Wallpaper* Handmade pulls out all the stops for Eat me! Drink me! Tell me that you love me! party
Ever restless, Wallpaper* Handmade upped its perfectly proportioned sticks again this year, installing itself (well, we helped) in a semi-retired stretch of Milanese store fronts to create the Wallpaper* Arcade. We were determined that this year's Handmade event be the biggest, best and most bountiful yet. And so it was; not least our opening bash, now well established as Salone's swingingest party.
This year we were joined by Tom Dixon, Patricia Urquiola, Konstantin Grcic, Philippe Malouin, Maurizio Cattelan and many other luminaries who enjoyed the more interactive elements of this year's exhibition: including the Wallpaper* nail bar; live hair styling by the legendary Jimo Salako; and the remarkable 'Rotunda Seronita' snack bar, dispensing not only savoury treats but their own handmade cherry wood trays.
Of course, such scale and ambition does not come easy and we again have to thank the many friends, old and new, who provided invaluable assistance and supplies. The champagne flowed freely thanks to Veuve Clicquot, whose Re-creation Awards installation of re-imagined mail boxes proved a particular favourite, while Royal Salute served wonderful whisky at their remarkable 'Neolithic' bar, designed by Studio Mackereth and crafted by Jack Badger. The highest-grade grappa came courtesy of Nonino (try saying that after a few glasses) whilst beer was supplied by San Miguel (summer in a bottle as far we're concerned).
Given this year's culinary theme, the catering had to impress and we served up a monumental stretch of Italian favourites, including generous dollops of organic panettone gelato from local favourites, Grom. We also flew in St John sous chef Arnold Hoeksma who cooked up bone marrow pizza at the Emeco space while the young craftsmen Josh Fisher bent, beat and shaped metal into unique editions of Jasper Morrison's 'Alfi' chair.
The Wallpaper* Arcade – a collaborative effort in the best tradition of Handmade – was brightened by Kvadrat's spectacular multi-colour colonnade as well as the multidisciplinary delights of d3 Dubai Design District; the contemporary crafted carpets of AfghanMade; and Gufram's prickly pop-up lounge.
Finally, a huge thank you to the event sponsors, Veuve Clicquot, Hästens and Monoqi Business, and, of course, Leclettico's Claudio Loria, whose ambition and drive matches our own.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
What are polynucleotides? Trying the skin injectable made from salmon sperm
Polynucleotides are the latest in skin injectables, containing DNA derived from the gonads of salmon. Wallpaper* Beauty & Grooming Editor Hannah Tindle tries them to discover exactly how they work
By Hannah Tindle Published
-
Josèfa Ntjam on her surreal utopias in Venice
Artist Josèfa Ntjam and LAS Foundation bring other worlds to life with ‘swell of spæc(i)es’ at Palazzina Canonica during the Venice Biennale 2024
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Henry Wood House’s postmodernist bones are refreshed by Nice Projects in London
Nice Projects breathes new life into the Henry Wood House in London, offering ample flexible office spaces for modern workers
By Daven Wu Published
-
Veuve Clicquot and Magnum Photos salute the sun
‘Emotions of the Sun’, a photography exhibition by Veuve Clicquot and Magnum Photos, debuts in Milan, accompanied by a sun-themed tasting menu
By Simon Mills Published
-
Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2015 shows its true colours
Veuve Clicquot’s latest Creative Makers programme celebrates the emotive power of colour
By Simon Mills Published
-
Celebrate 160 years of Martini, the iconic aperitivo
We mark 160 years of Martini & Rossi, creator of the original Martini Rosso vermouth, a perfect blend of fragrant botanicals and sweet wines
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Cocktails and canapés: recipes and tablescapes fizzing with style
Our showstopping cocktails and canapés for festive occasions will bring effervescence to any event
By Melina Keays - Entertaining Director Published
-
Cin cin: discover the story behind Campari, Milan’s signature aperitivo
Where better to indulge in the delights of the Italian golden hour than Milan, the home of Campari? We trace the origins of the city’s signature aperitivo
By David Taylor Last updated
-
Milan’s Triennale Design Museum spills the beans on the art of food (and food of art)
By JJ Martin Last updated
-
On board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with Veuve Clicquot
Champagne house Veuve Clicquot marks its 250th anniversary with a special train journey from Reims to Venice, on board the fabled Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Wallpaper* Paris editor Amy Serafin went along for an exceptional ride, featuring haute cuisine, live music and alpine scenery, washed down with endless bubbles
By Amy Serafin Last updated
-
Buccellati sets the table for conviviality at Milan Design Week 2022
Designers Dimorestudio, Ashley Hicks, Chahan Minassian and Patricia Urquiola create spectacular dinner table designs for Buccellati’s Milan Design Week exhibition, ’Il Galateo – a journey into conviviality’
By Mary Cleary Last updated