As the international design crowd descended upon Milan for the greatest show on Earth – Salone del Mobile, which ran 12–17 April – we undertook our yearly hunt for the finest features of all. From the brimming Rho fairgrounds to unmissable exhibitions, presentations, product launches and installations, we scoured every urban inch to bring you the highlights from the world’s most significant furniture fair
American company Emeco enlisted Sam Hecht and Kim Colin of Industrial Facility to create something a little different from the norm. Not wanting to ’do another chair’, the London-based studio set off to ’make something to put the chairs around: a table’. Inspired by the collective, congenial atmosphere around public furniture – canteen tables, park benches, library shelves and the like – the ’RUN’ collection was born: a table and bench, a shelf and some accessories, too. Photography courtesy of Industrial Facility
’Atelier Swarovski Home is an exciting new brand that will offer the ultimate in luxury crystal home décor with an ultra-modern design aesthetic,’ explains Nadja Swarovski. ’This is a natural evolution for Atelier Swarovski and a great opportunity to showcase the art of crystal cutting in a range of designs and forms.’ Among the debut designs for the new label were the characteristically sinuous shapes of the late Zaha Hadid, pictured. Photography: Mark Cocksedge
Knoll’s show stopping stand at the Fiera was designed by OMA and decadently mixed materials for the backdrop of the new 18K gold versions of the ’Planter’ collection
Design Academy Eindhoven graduate Hozan Kangana presented his unique work at Ventura Lambrate. His poetic sculptures are imbued with historical references and take cues from his his life experiences of growing up in Iraq, and then taking refuge in Netherlands
At EuroCucina, Dutch designer Lex Pott has experimented with oxidisation for his model for luxury French oven manufacturers La Cornue, taking their brass wares to a new level described as a cross between alchemy and art
At Baars & Bloemhoff’s experimental exhibition ’Transitions’ in Lambrate, Dutch designer Lex Pott played with colour across his geometric ’Chroma’ collection that used a mix of Abet Laminati and metal laminates from Homapal
Alternatively, De Intuïtiefabriek explored designs using coloured MDF. Inspired by architectural buildings, they formed graphic carved pieces and titled them ’Spatial’
’Maybe we were very avant-garde ten years ago,’ jests Jaime Hayon as comments are made about the distinctly contemporary feel of the Showtime 10 collection for BD Barcelona which is, in fact, celebrating its 10th anniversary this season. ’We found that the designs still worked, still popular, so rather than creating something "new" and unnecessary, we are just fine-tuning the current offering; new colours, finishes and so on.’ All whilst keeping true to Hayon’s playful style, of course...
Lighting brand Foscarini has a knack for the fantastic and bright. This season they enlisted designer/architect Ferruccio Laviani to play with scale in an Alice in Wonderland-like installation of Foscarini lamps and their giant versions
’We want to keep the plurality of Driade,’ explains David Chipperfield, the famous British architect and Driade’s art director since 2015. Speaking from within the Pompeii-inspired stand at the Fiera, Chipperfield contemplates the future of the Italian furniture brand and the need to tread carefully, though decisively: ’the landscape of companies in the furniture business is complex and Driade has a very particular history and we shouldn’t lose that’, he says.
Placing his trust in few individuals – namely Konstantin Grcic, Naoto Fukasawa, Philippe Starck and Fredrikson Stallard – the new collection strikes a balance between design success and commercial credibility. Pictured left: Fredrikson Stallard’s ’Camouflage’ chair. Pictured right: Konstantin Grcic’s ’Mingx’ chair
Neri & Hu’s ’Ren’ collection for Poltrona Frau is designed with the entryway of a home in mind. Wood, brass and leather make for a refined and elegant approach to a space often neglected
Innovators in radiator design, Tubes Radiatori presented Alberto Meda-designed ’Origami;’ a cross between a room divider and heating device
Maruni presented new colourful designs from Jasper Morrison and Naoto Fukasawa at the Fiera
In the most conceptual and analytical project of all, Hella Jongerius and Louise Schouwenberg’s window displays for La Rinascente, commissioned by the Serpentine Galleries, reflect on the state of affairs in design though a whimsical shadow play. Prompting a consideration of the meanings that hide behind a display or object, ’A Search Behind Appearances’ proposes we move beyond commercial success, beyond style differences and beyond personal taste
Architect Roberto Baciocchi of Baciocchi Associati went for high impact with his ’Mirror Room’ at Nilufar Depot. Covered in ancient mirrors, each and every detail is evocative and carefully selected
Arper’s booth at the Fiera focused on the essentials for living with a calming and creative concept by creative directors Lievore Altherr Molina from Barcelona, booth design by 2x4 and styling by Studio Bakker from Amsterdam
When Hella Jongerius started her studies into the properties and possibilities of colour with Vitra over a decade ago, we would never have guessed that the results would be quite so fun. Aside from the Vitra Colour & Material Library produced by the research, the ‘Colour Marchine’ installation sprang – or spun – into life at the temporary location of CasaVitra at Corso Como. Aside from spinning tops, nine colour wheels celebrating particular parts of contemporary and classic furniture – like Prouvé’s ’EM Table’ or the Eames’ ’Plastic Chair’ – also took up residence in the space
Spotted at Lambrate were these unusual yet refined objects by Studio Oink. Appearing as if a sculptural vanity kit, the range of conceptual wood, porcelain and glass pieces were titled ’Design with the unknown’ and made in collaboration with collector Aimee Bollu
At the Fiera, Artek explored technicolour with new upholstery for their 1960 ’Kiki’ design by Ilmari Tapiovaara. The range of benches, sofas and lounge chairs was coated in the new maritime ’Reflex’ fabric by Raf Simons for Kvadrat and set up against an equally vibrant electric blue backdrop
Brazilian designer Gustavo Martini presents his version of a room for the first time at Satellite. Titled ’Edge’, the experimental frame contains furniture in the same structure, with walls that you can see through for what the designer describes as straddling ’design and installation, idea and reality’
