs, and flowers, illuminated by a sophisticated lighting design by Nic Burnham. This installation transforms the space into a natural oasis, highlighting the beauty and importance of biophilia in urban environments. COS, an early adopter of Milan Design Week participation since 2012, partnered with architect Arthur Mamou-Mani for 'Conifera.' This futuristic bower, constructed from 3D printed wood and bioplastic conical bricks, occupied the courtyard of the historic Palazzo Isimbardi. The project exemplifies the brand's commitment to innovative design and sustainable practices through the use of advanced manufacturing techniques and eco-friendly materials. Tod's No_Code Shelter, a joint effort between Tod's and architect Andrea Caputo, created a multi-room exhibition within a cavernous space adjacent to the National Museum of Science and Technology. Surrounded by reconstructions of Leonardo da Vinci's inventions, the installation delved into themes of shelter, sustainability, and safety in contemporary society, prompting reflection on modern living challenges and solutions. Miu Miu presented 'M/Matching Colourstool,' a playful collaboration with creative agency M/M Paris. This design features a perforated linden wood stool that allows for customization with over 300 colored 'matchsticks,' offering owners a personalized decorative experience. The stool debuted at Milan's Teatro Gerolamo, underscoring Miu Miu's vibrant aesthetic and engagement with artistic expression. Issey Miyake, on its third appearance at Milan Design Week, collaborated with architect Jólan van der Wiel for 'The Strange Attraction of Water.' The piece, 'Journey of a Raindrop,' integrates water and design to simulate a raindrop's journey through various elements, showcasing an understanding of the natural world and its influence on creative expression. This installation offers an immersive experience, blending natural phenomena with artistic interpretation. Finally, Raf Simons and Kvadrat continued their collaboration with 'No Man's Land,' an installation at Garage 21 that explores the 'microarchitecture of yarn.' The exhibit featured apocalyptically styled soft furnishings, a prefab house by Jean Prouvé, and catering from London's Rochelle Canteen. This project highlights the innovative use of textiles and examines the intersection of fashion, architecture, and interior design in creating conceptual spaces. #MilanDesignWeek #FashionInstallations #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalSpaces #SustainableDesign #ArtisanCraftsmanship #Biophilia #3DPrinting #TextileInnovation #CustomizableFurniture

The biennial Euroluce lighting exhibition, a central component of Milan design week, showcases the latest innovations and designs in lighting. Dezeen editor-at-large Amy Frearson curated a selection of twelve notable lighting launches from Euroluce and other venues across Milan. The Salone del Mobile, a furniture fair, hosts Euroluce, featuring prominent international lighting companies such as Flos, Foscarini, Artemide, A-N-D, and Lambert & Fils. Among the featured designs, Ronan Bouroullec's Luce Sferica for Flos is a modular suspension lamp described as a blend of softness, magic, and technical sophistication. It consists of mouth-blown glass spheres connected by a polished extruded aluminum body, evoking the delicacy of raindrops or a soap bubble. Michael Anastassiades also contributed to Flos's new collection with the Linked lights, which utilize linear glass links forming illuminated ropes. These glass-encased elements hook over each other, creating vertical lines that can extend from the ceiling to the floor, functioning as both lighting and spatial dividers. Herzog & de Meuron's Trois Rois lamps for Artemide, originally designed for a hotel in Basel, are portable, rechargeable, and dimmable table lamps with a curvy shade and animal-like three-legged base. Available in felt or die-cast aluminum, the design aims for a lightweight, creature-like aesthetic. Patrick Jouin's Vera pendant for Lasvit features a unique texture created by pouring molten glass over a tree trunk, inspired by the natural presence of the forest surrounding Lasvit's production facility. Kwangho Lee collaborated with Lambert & Fils on the Bolda pendant, incorporating copper enamelling on polished aluminum sheets, drawing inspiration from traditional Korean chilbo art. Lukas Peet of A-N-D designed Tier, a multi-level linear light system suitable for various surfaces like kitchen counters or desks, utilizing extruded aluminum elements that can be stacked and feature a scalloped form for even light reflection. Francesca Lanzavecchia's asymmetric Allumette chandelier for Foscarini reinterprets traditional chandelier forms with arms of varying lengths connecting a central body to transparent tubes, aiming to soften its formal rigidity through technological elements and irregular balances. Aqua Creations' Metropolitan Collection, including the Miami wall lights, draws inspiration from art deco, placing lights behind translucent materials like silk, handmade paper, and wood veneer to create functional artworks that resemble paintings. Alessandro Zambelli's Dansì wall lights for Luceplan are a family of four geometric designs made from die-cast aluminum, which can be arranged to create the illusion of a thread weaving through a wall, offering a sculptural presence by day and an unexpected brightness by night. Samuel Wilkinson’s Corka pendants for Zero are conical lamps made from granulated cork pressed into a mold, emphasizing a sustainable, single-material design with minimal electrical components. Mathias Hahn's Gambosa lamp for Marset provides a sculptural take on the classic table lamp, featuring a smoothly curved steel base and a matching shade in various color combinations. Lastly, Form Us With Love developed the modular Catena desk lighting system for Blond, a workplace solution allowing for diverse sizes and configurations. This system, debuted at Stockholm Design Week, uses glass tube lights connected by aluminum frames, which can be exposed or encased in aluminum mesh shades, demonstrating versatility in design and application. These diverse lighting solutions highlight innovative uses of materials, sustainable practices, and creative forms presented at Milan Design Week. #MilanDesignWeek #Euroluce #LightingDesign #RonanBouroullec #MichaelAnastassiades #HerzogDeMeuron #PatrickJouin #KwanghoLee #LukasPeet #FrancescaLanzavecchia #AlessandroZambelli #SamuelWilkinson #MathiasHahn #FormUsWithLove #SustainableDesign #InteriorLighting #ProductDesign #DesignInnovation

