Milano Magic
From Marcel Wanders’ figurative Pet Lights on display at Moooi’s ‘A Life Extraordinary’, to Snarkitecture x Caesarstone’s dramatic ‘Altered States’ collab investigating the iconic kitchen island – designers were pushing boundaries at MDW to reimagine the familiar in a time where design is becoming more and more of an ‘experience’ rather than a static object or arrangement…
I left Milan this year feeling SO inspired and very lucky to be a part of such a dynamic, creative and exciting industry. From the hustle & bustle of Brera to the quirky backstreets of Tortona, the city had such a magical feel to it this year, a real energy – each neighbourhood offering something new and totally different.
There was a concurrent feeling of unity and tension between the past and the future… A sentimentality for the past and an optimism for a new ‘Human’ future comprised by technology, innovation and sustainability. Many exhibitions partnered contemporary architecture and design with ornate, historic spaces which accentuated the underlying notion of nostalgia running through the Fuorisalone. HAY, Sonos and WeWork came together in Palazzo Clerici whilst Gubi presented their gorgeous designs against the enchanting backdrop of Palazzo Serbelloni… Others were inspired by more recent, retro pieces of history – Gufram for example, taking their influence from 70’s disco.
The interior palette shifted: blues, pinks and greens carried a new charm as darker hues were joined by softer, more playful shades. This saturated scheme was complemented by the fluid lines seen everywhere across Milan as designers embraced the trend for curves and arches. Hermes’ immersive ‘Rainbow Hall’ was a definite colour highlight and India Madhavi/Bisazza’s pop-patterned tile series which brought exuberant pistachio and strawberry shades to life – dreamy.
As always, there was too much to see and far too little time, although I’m not sure my feet could handle a day more! Till next time…
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Millie x