With the arrival of spring comes one of my favorite annual design events: Salone del Mobile in Milan. Jam-packed with events and activations spotlighting everything from furniture to cars to fashion, the weeklong fair gathers talent from Italy and around the world to celebrate what’s new in the world of design.
One of this year’s recurring themes was humble materials used in unorthodox ways. I loved seeing how artist Vincenzo De Cotiis mastered the fusion of metal and stone and glass in his furniture in the most mind-bending way, while 6:AM Glassworks manipulated glass into impossible and improbable forms (think chic stools for Bottega Veneta).
There were also lots of opportunities to peek behind the doors of private homes, palazzos, and gardens that aren’t otherwise open to the public. Take furniture brand Interni Venosta’s installation, which was held in the most impeccable Osvaldo Borsani–designed apartment. Or Yves Salomon Éditions, which showed its incredible upcycled fur blankets and upholstery, curated by Michael Bargo, in an apartment designed by a student of Gio Ponti. It was so special to walk through these spaces and get a firsthand look at homes you’d otherwise only be able to see in books or online.
Salone is never short of inspiring, and I’m walking away this year feeling grateful and wowed the design industry we’re all so lucky to be part of.
Bocci x The Future Perfect
David Alhadeff, founder of The Future Perfect, worked with Bocci to design a really special presentation of Bocci’s beautiful glass lighting. The lights looked like (and arguably are!) works of art.
Interni Venosta
Set in an incredibly preserved Osvoldo Borsani apartment, Interni Venosta—the furniture brand founded by Dimorestudio’s Britt Moran and Emiliano Salci—hosted a presentation that sang.
Studioutte x De Troupe
Milan-based Studioutte collaborated with De Troupe to create a presentation that was both enveloping and transporting. Wrapped in a beautiful moire by Dedar, the space allowed De Troupe’s lacquered furniture and sculptural lighting to shine.
Yves Salomon Éditions
At Casa Mascagni—a mid-century apartment designed by a student of Gio Ponti—New York designer Michael Bargo worked with Yves Salomon Éditions to create a beautiful presentation highlighting the brand’s repurposed furs.
GACHOT x Artemest
GACHOT, the New York–based studio founded by John and Christine Gachot, designed a beautiful new collection of furniture for Artemest. The proportion, material, form—all right. To me, they’re new classics.
6:AM Glassworks
6:AM Glassworks had an incredibly impressive presentation of its own designs, from lighting to furniture made with traditional Murano glass techniques, in an abandoned pool house.
Vincenzo de Cotiis
Designer Vincenzo de Cotiis presented a collection of artful furniture and lighting created with a mix of metal, stone, and glass that seemed to completely blend into one. It was incredible.