If ever there was any doubt as to the pairing behind design and gelato, Hem have put it to rest once and for all. The online furniture brand celebrated the launch of their new designer products by Philippe Malouin, Form Us with Love, Max Lamb and Karoline Fesser with #IceCreamSocial at via Varese 12. Gelato flavours were, naturally, inspired by the hand-splattered ’Last Stool’ by Lamb
An eclectic mix of brands were chosen at the first exhibition curated by Secondme gallery and PS design consultants in the 5Vie district. Featured within the ’Colourscapes’ installation of small acrylic paintings by Tommaso Fantoni was abstract Mario Milana furniture
People flocked the streets for Seletti’s Design Pride carnival on the Wednesday, with an array of vibrant fun floats by Gufram, Fabio Novembre and Pepsi’s new collaboration, and Toiletpaper. Sprawled across the city, the party included political and radicals signs such as ’Stop boring design’ and ’I’m here for the gangbang’. The party ended at Piazza Affari with a party by Disaronno, celebrating their limited edition bottle by Studio Job
As well as designing for this year’s Wallpaper* Handmade, playful and sculptural duo Vera & Kyte presented new experimental pieces at Satellite. Included in the collection was a swing-like pendent, and ornamental ’Triadic’ figurines that pay homage to the Bauhaus
Alessi has gone digital. Led fearlessly by Studio Iacchetti’s Giulio Iacchetti, ten different designers have experimented with the potential of 3D printing to create pens. More of a research project than a product launch, the exhibition brought a touch of the digital world to proceedings
Fashion brand Marni left its sartorial mark on Salone through a Colombian Cumbia-inspired ballroom, filled with sun-seeking furniture, naturally
On show at Galleria Clio Calvi Rudy Volpi were these powerful vases by Andrea Branzi, made in juxtaposed materials of solid gold and plaster
A dichroic film applied to the seat of Eli5e Design’s ’Prismania Chair’ creates a colourful iridescent glow
As part of the Lexus design awards, winner Studio Ayaskan created a ’Trace’ clock under the mentorship of Snarkitecture. The RCA graduates formed the poetic piece using light sensitive pigment activated by UV lasers, leaving the colour behind it as the time moves
Located in the Pharmacy Courtyard at the University of Milan, Stefano Boeri Architetti have created ’RADURA’ – a circular installation consisting of 400 cylindrical wooden pillars that reach up to six metres high. Doubling up as a seating area and an LED light feature come evening, ’RADURA’ proposes a (very welcome) place to relax and decompress during the bustle of Design Week. Photography: Laura Cionci
Alberto Biagetti and Laura Baldassari’s ’No Sex’ clinic offered up rubber, copper and latex in subtle hues of pink. Photography: Delfino Sisto Legnani and Marco Cappelletti. Courtesy Atelier Biagetti
David Rockwell’s sculptural lights for Gaia & Gino include the ’Twist Floor’ lamp (left), ’Leaf Table’ lamp (middle) and ’Ribbon Table’ lamp; each cradling a light source and creating a soft reflection with twisting shapes
Nendo’s Oki Sato invited us to view the wondrous marble collections of Italian manufacturers Marsotto in the most mesmerising way. In an exhibition titled ‘Light and Shadow’, he split the set up in half, with the white pieces on one side, the black on the other. The split was mastered using an assortment of the Japanese designer’s new collection for the brand, that he has produced in both light and dark. Photography: Takumi Ota
We were immersed into the rich craft of Arita with the launch of the 2016/ brand led under the creative direction of Scholten & Baijings and Teruhiro Yanagihara. Displaying 16 collections from 16 different designers, included were these pieces by Kueng Caputo that use a specialist technique of airbrush painting to create the impressive gradients. Photography: Takumi Ota
ÉCAL students teamed up with technology brand and Wallpaper* Design Awards nominee Punkt to make our lives easier. Or the basic electronics we use more intuitive, at least. Among the electrical appliances tackled were the internet radio, designed by Terkel Skou Steffensen to make it fun and easy to navigate thousands of stations; Nadine Schaub’s wall-mounted printer (pictured); and Jeremy Faivre’s ’Digital Camera’ which strips the piece down to a keychain, viewfinder and shutter button
Tory Burch, CEO of the eponymous US lifestyle brand, loves to entertain and is an avid collector of vintage spongeware. Using traditional techniques, she has designed and hand decorated her own blue and white tableware. The collection is distinguished by its dappled, hand-applied patterns and variegated colour palette. Inspired by the ’Spongeware Collection’, we commissioned London design studio Glithero to conceive a striking installation for Tory Burch’s Milan store on Via della Spiga during Salone del Mobile. Glithero experimented with sponge, attaching pieces to a mechanism that pressed them intermittently against the shop window, ‘like a gentle kiss’, say the designers.
As originally featured in the May 2016 issue of Wallpaper* (W*206)
Dimore Studio returns to their Via Solferino space with their theatrical set up ‘Intermissioni’. The Italian designers presented their newest products that always straddle classic art and design in a dramatic dim-lit apartment…
.. and their 2016 offerings mix jungle prints with pink and opal glass lighting
Featured in the Alessandro Mendini-designed Fragile showroom in an exhibition titled ‘Perspectiva’, these playful ‘Doodling’ tables and shelves by Roberto Giacomucci experiment with materials merging white Carrara with brass or copper
As part of an ongoing 50th birthday celebration, Gufram has partnered with Sir Paul Smith (pictured, left) on a psychedelic, limited-edition version of the iconic ‘Cactus’ coat stand. Originally designed by Drocco and Mello in 1972, the ‘Cactus’ is no stranger to special interpretations: it was cheekily paired with two eggs by Toiletpaper in 2013, and bore the colours of the French flag for a recent Maison & Objet outing. ‘Gufram and Paul Smith are two dimensions descending from the 1970s,’ says Charley Vezza (pictured, right), Gufram’s global creative orchestrator. ‘Smith did not merely cover a cactus with colours, but he reimagined it, drawing inspiration from the hallucinogenic vibes of that crazy period. The outcome is psychedelic, a creativity peyote.’
