Milan’s Salone del Mobile in April was packed with fresh-out-of-the-factory products conceived by the world’s best known designers and produced by the world’s best known manufacturers. But even more arousing than the A-listers were the unknown talents making their Salone debuts for the first time. Here, we bring you our pick of 2012’s best new brands...

Cabinet by Danish architect Børge Mogensen, reissued by Stellar Works and inlaid with a slashed-o character by font foundry House Industries
Stellar Works
Stellar Works is a new Shanghai-based furniture brand on a mission to bridge cultural divides. Launched locally at the end of 2011 and internationally at the Salone, its collections bring together the design heritage of its French and Japanese founders, with that of Danish design consultancy OeO (creative directed by former Wallpaper* interiors editor Thomas Lykke). The result is a beautifully made and cleverly detailed body of unique pieces. There are also some pleasing reissues, by Danish architects Børge Mogensen and Vilhelm Wohlert. Stellar Works has just opened its first shop in Shanghai, with another expected in Kyoto in June.
www.stellarworks.com