Milan Design Week and Salone del Mobile 2024 provided a prominent platform for Japanese design, showcasing a diverse range of innovative creations from various brands. The event highlighted traditional craftsmanship integrated with modern aesthetics, spanning furniture, lighting, textiles, and art installations. Several key brands presented new collections and exhibitions across Milan, emphasizing unique materials and design philosophies. Karimoku Case, known for its woodworking and manufacturing precision, exhibited at Salone del Mobile with a theme of 'Natural Contrasts.' The exhibition, curated by architect Keiji Ashizawa, created a serene atmosphere with spaces designed to connect indoor and outdoor elements. A notable feature was the reintroduction of _keyaki_ (zelkova) wood, traditionally used in temples and shrines, into contemporary furniture, aiming to revive its popularity. Designs by Ashizawa, Norm Architects, and Norman Foster were prominently displayed, reflecting a holistic approach to furniture within specific project settings. Three other Karimoku brands also held separate exhibitions. Seyun, a collaboration fusing Zaha Hadid's futuristic designs with Karimoku's wood craftsmanship, unveiled a new side table, tray, and lounge chair, all crafted from single pieces of wood. Mas, creatively directed by Wataru Kumano, debuted in Milan with 'Project Hinoki,' an exploration of Japanese cypress wood, featuring minimal lights by Daniel Rybakken and low triangular tables by Ville Kokkonen. Karimoku New Standard, with David Glättli as creative director, presented its first solo show in five years, showcasing pieces like the Polar sofa by Moritz Schlatter and textiles from a collaboration with Reiko Sudo's nuno, all in an atmospheric artist's studio setting. The textile industry was represented by Hosoo, a centuries-old Kyoto maker, in collaboration with Michele de Lucchi. Their 'Mind Landscape Collection' explored forest aesthetics through four new textiles (Cedar, Red Elm, Red Oak, Afzelia) with motifs derived from macro photographs of wood fibers and satellite imagery, blurring the lines between wood and fabric. Issey Miyake's 'Fold and Crease' installation, created by Dutch collective We Make Carpets, featured 60,000 hand-dyed bamboo skewers forming an undulating abstraction, evoking an underwater landscape within the brand's flagship store. Sugiyama Furniture, specializing in solid iron craftsmanship, presented 'The Beauty of Lines,' showcasing the versatility of iron in minimalist interior products. Collaborations with Japanese creatives yielded pieces like Kazuteru Murasawa's Felice chairs, combining lightweight iron with organic leather details, and Fumie Shibata's Wall Deco series. Ambientec, a Japanese lighting brand, introduced Fotika, a hybrid portable and desk lamp designed by Kensaku Oshiro, inspired by the light filtering through ocean waters and crafted from a single piece of aluminum. Majotae, a Japanese hemp brand, presented Majotae 9490, a new line of bedding made from _tamai-fu_, a super-fine traditional hemp, with textiles displayed in natural dyes. The exhibition also showcased historical hemp artifacts and a live demonstration of traditional weaving. Stellar Works, a Japanese furniture brand based in Shanghai, returned with an expansive showcase inspired by Marco Zanuso, featuring new Neri & Hu products like the Qi collection sofas and the Taiko terrazzo table by Studio Stefan Scholten. Finally, Nagano Interior, making its Salone del Mobile debut, presented solid wood furniture crafted from materials like red oak and Japanese ash, embodying the concept of 'wa' or harmony, with pieces like the DT614 table and Corona chair. Ritzwell, another Fukuoka-based furniture maker, blended Japanese craftsmanship with functional design, showcasing the Constantino Armchair by Shinsaku Miyamoto and the MT Coffee Table, alongside new wood color shades Sohbobku and Gen. #MilanDesignWeek #SaloneDelMobile #JapaneseDesign #FurnitureDesign #TextileInnovation #LightingDesign #Craftsmanship #SustainableMaterials #InteriorDesign

Milan Design Week 2025 showcased a significant presence of Japanese design and craftsmanship across various creative disciplines, ranging from furniture and lighting to unique homes and traditional tea caddies. This year's event highlighted an array of projects that blended traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary design principles, demonstrating a commitment to functionality, material integrity, and serene living. Among the standout exhibits was Nao Tamura’s ‘Vosco’ portable light for Ambientec. Tamura, inspired by timeless tools, crafted a light with a clean-lined solidity, featuring a cast iron top and a base made from Japanese walnut, maple, or oak. The design emphasizes utility and durability, incorporating a new Fresnel lens for uniform light diffusion across five levels, catering to diverse needs from a gentle glow to brighter illumination. Tamura's approach reflects a broader philosophical shift towards designing objects that are truly useful and enduring in a world already saturated with products. Atsushi Shindo presented ‘Some Echoes,’ a lighting installation at Salone Satellite inspired by a deep forest. Crafted from hundreds of hand-split Japanese sawara cypress wood pieces, the installation diffused a warm LED light, mimicking the scattered light through trees. Shindo aimed to create a 'moment in time' rather than just an object, using natural materials to evoke a sense of tranquility and connection to nature. Kengo Kuma collaborated with Gandia Blasco to create ‘Hos,’ a furniture collection that explores the interplay between timber and textiles. The collection features rug-like textiles made from recycled PET fibers draped over structural wood frames, reminiscent of Japanese temple joinery. Kuma appreciated the rich texture and natural roughness of the recycled PET, using it to create a harmonious blend with wood. Additionally, Nao Tamura launched the ‘Dunne’ collection for Gandia Blasco, characterized by streamlined curves inspired by ocean waves. Muji, with Paris-based Studio 5.5, unveiled a modular micro-house during Milan Design Week. This manifesto for modern living was constructed from five functional ‘slices’ using bio-based and repurposable materials, including recycled textiles for insulation. The design prioritized sustainability and essentialist functionality, featuring natural ventilation, a white roof for heat reduction and rainwater collection, a deep window-side wooden bathtub in the 'ofuro' bathroom, and a mini Japanese 'niwa' garden. The interior boasted a metal grid system for adaptable storage and a tatami sleeping area, epitomizing micro-living efficiency. Maruni Wood Industry presented its 2025 