As originally featured in the May 2016 issue of Wallpaper* (W*206)
As well as creating a spirited pop-up sake bar, Sfera launched a new collection called ’Sacred Essence’, inspired by the belief that the human soul is a shining disc. The ’Moon Shadows 2’, pictured, is influenced by the tradition of Shinto mirrors, which were displayed on elaborate stands made from carved wood or ornate metalwork
Over the course of the week, Tom Dixon’s elemental kitchens were cooking up themed cuisine at the impressive Rotonda della Besana. Made using Caesarstone quartz, each kitchen boasted an experimental design based around one of the four elements associated with medieval alchemy – water, fire, earth and air, with menu courtesy of food design studio Arabeschi di Latte. Photography: Peer Lindgreen
Terracotta might soon be knocked off its pedestal by an unlikely new challenger dubbed ’merdacotta’. Conceived by architect Luca Cipelletti, the material is crafted from a pure, organic and fully sustainable form of recycled cow poo. Mixed with Tuscan clay and sizzled at 1,000 degrees, merdacotta is lighter than traditional terracotta and scent-free, thanks to a rigorous methane removal process. Cipelletti has designed a collection of merdacotta products, including floor tiles, vases, plates, bowls, stools and even a toilet, which boast cheeky names such as the ’Shit Pot’, the ’Shit Giga Brick’ and the ’Shit Soup Plate’.
As originally featured in the May 2016 issue of Wallpaper* (W*206)
Exhibiting for the first time at Salone was Frenchman Hervé Van der Straeten. Revealing a selection of his abstract pieces including his newest ’Exposure’ side table alongside ’Rebelle’ mirrors, all 30 products will remain on show at Galleria Marco Voena till 31 May
South London-based husband-and-wife team Russell Pinch and Oona Bannon launched Pinch in 2004, and have since made a name for themselves carefully crafting furniture that successfully straddles the gap between classic and contemporary style. At their Salone del Mobile space, at Via San Gregorio 40, they’re launching a new version of their ‘Nim’ table (pictured above), made from cast Jesmonite impregnated with copper dust, which gives it a lovely dull sheen. The ‘Copper Nim’ comes in a limited edition of 50, each priced at £7,750. Also new is the ‘Euler’ coffee table, which Pinch describes as ‘an experiment in managing the natural waywardness of timber’. Based on a grid, it pairs English oak with a resin infill. ‘It might look simple and almost mathematical,’ says Pinch, ‘but it has involved a lot of engineering and development to force the timber to go against its natural inclination to move and twist.’ At the more classic end of the Pinch spectrum is the walnut and leather ‘Menton’ desk. ‘We believe space is the biggest luxury,’ says Pinch, ‘so it’s not greedy about the space it inhabits, but it also has a lot of functionality built in – the cored-out leg houses a flex so there are no ugly wires hanging down, and there’s a hidden space for chargers and plugs.’ No need to be pinched for space, then.
As originally featured in the May 2016 issue of Wallpaper* (W*206)
Dutch design collective Artifort introduced new designs at the fair including ’Perching’ by Ilse Crawford (left) and ’Palladio’ by Claesson Koivisto Rune (right)
Set in the courtyard of the Facoltà Teologica dell’Italia Settentrionale, Nendo designer Oki Sato’s installation of 50 mirrored chairs references the grid-like structure of Manga comics. Each seat references a different element from Manga, such as speech bubbles or emotional symbols including sweat and tears. Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
Over in the rough and ready Garage San Remo in the 5vie district, Raw Edges gave everyone an insight to their design techniques with their show ‘Herringbone’. Set up by Federica Sala, the design duo offered an interactive experience of on-site dying and drying to produce their iconic print in intriguing ways
Lee Broom took his Salone release on wheels this year, travelling around the sunny city hitting all the hotspots, starting at Rossana Orlandi. The delivery-style van was ironically embellished as the interiors of a palazzo, adorned with baroque wall detailing and a contrasted laminate floor, with just the new graphic ’Optical’ lights shining bright
In the hope of putting sanitary wares in the same design category as furniture, Axor has realised WaterDream, inviting five designers to create inspirational (and not necessarily functional) faucets. From the international list of Werner Aisslinger, David Adjaye, Front Design, GamFratesi and Jean-Marie Massaud, they all used unusual materials to realise their taps, which all include the same Philippe Starck WaterDream base from 2015. Flowing water arrived from wood, brass, marble and copper, in unique and eclectic ways. Pictured left: Front’s ‘Water Steps’. Right: ’Mimicry’, by Jean-Marie Massaud
Also on view at Lambrate, Norwegian design was once again celebrated in an exhibition titled ’Structure’
Czech glass masters Lasvit hosted their glittering new collections at the Napoleonic Staterooms at the Palazzo Serbelloni. Inside a series of sleek black cubist igloo-like structures across the space were standout designs by the likes of André Fu and Moritz Waldemeyer
When Patricia Urquiola was invited to work on her first collaboration with Georg Jensen, she immersed herself in the brand’s rich archives. The Spanish-born, Milan-based architect and designer has lent her creative sensibility to the Danish brand, extending its ’Living’ collection, which in the past has seen the likes of Aldo Bakker and Alfredo Häberli creating pieces in glass and stainless steel. The ‘Urkiola’ collection, which launches at Spazio Pontaccio’s gallery on Via Matteo Bandello during Salone del Mobile, features mirror-polished surfaces with ribbed steel and rose gold detailing, extending the designer’s extraordinary colour sensibility to metalwork. The collection features bowls, pitchers, trays, vases and candelabra in different sizes, rendered in contemporary shapes and textures that nod to the works of Sigvard Bernadotte, the Swedish prince who worked for the Danish company in the early half of the last century. Straight and oblique lines are mixed with contrasting surfaces, making the ‘Urkiola’ collection a fitting tribute to Georg Jensen’s design past.
