With many furniture companies based just outside the city in Brianza and Meda, Milan is their natural shop window and, as the city is such an important showcase during the Salone del Mobile, it's no surprise that the concentration of design stores in Milan is second to none. Design Galleries selling collectable post war Italian design have added another dimension to the mix and this interest has encouraged many brands to go through their archives and re-issue some of their past treasures.
Durini/Europa
For Milan, Via Durini is becoming to furniture what Montenapoleone is to fashion. The best idea is to start at the beginning by Largo Toscanini. When you reach the end, turn right into Via Cavallotti which will take you to Corso Europa.
B&B Italia
B&B Italia, one of Italy's leading contemporary furniture brands, revolutionised modern production processes through research and development. Yet it's their range of furniture and more recently accessories that are the main attractions in their Milan Flagship, designed by Antonio Citterio and Partners. Look for Naoto Fukasawa's Cloud Sofa, Patricia Urquiola's Tufty-Time, Citterio's Charles, Richard Schultz's 1966 outdoor range and also for accessories by Marcel Wanders. They also now carry Wanders' own brand Moooi.
Via Durini 14; tel: 02 76 44 41; www.bebitalia.it
Cassina
In 1964, the acquisition of reproduction rights for four items designed by Le Corbusier, together with Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand, saw the beginning of "Cassina I Maestri" or Cassina Masters. This collection now includes furniture by the most important names of 20th century design, including Gerrit T.Rietveld, Charles R. Mackintosh, Frank Lloyd Wright and Charlotte Perriand. Cassina also produces Mario Bellini's divine CAB chair (1977) and Gia Ponti's remarkable Superleggera chair.
Via Durini 16; tel: 02 76 02 07 45; www.cassina.com
Baleri Italia
When heading from Via Durini to Corso Europa, take Via Cavallotti and visit Baleri Italia. Not yet as famous as its bigger neighbours, but under the new direction of Art Director Federico Carandini and major shareholder Nino Cerruti, together with the help of a pool of international designers, they are a brand to watch. Highlights include Jeff Miller's Plato side table, fashioned from a block of Carrara marble, Marcel Wanders Ballerina chairs and Arik Levy's Folded table.
Via F. Cavallotti, 8; tel: 02 76 02 39 54; www.baleri-italia.it
Corso Europa for Molteni/Dada
Head here to check out the ranges from Molteni, and in particular Jean Nouvel's gravity defying Graduate shelving system and sublime Less range of tables. For the office version of Less visit Unifor in Corso Matteotti 14. Molteni also produce some fine and relatively economical seating, such as Still by Foster and Partners and Freestyle by Ferruccio Laviani. Laviani also made the Hi-Line kitchen for sister brand Dada.
Corso Europa 2; tel: 02 76 02 03 34;www.molteni.it
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