collection, showcasing designs by Naoto Fukasawa, Jasper Morrison, and Cecilie Manz. Fukasawa's updated Hiroshima sofa included a new modular addition with an angled design, promoting comfortable conversations. Cecilie Manz introduced ‘Maku,’ a serene screen made from washi paper and hinoki cypress, designed as a versatile object that can function as a sculpture or a light source. Her expanded Shoto collection featured a high table and stools with softly rounded edges. Jasper Morrison's new Lightwood Sofa, with its circular wood armrests and soft cushions, emphasized lightness and a flat-packed design. His T&O collection also expanded to include high-end office furniture, reflecting a shift towards more inspiring workspaces. Adal Look into Nature focused on revitalizing the tatami industry by reimagining igusa (rush grass) in contemporary forms. Their exhibition featured the Haori Armchair, with a traditional kimono jacket-shaped cover, and Nagare, undulating wall panels of woven igusa inspired by natural movements. Karimoku Case (KC), Karimoku New Standard (KNS), and Mas presented distinct approaches to design. KC showcased new work designed for specific spatial projects, emphasizing serenity and comfort. KNS and Mas created a lounge space with brightly colored furnishings and prototypes, including a new paper lamp and contemporary woven baskets, set against an urban film installation. Yomosugaru, a new Japanese lighting brand, debuted minimalist outdoor lights inspired by nature. Highlights included Suiren (water lily) with flat circular lights, Shobu (iris) with brushstroke-like black forms, and Kodama, a contemporary interpretation of Japan’s tree spirits. Time & Style harmonized Japanese washi paper with Italian architecture in their renovated Largo Treves showroom, displaying their new 2025 collection of contemporary pieces in a serene setting. Hideo, specializing in high-quality freestanding bathtubs, exhibited luxuriously spacious white tubs made from eco-sustainable materials, such as Cristalplant Biobased Active. Finally, Kaikado, Japan’s oldest tea caddy makers, celebrated their 150th anniversary with a book and an exhibition of 150 tea caddies, alongside demonstrations of their craftsmanship. Nagano Interior showcased a new series of stools made from camphor wood, featuring playful finishes and a foldable wooden bookcase. #MilanDesignWeek #JapaneseDesign #FurnitureDesign #LightingDesign #SustainableDesign #Craftsmanship #MinimalistDesign #InteriorDesign #ProductInnovation

The Milan Design Week showcased a strong and growing synergy between luxury fashion and home décor, with several high-profile fashion houses extending their design expertise into interior furnishings. This trend highlights the increasing influence of fashion aesthetics on home design, offering consumers opportunities to incorporate runway-inspired pieces into their living spaces. Seven notable collaborations and collections stood out, demonstrating diverse approaches to this cross-industry integration. Fendi's new Casa collection, under the direction of Silvia Venturini Fendi, featured Christina Celestino’s “Ottavia” chairs. These chairs, inspired by the Roman landscape, boast a rounded back for comfort and sophistication, along with stained wood that accentuates the natural grain. The collection also included Piero Lissoni’s modular Taiko sofa system, the “Blow Up” modular seating by Controvento Studio under Gabriele Chiave, and a logo-adorned “Artichoke” pendant lamp by Louis Poulsen, reimagined in metal and yellow glass. Fendi's offerings emphasized fashion-forward color palettes such as yellow micro bouclé, pink velvet, and grey bouclé. Missoni unveiled a new line of poufs, bringing their iconic zig-zag prints and geometric patterns to life. The brand described its display as a "surreal space with decorative visions that overcome the force of gravity," offering more artistic than purely functional pieces designed to add glamour. A notable item was a circular stool embellished with Swarovski crystals, exuding a disco-inspired aesthetic. Dior Maison continued its collaboration with renowned designer Philippe Starck, presenting the latest iteration of the Monsieur Dior’s armchair at Milan’s 18th-century Palazzo Citterio. This modern reinterpretation of the classic medallion design was showcased through a sound and light extravaganza, available in various colors and materials, including a fluorescent orange toile de Jouy. Versace introduced the “Zensational” sofa, a modular seating system characterized by the brand's signature swirls and Medusa head adornment. This luxurious piece is offered in two distinctive options: crocodile-embossed leather or Baroque-print jacquard, embodying classic Versace style. Loro Piana's collection, developed with Argentinian designer Cristián Mohaded, featured 12 towering stone structures wrapped in the house’s archival interiors fabrics. The art-inspired furniture collection highlighted the transformation of raw materials into desirable items, emphasizing preservation and natural beauty. Materials like chiseled wood, undyed raw cashmere, silk velvet, and vicuña were prominently used. Loewe, under designer Jonathan Anderson, presented a collection that reimagined Welsh stick chairs. Anderson, an avid collector of these chairs, collaborated with artisans globally to transform these humble pieces into haute design objects. The chairs were adorned with various materials such as paper, twine, shearling, leather, raffia, and even emergency insulating foil, creating unique, emotionally resonant pieces. Marni collaborated with Belgian brand Serax to launch its first tableware collection, "Midnight Flowers." This 120-piece hand-illustrated porcelain set features whimsical florals and a fresh color palette, inspired by Marni's quirky-elegant runway collections. Creative director Francesco Risso noted the shared ground between ready-to-wear and tableware in their emphasis on dialogue, materiality, tactility, and sensorial emotions. These collaborations collectively underscore the expanding boundaries between fashion and interior design, bringing high fashion sensibilities into the home décor market. #MilanDesignWeek #LuxuryFashion #HomeDecor #FashionInteriors #DesignerCollaborations #FendiCasa #DiorMaison #VersaceHome