As originally featured in the May 2016 issue of Wallpaper* (W*206)
Michael Anastassiades has joined forces with office furniture giant Herman Miller for an inaugural collection of abstract tables realised in different size variations of walnut and brass. To celebrate the occasion, the Greek designer has also presented an installation called ‘The Double Dream of Spring’ at the front of the Herman Miller Milan showroom featuring the pieces and his signature lighting, displayed with true Anastassiades poetry. Photography: Ben Anders
China-based MAD Architects have designed a handle for Olivari taking cues from the twisting and curvaceous forms of their residential ’Absolute Towers’ in Canada
‘Come in we’re open’ declares Diesel Living. It’s only fitting that the lifestyle branch of the famous fashion label creates its display using its all-new ceramic tiles with Iris Ceramica, which sees them launch five innovative tiles for indoor, outdoor, floor and wall use. Photography courtesy of Diesel Living
Over at Galleria Carla Sozzani we dove straight into Gufram’s foam party, celebrating ’50 Years of Design Against the Tide’. The show includes memorable works by Toiletpaper, Fabio Novembre, Marcel Wanders and Studio Job. as well as new pieces by Alessandro Mendini (pictured centre, his ‘Poltrona’ settee with a faux marble finish) and artist Kris Ruh. The exhibition continues until 1 May. Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
Finnish brand Marimekko moved to a new loft residence in Brera, creating an apartment with their world of pattern including new colourways of dotted prints and candle holders
Airbnb celebrates its now famous community spirit with Makers & Bakers, a showmanship of crafts and culinary wonders at Spazio Rossana Orlandi’s Ristorante Marta. Created with curator Ambra Medda, the work of 25 creatives hailing from 13 countries is on display around the restaurant and on long, communal tables, illustrating the immersive experience and international qualities the hospitality giant has come to be known and loved for. Photography: Cristian Castelnuovo
Formafantasma created the illusion of raising a LF-FC Lexus concept car in slow motion using cotton threads as part of their ’An encounter with Anticipation’ exhibition for the car brand
Hailing from Mauritius, Richa Gujadhur was inspired by two everyday pieces of Mauritian design – handcrafted rattan furniture and woven baskets – when creating the brightly coloured seats of her ’Moris’ collection
Presented at Plusdesign Gallery, Craftwork Studio’s Mehrnoosh Khadivi is challenging any and all established codes of speaker design. The ’Phrenology Series 1.0’ attests to the belief that ‘it is better to listen with your eyes open’. Combining craftsmanship, sound fidelity and acoustic aesthetics, the ’Sound Totem’ is as much a treat for the eyes as it is the ears. Photography courtesy of Craftwork Studio and Plusdesign Gallery
ÉCAL’s luminous undergraduate talents are harking back to traditional modern materials for their collaboration with German furniture brand E15. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the classic solid wood ’Backenzahn’ design by Philipp Mainzer, the MA product design class were invited to produce their own interpreted pieces in the same organic oak and walnut
Ora-ïto is the latest name to be added to the legendary list of Cassina collaborators. The ‘Ico’ chair is a contemporary tribute to Ico Parisi’s 1950s Cassina classic the ‘814’ and comprises naturally veined ash, and a bold range of vibrant upholsteries in fabric or leather
Debuting at Satellite, David Derksen Design’s colourful drum-shaped side tables are inspired by cable reels
A marvel of marble, Paul Cocksedge’s ’Compression Sofa’ for Moooi flips his humble foam version on its head. A hefty six tonne marble block was sculpted over a month long period to create the flawless shape; a comfortable foam seat beckoning passersby to take a seat
To celebrate his new collection for the Nordic textile giant Kvadrat, Japanese designer Akira Minagawa has dressed the Corso Monforte showroom in a whimsical and charming installation featuring his natural patterns and colours
German designer Sebastian Herkner explores the many comfortable positions possible with his new ’Ample Chair’ for Linteloo: ‘We wanted something where you could really relax and do what you do – work on your phone or iPad or whatever. I just wanted somewhere where you could come home and unwind, to have your own space,’ he explains. It turns out the upholstered wing-armchair is even comfortable if you put your feet up in the air. We’ll take Herkner’s word for it. For those who would rather rest their feet, the cushioned seat also has a matching ottoman perfect for the job
The designs of Beijing-based Frank Chou Design Studio seek to balance traditional Asian influences with modern forms for a global appeal, as showcased at Satellite
Lifting spirits with Japanese style, +d & Soil’s pop-up shop in Tortona is light-hearted despite the serious messages of each brand. +d aims to bring a smile to your face through clever and practical design (pictured), while Soil employs 200-year-old traditional plastering techniques to create products that are gentle on the environment and user. It’s all the balance, you see
GamFratesi’s monolithic ’Display’ collection for Globo takes the bathroom sink out of the ordinary and firmly into uncharted territory. The underground arches of the Corso Monforte showroom pay tribute to the myriad of options available
A prime example of sustainability, architecture and material design, 3M Design and Stefano Boeri’s kaleidoscopic ‘Urban Tree Lounge’ installation sparks a moment of deep reflection and relaxation
Pure and light, Naoto Fukasawa presents the essential values of Geoluxe’s new ’Pyrolithic Stones’. The breakthrough material captures the natural beauty of stones without the imperfections, creating the ultimate combination of elegance and performance. ‘To express the essence of Geoluxe,’ begins the designer, ‘I felt that having slices of stone that are cut from massive stones or having massive stones themselves could be a right metaphor’
The idyllic surrounds of Rossana Orlandi was the backdrop for a new collaboration between designer Moritz Waldemeyer and watch specialist Panerai. Created using the Florentine brand’s cogwheels, Waldemeyer has produced a strikingly reflective installation of multihued shades across the mechanism as a result of light play. Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
The Museo della Merda’s primordial products on display
