A Milan retrospective (this is almost an essay so we suggest going to make a brew!)

Another year. Another fair!

After days of walking, partying, networking and embracing anything ‘design’ we are back from Milan to bring you best of our findings! It’s taken us a few days to ‘regroup and digest’ but here we are to present our top picks and highlights from this year’s show…

In light of the current economic climate there was some widely discussed reservationsas to how this year’s Salone del Mobile would compare to previous years. But, despite the skepticism the fair was as wonderfully inspiring and frantic as ever! Many whom had resisted booking their trip found themselves onlast minute flights – seemingly unable to resist the pull of the fair!

With sensible shoes we conquered the vast expanse of halls out at the main fair; a collection of all our favourite brands exhibiting new and exciting products. Some of our favourites included Moroso’s showcase of the ‘moment’ collection by Swedish designers Front; a collection of pieces wrapped in photographic images of materials. The ‘soft-wood sofa’ and ‘cushion’ two of the most striking. Also showcased by Moroso was Tord Boontje’s ‘flower table’ – an interesting mix of sterling board and pressed flowers.

Soft-Wood Sofa

Tord Boontje’s ‘Flower Table’

Cushion

Quinze & Milan showed the ‘fingers’ shelving systems as well as Gitta Gschwendtner’s concrete ‘ bag stools’. The brand was pushing their new ‘make your own furniture’ concept, with seemingly great success.

Italian stars Porro showcased the ‘Black and White’ collection also by Design group Front (who once again popped up on the Moooi stand for their ‘blow away vase’).

Danish designer Ole Jensen’s chair for Normann Copenhagen was also a great spot.

Ole Jensen's Chair

Back down in the Tortona area of Milan, the SuperstudioPiu, a ‘temporary museum for New Design’ (and always our favourite!) featured product launches and exhibits from the likes of Moooi, Foscorini, Tom Dixon and Adidas Originals.

The Foscorini lighting installation ‘infinity at Superstudio Piu‘ submerged you into a kaleidoscope of moving light, image and sound and was one of the high-lights of the show. Moooi’s launch of the ‘brave new world’ light by Fresh West was also great - even Marcel Wanders himself was hanging around!

The children’s biodegradable 'parupu' chairs made from ‘Durapulp’ by ClaessonKoivisto Rune for Södra caused quite a stir and Archirects, Proof’s ‘the progressive office’ was popular.

Infinity At Superstudio Piu

'Parupu' Chairs

Cappelinni, Cassina and Alias had a huge show room in the area and out and about in Tortora there was a vast array of temporary exhibitions spaces from apartments, warehouses, restaurants and stores.

Ikea show cased the PS range and there were street installations, temporary structures and converted caravans everywhere you looked! The streets were crowded with designers drinking beer from the small ‘festival’ stands and taking in the atmosphere of the fair.

Chairs By Cappelinni

Ikea's PS Range

Maison Margiela opened a temporary 180sq m space on Via Savona - a reproduction of their Paris Studio. The floor was made from rugs with photographic images of the floor in the Margiela store in LA.

Deiesel’s ‘Successful Living’ range of furniture for Moroso, featuring Foscarini, was held in the Diesel Penthouse on via Stendhal. The outdoor terrace of tents a great exhibit.

Established & Sons threw another great party. Showcasing structure and product amidst a backdrop of loud music and free flowing cocktails. Stella McCartney was even amongst the crowd.

In the centre of town showrooms B&B Italia, Cassina and Porro opened their doors to the influx of designers and spectators. Fashion stores has concept windows and temporary installations by the likes of PatriciaUrquiole for design week and even the Quinze & Milan van was out on the town!

Quinze & Milan Van

All in all another thoroughly wonderful show.