The article presents a curated selection of ten notable furniture and lighting designs created by prominent architects and studios, which were showcased at Milan Design Week. These designs span a range of products from chairs and tables to various lighting fixtures, highlighting the intersection of architecture and product design. Among the featured pieces is "La Magie du Bois" by Swiss studio Herzog & de Meuron, a furniture collection developed in collaboration with Marta Sala Editions Milano. This collection emphasizes wooden craftsmanship and includes four series, notably the Meninas armchairs, crafted from Canaletto walnut and fabric, specifically designed for the renovation of Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel. The collection was exhibited at Salone del Mobile. Danish architecture studio BIG showcased their "Arctic" lamp collection at the Euroluce 2025 exhibition. This lighting series is characterized by geometric components that create a play of light and reflection, inspired by the geometry of ice crystals. The lamps feature a sculptural Archimedean form with mirrored surfaces and a central core that diffuses light, while the mirrored surfaces reflect the surroundings when the light is off. Phantom Hands, a furniture brand, collaborated with the Geoffrey Bawa Trust to reintroduce Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa’s furniture collection. This collection, encompassing chairs, tables, and lighting, recreates pieces originally developed between the mid-1960s and mid-1990s, including wood and metal furniture like the curvaceous Kandalama chairs. Gae Aulenti’s "Alcinoo" table lamp was reinterpreted by lighting brand Artemide, 50 years after its initial design. The lamp features a rounded form of blown glass encased within a cylindrical metal cage, balancing transparency and structural strength. A sphere emerges from the top, and three internal light sources filter through its transparent exterior. Japanese architect Kengo Kuma collaborated with Spanish outdoor design brand Gandia Blasco to create the limited-edition HOS collection, which includes a deckchair and stool. These pieces, displayed at Salone del Mobile, feature wooden joints, reflecting Japanese architectural traditions, and are made with tactile fabrics from recycled PET fibers. Lebanese architect Aline Asmar d'Amman presented "The Power of Tenderness," a furniture series comprising bookshelves, tables, and chairs made from marble, concrete, and stone. The Béton Littéraire series includes a bookshelf made from books and rough concrete, while other pieces like the Stone Cloud table series and Georgia lounge seating range feature plush finishes and swivel bases. Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan of Studio MK27, in collaboration with Minotti, launched the "Bézier" and "Bézier Cord Outdoor" collections. These collections, known for their organic forms, feature modular seating systems with plush finishes and coffee and dining tables with textured surfaces. Engineering firm Arup introduced "Internode," a lamp crafted from bamboo and aluminum components. Showcased at Artemide's Euroluce exhibition, this task light uses spring-free joints, relying on friction and equilibrium for its function. Norwegian studio Snøhetta, in partnership with Italian lighting manufacturer Viabizzuno, launched the "Aura" lighting collection. This collection focuses on optimizing light quality through transparent "light prisms" rather than the fixture itself. Swiss architect Mario Botta collaborated with Italian design company Alias to create the "Saturno" table collection and "Zeta" stool. The Zeta stool, built from colored MDF, is inspired by the letter Z, while the Saturno series features tables with solid central bases, reflecting Botta’s architectural style. These designs represent a blend of architectural principles and furniture aesthetics, offering functional and artistic pieces for contemporary spaces. #MilanDesignWeek #FurnitureDesign #LightingDesign #ArchitecturalFurniture #ProductDesign #ContemporaryDesign #InteriorDesign #SaloneDelMobile

The article discusses the "Tools for Life" furniture collection, a collaboration between Knoll and OMA, the architecture office co-founded by Rem Koolhaas. This collection, which was previewed at Prada's fall 2013 men's fashion shows, is set for its official debut at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan. The exhibition will take place on April 9 and 10 at Prada’s exhibition space. The furniture is specifically designed to address the increasingly fluid boundaries between living and working environments, emphasizing kinetic and flexible functionality over static forms. Rem Koolhaas articulated his objective for the collection as creating furniture capable of performing in both precise and unpredictable ways, with flexibility being a core tenet. A notable piece, the 04 Counter, is described as a massive, engineered item comprising three horizontal bars. These bars can stack to form a wall, or they can pivot and cantilever, allowing the piece to transform from a room divider into a "piazza," according to Benjamin Pardo, Knoll’s design director. Pardo observed that the dynamic nature of the object encourages user interaction and engagement. Other items in the collection, such as the 05 Round Table and the 06 Table, are also designed with adaptability in mind. The 06 Table, envisioned as an executive desk, features a two-layered top. Both tables can be electrically adjusted in height, ranging from standing level to lounge height, catering to various user needs and activities. The collection further extends to include a coffee table, diverse seating options, a screen, and a credenza, each contributing to the overarching theme of versatile living and working spaces. The launch of the "Tools for Life" collection coincides with Knoll’s 75th anniversary. Benjamin Pardo identifies parallels between OMA’s furniture and some of Florence Knoll’s classic designs, noting that both serve as "background pieces that create sub-architecture in an architectural space." However, Pardo highlights that "Tools for Life" is specifically a response to contemporary work patterns. He stresses the importance of discussing "work" rather than solely the "office," reflecting the modern reality that individuals now work across various environments. This emphasis on flexible work and living spaces is a prominent theme at this year's Salone. The fair itself is sponsoring an exhibition titled "Project: office for living," conceived by French architect Jean Nouvel. This exhibition will showcase five distinct work environments, including a classic apartment reconfigured into a cocoon-like workspace and a cityscape composed of mobile, modular, and stackable flat surfaces designed for easy arrangement and use. This parallel exploration of adaptable spaces indicates a broader industry trend where design minds are converging on similar solutions for evolving lifestyle and work demands. #FurnitureDesign #Knoll #OMAArchitecture #RemKoolhaas #FlexibleLiving #MilanDesignWeek #SaloneInternazionaleDelMobile #WorkFromAnywhere #InteriorDesignTrends