Moooi’s mammoth via Savona space was full of surprises, swathed in stage curtains separating the central display from the hidden rooms within. From new designs by Ross Lovegrove, david/nicolas and Maison Christian Lacroix’s Sacha Walckhoff, to a new line of ground-breaking carpets featuring the photography of Rebecca Bathory, we found the ’Perch Lights’ of Umut Yamac – celebrating the ‘joys of spring’ through the poetry of a bird perched on a branch – most illuminating
Finnish design had a moment in the spotlight at Satellite with the ’Luomo’ exhibition, featuring modern products in plywood and glass. Photography: Aleksi Tikkala
Referencing the past with a fresh take on familiar archetypes, Yabu Pushelberg’s first collection for Linteloo is as refined and sophisticated as they come. The upholstered pieces for the ’Heath’ line are tailored and curvilinear, with amorphous stone-topped coffee tables to match. In contrast, the ’Oiseau’ wood-frame designs (pictured) take a more casual approach to living and seating
Italian designer Paola Navone has created a characteristically charming tableware collection for Serax, inspired by her tastes, the colours of her travels, and the utilitarian products made during the Great Depression of the 1930s
Chinese design rarely gets a true moment in the spotlight, which makes the ‘Tradition in Evolution’ exhibition all the richer. ‘Instead of advertising or boasting, we “stand” for better inheritance and “up” for closer bonding,’ states the preface boldly, a sentiment we can appreciate although perhaps a bit of boasting wouldn’t be out of place. Pictured: Qiang Yu’s ’Screen’
Stopping us in our tracks, Frank Jiang’s ’White Moon vanity’ marks two special first for the Chinese designer: the unveiling of the design, part of the ‘Tradition in Evolution’ exhibition, and his first time showcasing his work outside of mainland China
For those seeking respite from the supercharged bustle of Salone del Mobile, look no further than Pirelli HangarBicocca, where German artist Carsten Höller’s latest exhibition, ‘Doubt’, is currently on view. Led by art director and designer Piero Lissoni, Italian furniture brand Living Divani has recently refreshed the Milanese gallery’s common spaces with its iconic designs and latest products
Korean designers Umzikim and Kyuhyung Cho have created these playful, Memphis-style ’Robot’ shelves alongside vases that were on show at Rossana Orlandi
A long anticipated project, the Matteo Thun atelier finally launches with a host of crafted bespoke works by the Italian designer and architect in the worlds of hospitality, healthcare and residential. Photography: Marco Bertolini
Brass, stained MDF and Bang & Olufsen amplifiers combine in Osloform’s sleek Serpentine stereo, showcased at Satellite
Austria- and Mexico-based designer Studio David Pompa incorporates ’Barro Negro’ – a black pottery from Oaxaca, Mexico – into his lighting designs at Satellite
New York brand Apparatus debut their ‘Portal’ table collection, testing the fluidity of strong Italian marble at their Milan showroom
Optical brand Safilo has enlisted Marcel Wanders to create an exclusive eyewear collection. On display at the Safilo Showroom at via Manzoni 38, the designs combine high-tech production, technological innovation and the humorous approach of Wanders. Patterned engravings are hidden inside the lightweight frames, acting as a hidden reflection. ’I want to make you wonder and bring a little excitement to your day,’ explains the Dutch designer. Video courtesy of Safilo
Benetton is putting on a show of Pantone shades to celebrate ’Tribute to Domus’, the design magazine’s thousandth issue. Top design companies like Alessi, B&B Italia, Fabrica, Fontana Arte and Kartell have customised their products in rose quartz and serenity, the colours of the year 2016, for a calm and collected window display on Piazza del Duomo
Specialists in marble, Citco-Privé were inspired by Asia for their new collection. For the wall feature ‘Koji’, they have juxtaposed Azul Macaubas marble slats against a sleek copper background for an artful finish
HAY has transformed its sister brand Wrong for HAY, launching wrong.london in its place. A company focusing on accessible yet contemporary lights, the creative direction will still run under the leading hand of Sebastian Wrong. The collections were shown in a cork installation with new designs like these whimsical Pierre Charpin lamps simply titled ’PC’
Sebastian Herkner has designed an inaugural bathroom range for Florence-based company ex.t. Keeping in line with the Italian brand’s refined aesthetics in sanitary ware, the streamlined collection includes a bathtub, sink and mirror that all have a graceful recurring lip design protruding from the minimalist frames. In addition, Herkner has also produced a complementary lighting range that further aligns the purist theme
Another first, Kartell have launched a kids range that includes novelties from Nendo, Philippe Starck, Piero Lissoni and Ferruccio Laviani. All arriving in the Italian brand’s classic plastic frames in pop and pastel colours, they are also providing a playful customisation service at their booth. Pictured: ’H-horse’, by Nendo
On show at Nilufar, New York based designer Lindsey Adelman arrives with new variations of her ‘Cherry Bomb Fringe’ series. Presented with newly sized bulbs, brass finishes and textures, the chandeliers master a mesmerising effect
Created as part of the ‘What’s the Matter? Design for a Phygital World’ exhibition, London-based brand Kukka Studio presents their installation ‘Spectra’. Formed as an intriguing combination of dichroic finished glass paired with Caesarstone, the host of raw and abstract furniture pieces play interestingly with the light
Scandinavian design was well represented at the new Carl Hansen & Sons showroom that opened during the week. Set in a 1980s building in the Brera district, the raw walls were left untouched, allowing the classic Danish pieces to speak for themselves
Italian ceramic tiling brand Mutina has collaborated with London design duo Barber & Osgerby for their newest collection, inviting the pair to get experimental with geometrics for two new bold ranges, ’Puzzle’ and ’Mistral’. The bespoke ‘Puzzle’ collection (pictured) affords an infinite amount of patterns to be made with the pieces, resulting in a completely unique finish
Marking their sixth year at Rossana Orlandi’s cabinet of curiosities, British brand Sé introduce benches and a barstool to their Nika Zupanc-designed ‘Stay’ collection
Glass manufacturers Tonelli have launched ‘Opalina’, a collection by designer Cristina Celestino. Inspired by 19th century antique furniture, the opaline glass pieces include a dressing table, writing desk, a mirror, coat stand and a stool, all in a translucent, muted palette of panels poetically fused together
