15
Milan is a great place to take the temperature
of the design world. It’s ten years since my first
trip, and a decade of going to this incredible fair
has afforded me a good view of the importance
it holds for our industry and what it tells us about
ourselves.
This year seemed to me to be busier than last year with
people packed onto the stands and Milan’s streets in equal
measure. The mood was positive, perhaps not overly
optimistic about the run up to Brexit, but positive about
how business feels right now.
I trained originally to be a film-maker, and I was struck by
the similarly between the two industries this year. The
best stands created individual and immersive worlds to
escape into, more of a theatrical experience, less of a trade
fair when done well. Moooi, Ceccotti, Stellarworks and
Diesel were perfect examples of brands whose stands
really told their stories well.
More and more furniture houses are turning to bankable
design stars - the celebrities of our industry - highlighting
the importance of these stellar brands in adding kudos to
the some of the biggest manufacturers.
And the retelling of stories, or the repackaging of the most
successful ones is another trend that Milan and Hollywood
certainly share.
SHOW-STOPPERS
Dramatic single pieces that stole the show for me included
the aptly named Rideau from Emmemomibili. Technically
complex and visually striking, this large cabinet effortlessly
slides open to reveal its function.
The intriguing Galileo mirror from Living Divani spoke
at once to the decorator and engineer in me. Its simple
golden lines beckoned the viewer closer to find out just
how it was supported and constructed.
The beautifully curved console from De Castelli softened
their metal offering, showing a much more decorative side
to their architectural collection.
Opposite page: The Valet collection, designed by David Rockwell for
Stellarworks; This page clockwise from top: Rideau by Emmemobili;
Perch Light by Moooi; Galileo mirror by Living Divani and Mosaico
sideboard from De Castelli