It's the time of the year again, when designers from all over the world unite for exploring furniture pieces, drinking espressos, sipping on a spritz and partaking in the Italian Dolce Vita for a week.
Studio Petak thoroughly enjoyed the show and completely immersing ourselves in the creative spirit of the fair. I'll share our most memorable discoveries.
My absolute favourite was the Moooi exhibition. The Dutch brand which was up to their typical high standard, and had done some magical things in their spacious warehouse in the centre of Milan. I had a privilege to attend their private tours and hear more about the background from the designers in person.
The lovely Megan Grehl and her team had created a series of 'sancturies' that combined Moooi’s contemporary style with vintage objects, planting and precious contrasting accents. Each one had a definitive character, but they were all united in a sense of luxury and opulence.
I loved the story behind Concrete’s installation. When the Dutch design studio was asked to create an installation based on the theme ‘Office’, they decided to do THEIR office. They used black faced plywood shelving to recreate the walls of their houseboat studio. What’s even more fascinating is that they actually brought the team to the installation - so the space was literally their workspace! You could see all curious designers trying to get sneak peaks of the projects in progress, or just having a chat with the Concrete designers.
Finally, the journey finished with a museum of extinct animals. The Moooi team had created a ‘victorian’ inspired gallery showcasing pictures of extinct, fantasy like beasts. Each setting was inspired by the animal, so you would walk over a carpet, reminiscent of the luminosity of a rainbow fish, or touch a three-dimensional wallpaper inspired by the Dodo.
So much of what is lived is lost and can still only live in our memories and imagination… We want to share our excitement, wonder and love, and try humbly, against our better judgement, to hold on to what is lost and celebrate it coming back alive again – Marcel Wanders
Nando’s exhibition was definitely the most queued for and hyped up, but it was worth the trip. The Japanese designer who is never afraid to question the norm, collaborated with 12 companies to redefine what movement is. From jewellery boxes to a vase that changes its pattern, based on where you look at it from, my highlight was the paper torch - a simple piece of paper that when flat, looks normal, starts emitting light when rolled. It’s a brilliant idea, to have it in your book and be able to just roll it into a tube when you need a torch. I need that in my life.
Wallpaper was the most pleasant exhibition. Probably because I visited it first thing on Saturday morning, when most designers were nursing a hangover. The location was beautiful, and the exhibition was small but varied, so kept my interest throughout. Finally, it was next to Lavazza’s brilliant graphic bar, where you could get an espresso shot based on your character. While the test got it totally wrong, the coffee itself was really good.
I am a big Dimore Studio fan, but this year I loved only one of the three exhibitions they had. Don’t get me wrong the other weren’t bad, just not my thing. One felt like too much like an old ethnographic museum. One was a steamy room with purple carpet and amazing pieces of furniture, too easy. I really enjoyed the white industrial journey they had created in the last one, very surreal and unexpected.
The salon itself was busier than previously - either that, or my mind has erased how crowded it was 2 years ago. While the installations weren’t as glamorous, I discovered some interesting new brands and products.
A few that stood out are:
USM Haller - It was the most unusual one - that means no pink, no tropical plants and no arches - you can read my next post for comments on that. Quite refreshing to see a space that was really true to the product it showcased.
Missoni home - a very textural and tactile installation that fits extremely well with the brand. It also felt really well to be in, I could imagine myself having a lovely nap there.
Cielo had created a very well crafted pavilion, creating so many different settings. You can get peaks when you walk outside, through windless and doors. They have done that before, but I’ll let them off, as it was a very well curated space, and they had this brilliant bar - totally using the idea as a basis for a reception desk.
Will leave you with this Milanese classic, because seeing it makes me feel so good!
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