The second rocking horse we stumbled upon during the week, this bent wood version has been realised by Front design studio for Gebrüder Thonet Vienna
Showing for the first time at Rossana Orlandi, artist Fernando Mastrangelo has hopped the pond from Brooklyn to adorn the gallery with his newest, uniquely textured pieces – including these ethereal ’Drift’ sand mirrors
Spazio Pontaccio challenged Wallpaper’s 2015 Joint Designer of the Year award winner Patricia Urquiola and Italian creative director Federico Pepe of Le Dictateur, to reinstate the value of stained glass windows through a contemporary furniture collection. Taking inspiration from the windows of holy sites, like the ones created by Gerhard Richter for Cologne’s cathedral, the duo created ‘Credenza’, a collection of decidedly contemporary and graphic pieces including cupboards, screens and low tables
Popping up all over town was new venture Qeeboo’s whimsical rabbit chair by Stefano Giovannoni, here seen relaxing at Rossana Orlandi
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Wallpaper* Arcade
View Google MapsWallpaper’s Handmade extravaganza returns to Milan for its seventh edition, once again taking over Via San Gregorio’s Arcade. The Hotel Wallpaper* will feature an exhibition of specially commissioned objects, furniture, fashion, food, accessories, services and installations, dedicated to the fine art of hostelry and world travel. The Arcade will also feature an installation of aluminium by Jean Nouvel and Neal Feay, and our friends showcasing their pieces will include American theatre director Robert Wilson, whose chandelier for Italian company Slamp will serve as centerpiece for our Hotel’s ballroom, David Rockwell’s intimate apartment with Stellar Works, and Nude’s new collection of glass pieces. Plus, Austrian lighting specialist Kalmar will join forces with the WallpaperSTORE* for a presentation of key pieces from the Kalmar catalogue, paired with production versions of Wallpaper* Handmade projects.
12–16 April; The Arcade, via San Gregorio 43
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’Before Design: Classic’
View Google MapsFor its 55th edition, the furniture fair is taking Italian design back to where it began; with the classic. In a cinematic video by film-maker Matteo Garrone, traditional furniture acts as a ’protagonist’ telling the story of historical design’s elaborate grandeur (an anachronism in the age of minimalist modernisn), with pieces included by Rosenthal, Sigma L2, and Dedar, among others. Titled ’Before Design: Classic’ the film is being partnered with an exhibition, inspired by the classical Palladian villa, of different classical room sets. Other highlights at the fair include the biennial EuroCucina, exploring all that is innovative in kitchen design, and the 19th edition of SaloneSatellite, celebrating emerging talent with the theme ’New Materials, New Design’.
12–17 April; Fiera Milano, Rho; www.salonemilano.it
Pictured: a clip from Matteo Garrone’s ’Before Design: Classic’ film
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COS x Sou Fujimoto
View Google MapsMarking their fifth year of immersive installations at Salone, fashion brand COS are collaborating with Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto to create ‘Forest of Light’ for 2016. Built around Fujimoto’s connection with the forest-like cityscape of his hometown Tokyo, the experience will involve a room of spotlights creating tall looming structures in an intimate display. Nodding to the clean and clear lines of COS’s signature aesthetic, the interactive experience will react to visitors’ spatial awareness within the theatrical setting of Cinema Arti.
12–17 April; Cinema Arti Via Pietro Mascagni, 8; www.cosstores.com
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The Shit Evolution
View Google MapsAfter kicking up a stink last year, the Museo della Merda is set to bring a fresh load of shit to Salone – by way of items made of recycled cow dung, that is. Conceived by Luca Cipelletti, the Milan-based architect responsible for the renovation of the medieval home of the ’Shit Museum’, the new products will include floor tiles, stools, coffee tables, vases, plates, bowls and, fittingly, even a toilet. It would seem merdacotta is the new terracotta.
12–17 April; Museo della Merda at SIAM, via Santa Marta 18; www.theshitmuseum.org
Photography: Henrik Blomqvist
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Tom Dixon x Caesarstone
View Google Maps‘The Restaurant’ is Tom Dixon’s second installation of kitchen concepts with Caesarstone. Following on from ‘Ice’ at IDS Toronto earlier this year, he is bringing all four elements to the table this time. Creating four kitchen concepts – ’Earth’, ’Fire’, ’Water’ and ’Air’ – using Caesarstone’s durable wares, these models will be serving up conceptual food realised by Italian food design studio Arabeschi di Latte. The theatrical kitchens will be interactive, with scientific cooking methods and ingredients, including air whipped meringues and hay box cooked roots and mushrooms.
12–17 April; La Rotonda della Besana, Via Enrico Besana, 12; www.caesarstone.com/milan2016/press
Pictured: ’Fire’ kitchen, using Caesarstone’s coastal grey, raven and vanilla noir
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25 years of Grcic for ClassiCon
View Google MapsSilver is a traditional gift for a 25th anniversary, but German furniture makers ClassiCon and long-time collaborator (and Wallpaper’s 2015 joint Designer of the Year) Konstantin Grcic aren’t ones to stand on ceremony. Instead, the ’Black Edition’ will chart the ‘greatest hits’ of their fruitful collaboration, rendered shiny and new in a deep, dark black scheme. Splashes of colour will come by way of Iranian artist Shirana Shahbazi’s photographs.
12–17 April; Spotti Milano, Viale Piave 27; www.classicon.com
Pictured: ’Diana B’ by Konstantin Grcic. Photography courtesy Shirana Shahbazi
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Lasvit at Palazzo Serbelloni
View Google MapsThe Czech Republic-based glass manufacturer is used to lighting up proceedings, but this year Lasvit will be taking up residence in the Palazzo Serbelloni, once home to Napoleon himself. The Bohemian crystal chandeliers created for him have been restored to their original splendour; showcased alongside them, the modern work of André Fu, Moritz Waldemeyer, Daniel Libeskind, the Campana Brothers and Arik Levy will shine bright. Fu’s ’TAC/TILE’ collection promises to be a real eye-opener.