The 62nd Salone del Mobile in Milan, a prominent international design event, and its accompanying Fuorisalone events are showcasing a diverse range of Japanese design talent. Several established and emerging Japanese designers and brands are presenting their latest works, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and traditional craftsmanship. Among the newcomers at the Rho Fiera exhibition complex are Adal and Nagano. Adal is presenting its 'Look into Nature' brand, which re-imagines igusa (Japanese rush grass), traditionally used in tatami, as a sustainable material for contemporary furniture. This involves transforming igusa into flexible textiles for chair backrests, coffee table panels, minimalist room screens, and abstract wall art, all inspired by Japanese landscapes. Nagano Interior, on the other hand, focuses on solid wood, highlighting its natural grain and texture through meticulous hand-finishing in its 'Think Basic' series. Daft about Draft, directed by Taiju Yamashita, is exhibiting for the second time at Rho Fiera. The brand features plush furnishings and sleek tables characterized by curved forms, soft textiles, dusky tones, and a focus on velvety textures, dark woods, and brushed metals. Yamashita's approach views furniture as a medium for expression, aiming to create personal narratives through user experience. Sixteen works are on display this year, with six making their debut in Milan. Karimoku Furniture is presenting its largest Milan showing to date, with four of its brands spread across different venues. At Rho Fiera, Karimoku Case, a collaboration with renowned designers Norm Architects and Keiji Ashizawa, showcases furniture for specific architectural projects. New pieces include those designed for the 'Bellustar Tokyo' hotel (Case 09) and the 'Azabu Hills Residence' complex (Case 10), featuring curvilinear forms, subdued hues, and the first use of lighter-toned keyaki (zelkova) wood in the Case series. Fuorisalone events in Milan’s Tortona district feature Karimoku New Standard, making its first appearance in five years with an installation curated by Connie Husser and creatively directed by David Glaettli. Karimoku's collaboration with Zaha Hadid Design also returns with new additions to its architecturally inspired Seyun lineup. A new brand, Mas, an all-wood furniture line from Karimoku, is also introduced. Named after the traditional hinoki (Japanese cypress) masu cup and a nod to 'mass production,' Mas includes clean-lined chairs, benches, stools, and tables made from Japanese coniferous woods, detailing unique joinery. SaloneSatellite, which spotlights young designers, features Hana Mitsui, who is re-thinking traditional textile production through recycling waste materials. Her 'Visual Illusion' installation includes 'Blurring Checker,' a fabric inspired by the deliberate misalignment of independently dyed warp and weft threads in kasuri textiles, creating soft, blurred patterns. Product designer Kodai Iwamoto showcases new lighting works, including the 'Komoru' circular wall lamp and the 'Arrow Stand Lamp,' which emanates light mysteriously from behind, demonstrating his self-taught techniques in metalworking and wood carving. Further Fuorisalone innovations include the 'Origin of Simplicity. 20 Visions of Japanese Design' exhibition at the ADI Design Museum, curated by Rossella Menegazzo. This exhibition explores simplicity in Japanese design from the 1960s to the present, featuring over 150 works in a forest-like setting designed by Kenya Hara. The Isola Design Festival, expanding to new venues in Milan’s Isola district, includes three exhibitions with Japanese creators. Yu Watanabe transforms his space into an atelier for 'Disclosure: Design Studios Unveiled,' exhibiting material explorations and urushi (Japanese lacquer) pendant lamps. Shinkogeisha’s 'New Craft' exhibition combines design, engineering, and technology into contemporary craft, showcasing 3D-printed items like Nosemono (attachments to natural rocks and branches) and Tilde’s knit-textured radios. Arakawa Grip celebrates its 50th anniversary with an installation by Kaori Akiyama, and also features new furniture and homeware products from 16 Japanese designers. Other notable presentations include 'Wonderpowder,' a collaboration between design studio We+ and Shimadzu, exploring the design potential of powder as a material through an interactive installation at Dropcity. Majotae, a textile brand directed by Teruhiro Yanagihara Studio, is launching its first collection of naturally dyed bedding, reviving taima-fu, an extra-fine hemp fabric from the Edo Period, with the help of modern technology. #SaloneDelMobile #MilanDesignWeek #JapaneseDesigners #FurnitureDesign #SustainableMaterials #TextileInnovation #Craftsmanship #ArchitecturalDesign #ProductDesign

This blog post chronicles an eight-hour sprint through Milan Design Week, offering a comprehensive overview of 11 exhibitions, two dinners, and numerous networking opportunities, resulting in over 1,100 photos and a personal record for steps taken. The journey began at Nilufar Depot, a Milanese gallery celebrating its 10th anniversary with a theatrical presentation across three floors, showcasing a blend of classic icons and new designs, including a fur-lined maze with metal furniture and a striking red room by Objects of Common Interest. The tour continued to Casa Cork by David Rockwell, an immersive installation by Cork Collective that highlighted the versatility of natural cork. This exhibition featured various cork furnishings, from wall sconces to lounge chairs, and centered around a replica cork tree, demonstrating cork’s malleable properties and regenerative qualities. Next, SCP, a British manufacturer, marked its 40th anniversary with an exhibition divided into three sections: George Sowden’s rubberized lighting designs, SCP’s 2025 collection of foam-free upholstered seating emphasizing sustainable innovation, and the Boxed collection, featuring easily shippable objects designed to fit into a shipping container. Ligne Roset reissued its 1970s and 1980s Sandra settee and Kashima armchair, presenting them in new colors that maintain a contemporary feel while offering comfort. Loewe's exhibition, held in Palazzo Citterio, showcased 25 teapots created by various artists, designers, and architects, contextualizing a new line of homewares. The display transformed the utilitarian teapot form into art, presented dramatically in a bunker-like basement space. Marimekko collaborated with artist Laila Gohar to launch a new collection of bedding, sleepwear, and ceramics