A lot of the evening’s events seem to start and stop at the same time making a quick dash from one to the other the only option. It also meant an early four thirty start for myself and my lovely assistant for the evening Mr Andrew (W* Bespoke Art Director) Wren.

Lexus Invisible Garden
Lexus chose to showcase their new L-finesse message and their luxury flagship hybrid car the LS 600h in Milan, collaborating with architect Kumiko Inui and artist Normichi Hirakawa. We almost didn’t get into this one, despite being with Lexus representative Michael Valvo, mainly due to my Japanese not being what it used to be! Luckily the secret password ‘Wallpaper* magazine’ worked its magic and we were able to see the show and interview the artists as had been previously organised. The space was still being constructed when we arrived, but the silver leafed environment designed by architect Kumiko Inui looked like it would provide the ideal setting once the party switch was flicked.

In contrast to the bright reflective exterior, visual artist Normichi Hirakawa created a dynamic interactive experience with sounds and light inside.

Click here to see it for yourself.

Ron Arad Bodyguards with Dolce & Gabbana
Bodyguards and shiny sculptural chairs…

KEF and Ross Lovegrove present Muon
Muon, the two-metre tall loudspeakers aim to combine the advanced sound technology of KEF and Lovegrove’s flowing organic yet functional design aesthetic. The Museo Nazionalle was a great venue, and I did manage to briefly chat with a very busy Mr Lovegrove, which was nice. Also at the party was Mark Farrow and Gary Spillwell from Farrow who had worked on the event and printed matter. The impressive floor graphics were programmed to react to the sound generated by the speakers and was cleverly worked out by the people from Moving Brands. It would have been cool if it could have functioned as a dancefloor too, but perhaps next time...

Click here to check out the graphics.

Armani Casa
This was the site for last year’s Wallpaper* Global Edit. Tadao Ando’s brilliant reinvention of this old Nestle factory still sets a scene of sophistication and glamour. As you’d expect, the crowd was a equally well-heeled and the new furniture wasn’t half bad either… more champagne please.

Swarovski Crystal Palace
Yet another site previously used by Wallpaper’s Shanghai Express exhibition two years ago. This is one of the biggest spaces to fill but the thronging crowds and glittering chandelier interpretations did just that. The crowd was just as glitzy and included the Italian TV star Gaia Bermani Amaral

It was the sixth consecutive year that Swarovski have unveiled new designs at the Salone. Leading designers and artists were asked to re-invent the chandelier.

Me, Amanda Levete from future systems and Nadia Swarovski.

B&B Italia, Rolling Stone
For a different take on the party vibe, B&B Italia had invited quests for a good knees-up at the Rolling Stone club, it was quite something!


This was definitely the scene of the most exhuberant dancing of the night and probably will not be surpassed this week, although the Established and Sons party tonight might be a contender?!

Bar Basso
Last port of call was Bar Basso, which was even crazier than usual. The crowds now spilling well into the roads. We didn’t even bother trying to get served, especially with their ticketing system, where you pay for your drinks up front at one till, and then take your receipt to the bar to hopefully get served…

We’ll be braving the crowds once again tonight back to Bar Basso for our shoot with Massimo Vitali, see you at 23.00 spread the word…

Read other Wallpaper* staff blogs here.