12–17 April; Palazzo Serbelloni, Corso Venezia 16; www.lasvit.com
Pictured: André Fu’s ’TAC/TILE’. Courtesy of Lasvit
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Nilufar celebrates Brazilian design
View Google MapsThe latest in a long line of tributes to Brazilian design comes in the guise of Milan’s great Nilufar Gallery. Celebrating the work of six greats from 1940–1970, the exhibition will feature the furniture of José Zanine Caldas, Martin Eisler, Oscar Niemeyer, Sergio Rodrigues, Joaquim Tenreiro and Jorge Zalszupin. The via della Spiga outpost will also inaugurate its own atelier of contemporary rugs, with special pieces designed by textile greats Jorge Lizarazo and Haynes Robinson.
12–17 April; Nilufar Gallery, via della Spiga 32; www.nilufar.com
Photography: Mattia Iotti
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Seletti’s ’Design Pride’
View Google MapsKnown for bringing their vibrant party to the show, this year whimsical Italian brand Seletti is travelling across town with their design joy in a parade called ’Design Pride’, part of 5vie art + design. Journeying on floats across the city, the vibrant ‘carnival of design’ will include otherworldly transporting systems by Gufram, Pepsi’s new collaboration with Fabio Novembre (playing with emojis and classic designed chairs), and Toiletpaper’s jungle themed float. The festivities will end at Piazza Affairi with a party organised by Disaronno, celebrating the launch of their limited edition printed jar, designed by Studio Job.
13 April; starting at Piazzale Cadorna. Party at Piazza degli Affari, 20123 from 9pm; www.seletti.it
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Nendo’s ’Manga’ chairs
View Google MapsLast year, Oki Sato presented an enormously impressive year showcase of his work. For 2016, the Japanese designer is yet again showing his ability to straddle quantity and quality with an installation of 50 chairs, inspired by Manga comics, created for Friedman Benda Gallery in New York. In similarly grid-like structures to Manga narratives, Nendo has formed these abstract steel pieces, all reflective and whimsical alterations of the original line-work frame.
12–17 April; Piazza S. Simpliciano, 7, 20100; www.nendo.jp
Photography: Kenichi Sonehara
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Atelier Swarovski Home
View Google MapsSwarovski’s sparkling new branch, Atelier Swarovski Home, falls under the Atelier Swarovski aegis, an enterprise launched in 2007 to create fashion accessories with international designers. Featuring the likes of Daniel Libeskind, Ron Arad, Raw Edges and Tord Boontje, Atelier Swarovski Home’s inaugural collection includes centrepieces, entertaining and home office objects crafted from crystal combined with mixed materials such as marble, metals and resins.
12–17 April; via Cusani 5; www.atelierswarovski.com
Pictured: ’Orbit’ collection of practical tableware by Tord Boontje
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Nike presents ’The Nature of Motion’
View Google MapsKnown for shaping the future of sport and athletics, Nike has teamed up with 10 talented designers - Martino Gamper, Lindsey Adelman and Clara von Zweigbergk among them - for ’endless explorations of movement’. The resulting collaborations will explore ’natural motion’ through conceptual and practical installations including Adelman’s plant-inspired lights, Gamper’s rhythmic drums and Max Lamb’s brutalist blocks. Nike technology – like flykit textiles – will abound in perfect synergy with the diverse projects.
12–17 April; via Orobia 15; www.nike.com/milano
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M/M (Paris) at Plusdesign
View Google MapsMilanese gallery Plusdesign has been at the forefront of the city’s design conversations. Earlier this year, they displayed Kram/Weisshaar’s Picó Blitz, a novel reinvention of the Colombian Pico sound system. Gallery owners Luca Martinazzoli and Andrea Caputo are now ready to stage a utopian living situation by M/M (Paris), featuring furniture from the French duo’s previous works as well as a new creation that combines the studio’s rigorous research methods with a new wit.
12 April–15 May; via Ventura 6; www.plusdesigngallery.it
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Paul Smith x Gufram
View Google MapsOur favourite prickly coat rack, Gufram’s iconic ’Cactus’ is getting a psychedelic reimagining courtesy of Paul Smith. As part of the Italian brand’s 50th anniversary the irreverent piece enters a new, 1970s-inspired dimension (pictured) for a limited edition of 196. Groovy celebrations are sure to ensue.
12–17 April; Paul Smith flagship, via Manzoni 30; www.gufram.it
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In my Mind(CRAFT)
View Google MapsCurated once again by Danish-Italian design duo GamFratesi, MINDCRAFT will showcase the latest in Danish craft and design under the theme of ’In My Mind’. Featuring the works of 16 different participants, the exhibition will range from Cecilie Manz’s refined furniture to Rosa Tolnov Clausen’s textile designs, by way of Ole Jensen’s primal pottery (pictured) and Øivind Alexander Slaatto’s sane hourglasses. The breadth and quality of projects promise to be equally impressive.
12–17 April; Circolo Filologico Milanese, via Clerici 10; www.mindcraftexhibition.com
Photography: Tualah Jarno
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’Rooms: Novel Living Concepts’
View Google MapsOne of the many exhibitions on show at the Triennale Design Museum, ’Rooms: Novel Living Concepts’ explores 11 different styles in 11 diverse spaces, realised by 11 modern Italian architects. Curated by Beppe Finessi, the installation begins with a historical and chronological survey of Italian interior architecture, stumbling upon the likes of Gio Ponti and Carlo Scarpa. After this, visitors experience a temporal shift, arriving at bespoke room sets including Alessandro Mendini’s prison-like view of constricted isolation and Umberto Riva’s solo minimalist living space, titled ’Proposition for a Bolt Hole’.
2 April–12 September; Viale Emilio Alemagna, 6; www.triennale.org
Pictured: Duilio Forte’s conceived room titled ’Ursus’
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’The Kiss’ at Tory Burch
View Google MapsFor the second year on the trot, Tory Burch’s via della Spiga flagship will host a striking installation co-commissioned by Wallpaper*. Inspired by the American lifestyle brand’s ’Spongeware’ collection, design duo Tim Simpson and Sarah van Gameren of London’s studio Glithero will dress the windows of the boutique with sponge kisses (or, rather, a mechanism that will gently compress pieces of sponge against the glass).