featuring colorful stripes. The installation included a grand-sized bed and playfully addressed the idea of eating in bed, symbolizing a blend of home life and art. Beni Rugs, a brand working with Moroccan artisans, presented “Intersection,” a line of 10 new rugs made in collaboration with Studio KO. The collection highlighted five weaving techniques, drawing inspiration from paperwork and showcasing the narrative ability of rugs in a former textile shop. Ikea revisited its Stockholm collection, featuring high-end pieces like chairs, shelving units, and a three-seat sofa, all in tan tones, presented in a large industrial space. Calico Wallpaper, in collaboration with Stephen Burks Man Made, displayed its Particulaire design, a wallpaper featuring favorite objects gathered during travels, showcased at the Instituto dei Ciechi. The exhibition included human-scale cutouts of selected objects, creating an immersive experience. The journey concluded with L’Appartamento by Artemest, which showcased Italian craftsmanship by opening Palazzo Donizetti to the public for its 10th anniversary, featuring 180 Italian artisans and artists across six unique spaces. Lastly, Capsule Plaza hosted Hem and USM. Hem celebrated its 10-year anniversary with an immersive suite showcasing collaborations and new releases like Philippe Malouin’s Great sofa, while USM provided a backdrop for Pharrell’s Humanrace skincare brand with a modular bathroom design. #MilanDesignWeek #FurnitureDesign #ProductShowcase #InteriorDecor #SustainableDesign #Craftsmanship #ExhibitionHighlights #HomeFurnishings #ArtAndDesign

Milan Design Week, also known as Salone del Mobile, traditionally serves as a pivotal event for design enthusiasts and a leading international exhibition for furniture and interior design. In recent years, the event has expanded its scope, attracting significant participation from the fashion industry. Brands such as Gucci and Loro Piana are increasingly featured alongside established home brands, presenting events and new product launches that blur the lines between fashion and home design. Among the highlights of Milan Design Week 2025 is Miu Miu's Literary Club, which dedicates two days to exploring the works of French philosopher and writer Simone de Beauvoir. Concurrently, Prada Frames will host a symposium centered on the multifaceted concept of transportation. Louis Vuitton is set to introduce a new home collection, further solidifying the convergence of high fashion and interior aesthetics. La DoubleJ will host tarot card readings at its new headquarters, adding a unique experiential element to the design week offerings. Loewe, marking its ninth appearance at Salone, has collaborated with 25 artists, designers, and architects to create a collection of teapots. These pieces, crafted by figures such as Edmund de Waal, Walter Prince, and David Chipperfield, explore the cultural significance and conventions surrounding tea, ranging from highly literal to abstract interpretations. Loewe is also offering a Salone homewares collection, which includes coasters and leather charms. Prada Frames, the annual symposium organized by Prada, focuses this year on “In Transit,” investigating the infrastructures that facilitate the movement of both people and ideas. Discussions are held in unique historical settings, including the recently restored 1950s train, Arlecchino, designed by Gio Ponti and Giulio Minoletti, and the ornate Padiglione Reale, a former royal waiting area at Milan’s Central Station. Louis Vuitton is launching its inaugural home collection, showcased at Milan’s Palazzo Serbelloni. This new line encompasses furniture, lighting, tableware, textiles, and games, with a pinball machine reportedly inspired by Pharrell. The collection complements the brand’s existing Objets Nomades, a series of limited-edition pieces created by notable designers like India Mahdavi and the Campana brothers, which will also be on display. La DoubleJ is celebrating its 10-year anniversary by unveiling its new five-story headquarters, dubbed the “LDJ Starquarters,” in Milan’s Navigli district. This new space is designed to foster positive energy and will host a week of events, including tarot card readings and sound healing sessions in the newly opened Gong Temple on its rooftop. The brand is also releasing new versions of its Napoli Rosa homeware collection. Miu Miu's Literary Club returns for its second chapter, “A Woman’s Education,” building on last year's “Writing Life.” This year’s program explores themes of girlhood and love through the works of Simone de Beauvoir and Japanese author Fumiko Enchi, featuring performances and talks by authors such as Lauren Elkin, Geetanjali Shree, and Naoise Dolan. Gucci presents “Bamboo Encounters,” an exhibition at the 16th-century Milan monastery Chiostri di San Simpliciano. Curated by architect Ippolito Pestellini Laparelli, the exhibit highlights bamboo’s historical significance to the house through multidisciplinary works, including sculptures, bamboo baskets, and kites. Kartell is commemorating 25 years of its lighting line with an exhibition at its Milan flagship store, featuring iconic lamps and lighting pieces. The Kartell Museum, also celebrating its 25th anniversary, will host a retrospective on Italian industrial designer Joe Colombo. New products and re-editions, including a reissue of Colombo’s 1964 KD28 lamp, will also be released. Finally, Loro Piana has partnered with Dimoremilano to create “La Prima Notte di Quiete,” an installation transforming the courtyard of Loro Piana’s headquarters into a 1970s-style home. The space features furniture by Dimorestudio for Loro Piana Interiors, Dimorestudio pieces with Loro Piana fabrics, items from Loro Piana’s The Art of Good Living collection, and artworks from Milanese galleries. #MilanDesignWeek #FashionHomeCrossover #LuxuryInteriors #ArtAndDesign #PradaFrames #LouisVuittonHome #LaDoubleJ #MiuMiuLiteraryClub #GucciBamboo #KartellLighting #LoroPianaDimoremilano

Materia 2.0, a new material library located in the heart of Porta Nuova, Milan, was unveiled during Milan Design Week 2025. This initiative, spearheaded by Fabio Pecora, aims to place materials at the forefront of design, innovation, and sustainability discussions, moving beyond their traditional role as mere components. Silvia Spreafico, design manager at Materia 2.0, highlights the necessity for a comprehensive dictionary of architectural materials in Italy, which the Como-based company has taken upon itself to create. The library spans 500 square meters and houses an extensive collection of over 1,200 material samples, with a catalog exceeding 15,000 products. These materials, sourced from various regions across Italy, represent fine craftsmanship, innovative qualities, and the 'Made in Italy' integrity. The collection includes a diverse range of architectural materials such as metal, glass, ceramic, porcelain stoneware, concrete, marble, natural stone, wood, terracotta, resin, fabric, and cement grit. The objective is to continually expand this collection, making it the largest material library in Italy, encompassing everything from surfaces to upholstery materials, and from artisanal to industrial products. The visual presentation of Materia 2.0 is meticulously organized. A 30-meter-long gallery displays material samples much like books on a shelf, ensuring each 'spine' or sample is perfectly aligned. Each piece is standardized to a 20x20cm format, regardless of its original weight or density, and is accompanied by information panels and QR codes. These digital tags provide in-depth technical specifications and variations, allowing designers and architects to quickly access crucial data for their projects. The selection process for inclusion in Materia 2.0 is primarily based on quality. Spreafico cites examples such as Marca Corona, a ceramics brand established in 1741, known for its rich history and unique pieces, some of which are showcased in the library. Another example is Il Ferrone, a Tuscan company that produces both industrial and artisanal terracotta, reviving ancient kiln techniques. The library also features classic Brianza-based furniture makers like Barzaghi Salotti and metal workshops like Zava, which has evolved to create sculptural lighting pieces. A common thread among all featured companies is their strong in-house production values. Beyond just a display space, Materia 2.0 incorporates immersive exhibition areas where materials are presented as finished furniture pieces and experimental installations. For instance, CP Parquet, a Venetian flooring company, demonstrates how its flooring materials can be innovatively used to create coordinated tables and bookshelves. The overarching ambition for Materia 2.0 is to evolve beyond a mere showroom into a center of excellence dedicated to research, design, and interdisciplinary exchange. While partner companies are involved, the project emphasizes its non-commercial nature, positioning itself as a tool for experimentation and bold material combinations rather than a direct sales platform. #MilanDesignWeek #MaterialLibrary #ItalianDesign #ArchitecturalMaterials #DesignInnovation #SustainableDesign #Craftsmanship #InteriorDesign #DesignResearch

Objects of Common Interest, a design studio with bases in New York and Athens, has developed a collection of 13 ethereal objects using a unique iridescent resin. This collection, named Poikilos, features furniture and homeware designs and was showcased at Nilufar Depot during Milan design week. The pieces demonstrate a wide range of colors and translucency, depending on their thickness, with solid items appearing milky and thinner ones almost transparent. The studio's co-founders, Eleni Petaloti and Leonidas Trampoukis, learned the specialized technique for creating this resin from Ovidiu Colea, an 85-year-old Romanian-born craftsman. Colea, who had been casting resin for four decades, developed his own proprietary methods and 'secret recipes.' His expertise included a variety of resin applications, from collaborating with artists to mass-producing souvenir replicas. Upon his decision to retire, Petaloti attempted to find a successor to continue Colea's craft, recognizing his unique scientific approach to the material. However, without a suitable partner, Colea opted to entrust his workshop, machinery, and recipes to Objects of Common Interest. Colea's entire workshop was relocated to Athens, where Objects of Common Interest established a new production facility. Colea personally traveled to Athens to provide two weeks of intensive training to the studio's staff, transferring his specialized knowledge. Petaloti described this process as an "extreme challenge," highlighting the complexity and proprietary nature of Colea's methods. The studio, which receives EU funding, has since employed 13 individuals at this new facility in Athens. Poikilos marks the first public presentation of the results from this collaboration. Curated by Valentina Ciuffi of Studio Vedèt, the exhibition aims to explore the potential of this iridescent resin for sculptural furniture and homeware. The designs align with Objects of Common Interest's contemporary aesthetic, previously seen in projects like the tubular Formation seats and the inflatable fountain at Alcova. Notable pieces in the Poikilos collection include the three-legged Klisis chair, the concave Afairesi console, and the Stala coffee table, which resembles a whale. The exhibition's name, Poikilos, is an Ancient Greek term referring to iridescence, such as the mottled fur of a leopard or the skin of a snake, drawing a connection to the studio's Athenian base. Petaloti emphasized the economic benefits this new production facility brings to Athens and expressed pride in activating a local making industry. #IridescentResin #ObjectsOfCommonInterest #MilanDesignWeek #HomewareDesign #FurnitureDesign #Craftsmanship #DesignInnovation #GreekDesign #CollectibleDesign

This year-in-review article from Core77 highlights significant trends and notable designs in furniture and lighting throughout 2011, alongside a retrospective of major international design festivals. The review begins by emphasizing the continuous relevance of furniture and lighting in industrial design, noting that while broader topics like technology emerge, these categories remain fundamental. Key discussions include the versatile use of wood as a material in furniture, featuring pieces ranging from left-field commentary to subtractive designs, crazy curves, and plywood pods, often incorporating nest-like warping. The article also showcases various applications of reclaimed materials, from preserved and polished pieces to de-militarized items and those simply repurposed. Lighting designs are explored in depth, highlighting how many lamps creatively mimic other objects, including the lampshade itself, leading to skeuomorphic designs like the cluster-like 'TamTam' ceiling lamp, the futuristic 'LED Shade Lamp,' and the humble 'Sympathy for the Bulb.' The popular levitating lamps by Light Light are also mentioned. Beyond conventional forms, lamps took on abstract biomorphic shapes, both 3D-printed and otherwise, and imaginative forms such as an open-ocean predator, fly kicks, and a maritime marker. The intersection of indoor lighting and upcycling is noted, with designers transforming