12–17 April; via della Spiga 7; www.toryburch.com
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Lensvelt’s ’Boring Collection’
View Google MapsIn what is surely the furniture design equivalent of fashion’s normcore, Dutch brand Lensvelt and Amsterdam architecture studio Space Encounters will unveil ’The Boring Collection’. Looking to dull office equipment and its most archetypal forms, the collection aims to restore the balance between work and play. Not beautiful, not minimal; just inconspicuous, functional and basic.
12–17 April; Ventura Lambrate, via Privata Oslavia 1; www.lensvelt.nl
Pictured left: ’Boring Memphis’. Right: ’Boring Chair’
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Hem’s Ice Cream Socials
View Google MapsIt is a truth rarely acknowledged, but life – and design – are better with ice cream. To that end, Hem are hosting Ice Cream Socials inspired by Max Lamb’s new ‘Last Stool Splatter’. Serving up four custom gelato flavours by Gelateria Rigoletto (one to match each stool style), the socials will be hosted by different Hem collaborators, including Philippe Malouin, Karoline Fesser and Studio DeFORM.
12–15 April; Accapiu (H+), via Varese 12, 20121; www.hem.com
Pictured: ’Last Stool Splatter’ by Max Lamb
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Raw Edges
View Google MapsFollowing explorations of the work of Maarten Baas in 2014 and Max Lamb in 2015, curator Federica Sala’s spotlight now shines on Israeli design studio Raw Edges for this year’s edition of contemporary design research at 5vie art + design. Delving into the duo’s dynamics with pattern that have graced collections for Established & Sons to Golran, this exhibit particularly investigates the herringbone pattern that decorates the floors of various Stella McCartney showrooms. The installation will act as a performance, starting with the production materials they use for their experimentation with colouring woods to how the unending pattern is formed.
12-17 April; Via Zecca Vecchia 3. www.5vie.it
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2016/ Arita
View Google MapsA project in development for two years, the 2016/ Arita concept is now ready to reveal. In an ongoing collaboration between The Netherlands and Japan’s porcelain sector, creative directors Teruhiro Yanagihara and Scholten & Baijings have bought together 16 designers to work at ten Arita potteries, developing over 300 new ceramic pieces. Bringing the historical, 400-year-old skills of Arita production into the contemporary world, the invited designers include Big-Game, Stefan Diez and Tomás Alonso.
12–17 April; Via delle Erbe 2; www.2016arita.com
Pictured: A sneak peak of the project on show last year at Rossana Orlandi. Photography: Takumi Ota
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’No Sex’ by Atelier Biagetti
View Google MapsAtelier Biagetti’s ’No Sex’ is already making waves on the socialsphere, no doubt thanks to the huge success that was last year’s ’Body Building’ collection. Teaming up with curator Maria Cristina Didero once more, this year’s iterations will continue in Alberto Biagetti and Laura Baldassari’s tradition of elevating the apparently mundane through the use of precious materials and exquisite craftsmanship. Their tongue-in-cheek furniture will this year revolve around the clinic-cum-retreat theme. For an added dose of fun, the Milanese studio will start the party early (10 April) together with vintage destination La Double J and their maximalist ’Wunderwall’, jewels from Anna Piaggi’s private collection and a selection of WallpaperSTORE* wonders thrown in for good measure.
12–17 April; Piazza Arcole 4; www.atelierbiagetti.com; www.ladoublej.com; store.wallpaper.com
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L’Arabesque meets Borchgrave
View Google MapsVintage clothing and furniture expert Chichi Meroni is teaming up with Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave to host a meeting of art, fashion and design. The ultimate celebration of art nouveau, the exhibition, hosted at Meroni’s L’Arabesque, will feature new furniture and art pieces by de Borchgrave along with a series of deco pieces unearthed by Merino. Expect colour, glasswork and glamour.
12–17 April; L’Arabesque Design Gallery, Largo Augusto 10; www.larabesque.net
Pictured: art nouveau ’Gallé’ cameo glass vase decorated with lotus flowers (from Chichi Meroni’s collection) on bronze table created by Isabelle de Borchgrave
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Qeeboo
View Google MapsItalian designer Stefano Giovannoni is turning his industrial design expertise into a new venture, gathering a group of international designers to present Qeeboo, his debut brand of furniture. Offering pieces made of plastic at an affordable price, Giovannoni has worked with a Hong Kong-based investor to unveil 25 injection-molded pieces by a diverse roster of creative minds, that best exemplify the designer-turned-entrepreneur’s eclectic design energy. The pieces include seating, tables and lamps designed by names such as Andrea Branzi, Nika Zupanc and Giovannoni himself.
11–17 April; via Stendhal 35; www.qeeboo.com
Pictured clockwise from bottom left: ’K’ chair by Stefano Giovannoni. ’Pupa’ chair by Andrea Branzi. ’Ribbon’ chair by Nika Zupanc. ’Loops’ chair by Front. ’BB’ chair by Marcel Wanders. Photography: Leonardo Scotti
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Rossana Orlandi
View Google MapsThe grand dame of design’s cabinet of curiosities once again presents a vastly eclectic collection of new designs. From Patricia Urquiola’s first collaboration with Danish brand Georg Jensen (inspired by the lines of Sigvard Bernadotte’s work for the company in the 1930s), to brass experts Ghidini Bosco’s new brand, Ghidini 1961 (with designs by the like of Nika Zupanc, Richard Hutten and the Campana Brothers). Danish furniture editor Karakter presents a series of re-editions of shelving units designed by Italian architect Achille Castiglioni between the 1950s and 1990s.
12–17 April; via Matteo Bandello 14/16; www.rossanaorlandi.com
Pictured: Achille Castiglioni’s corner shelf system