plumbing fixtures into steampunk lighting and repurposing recyclable materials into elegant pendant lamps and minimalist desk lamps. The 'Liter of Light' project, developed by MIT students, is recognized for its significant social impact in providing sustainable lighting solutions. Chairs, a staple of furniture design, are presented through their diverse material explorations. These include aluminum wire, cork, laser-cut steel, Twintex, recycled PET bottles, piano keys, circuit boards, salvaged signage, and even the creative use of empty space. The article humorously contrasts a chair made of discarded candy wrappers with one made entirely of candy, both praised for their aesthetic appeal. The vast array of chair designs in terms of shapes and sizes is acknowledged, including those designed for bachelors and by student bachelors, and chairs that resemble other objects. DIY approaches to seating are also covered, ranging from emphatically designed pieces to simpler, deconstructed or remixed versions of classic designs like the Eames Lounge. The enduring popularity of the Mid-Century Modern (MCM) aesthetic is discussed, noting its continued presence in designs both at home and internationally, despite playful attempts to 'retire' it. The MCM movement persists through the resurrection of long-lost designs, limited-edition reinterpretations, and online resources. The review then shifts to an overview of global design weeks and festivals. Dutch Design Week 2011 is highlighted for its conceptually rich work, including Tom Gottelier's wax creations and Dennis Parren's 'CMYK Lamp.' The inaugural Beijing Design Week showcased 'site-specific' designs reflecting mainland Chinese cultural touchstones, such as the 'Chinese Stuff' exhibit and the Water Calligraphy Device Tricycle Hack, with Naihan Li's 'CRATES' collection of mobile pop-up furniture being a notable success. Design Tide Tokyo, part of Tokyo Design Week, featured 'Souvenir' by Design Soil, a series of furniture designed for easy disassembly and travel. Exhibitions in Tokyo offered a comprehensive view of Japanese design, from traditional crafts to contemporary issues and accessories. Vienna Design Week, though smaller, presented significant installations, including Philippe Malouin's collaboration with Lobmeyr and Thomas Feichtner's crafted 'M3' chair. The Salone Milan, recognized as the year's largest design event, featured Studio Formafantasma's 'Botanica,' an exploration of material science roots, and Thomas Lommée's forward-thinking OpenStructures project. The Open Source movement's impact on furniture design, seen in DIY projects and design-build firms, is also emphasized. Milan's diverse offerings included craft mashups, photoluminescent lamps, and unique material explorations. New York Design Week, including ICFF and the Noho Design District, showcased American innovation and craftsmanship, with notable works from Uhuru and Lindsey Adelman, and a tribute exhibition for Tobias Wong. London Design Week featured diverse European designs, such as the 'Argonaut' collection by Greek designers and Kyuhyung Cho's experimental typography, alongside student projects from the RCA and eco-minded cardboard furniture startups, concluding the review with a look at cardboard's versatile applications. #FurnitureDesign #LightingDesign #DesignFestivals #MaterialInnovation #Upcycling #MidCenturyModern #DutchDesignWeek #BeijingDesignWeek #TokyoDesignWeek #ViennaDesignWeek #SaloneMilan #NewYorkDesignWeek #LondonDesignFestival #OpenSourceDesign #SustainableDesign

The 'Tokyo Fiber ’09 Senseware' exhibition, directed by graphic designer Kenya Hara, showcased Japan's advanced textile industry during Milan Design Week. The exhibition, held at the Triennale Museum, featured high-technology chemical fibers and innovative works developed by over 20 companies, designers, and artists. Each displayed project highlighted the practical and aesthetic applications of these cutting-edge materials. One featured exhibit was the 'Light Fiber Bench' by Gwenael Nicolas (Curiosity), which utilized ESKA plastic optical fiber to create a luminous seating concept. Another notable project from Nissan involved a 'Laughing Vehicle' wrapped in ROICA® high-stretch tricot, demonstrating the material's flexibility and aesthetic potential. Mintdesigns presented masks modeled after human and animal faces, crafted from SMASH, a highly thermoplastic nonwoven fabric, showcasing its moldability. Yasuhiro Suzuki contributed a 'Breathing Mannequin Frame' using BREATHAIR®, a 3D spring structure, illustrating its unique volumetric properties. Kosuke Tsumura designed a 'Cocoon Cradle' for a newborn baby, employing FELIBENDY, a tunable nonwoven fabric, emphasizing its soft and adaptable nature. Theatre Products created an 'Expanding Airy Tea Table' filled with wind, made from uts-ultfino, an ultramicro polyester material, highlighting its lightness and ethereal quality. Makoto Azuma's 'Planter for Moss Wafting in Midair' utilized TERRAMAC®, a biodegradable 3D material, focusing on sustainable and innovative botanical displays. Ross Lovegrove designed the 'Teardrop' ultra-lightweight backpack, incorporating T.W.F (fabric) and MELSET (fiber), a triaxial woven fabric, for enhanced durability and reduced weight. Shigeru Ban presented a 'Super Thin/Light-Weight Chair' made with TENAX® carbon fiber, demonstrating the material's strength-to-weight ratio in furniture design. Jun Aoki's 'Ultra-Long Arm Lighting Fixture' also employed TORAYCA® carbon fiber, showcasing its structural capabilities for extended designs. Panasonic Corporation Design Company displayed a 'Wiping Robot' that utilized NANOFRONT, a nanofiber, illustrating its fine texture and cleaning efficacy. Kashiwa Sato contributed 'Toys Comprising Visible Air,' made from BREATHAIR® 3D spring structure, emphasizing its playful and structural versatility. Hiroo Iwata presented a 'Robot Tile' incorporating KURALON® EC, a conductive fiber, to create a textile switching device, hinting at interactive surfaces. Finally, Kengo Kuma designed a 'Light Penetrable Concrete Construction' using ESKA plastic optical fiber, exploring the integration of light into architectural materials. Nendo’s 'Paper Lantern Blown Up Like a Balloon' used SMASH thermoplastic nonwoven fabric, showcasing its ability to form voluminous, lightweight structures. Antonio Citterio designed a 'Sofa with Electric Headrest' using FINEX® multi-layered stretch fabric, highlighting advanced textile applications in comfort and functionality. #TokyoFiber #SensewareExhibition #MilanDesignWeek #TextileInnovation #MaterialDesign #ProductDesign #JapaneseDesigners #FiberTechnology #IndustrialDesign