The ‘Salone Internazionale del Mobile di Milano’ is Europe’s largest and most prestigious design expo. It is world renowned. Held annually as the name suggests in Milan, this is an extraordinary event. The week is now known as the Milan Design Week, with Lighting (Euroluce), Kitchen (EuroCucina) and Bathroom (International Exhibition), all occurring at this time between the 9th and 14th of April. This year was the 58th Edition of the event which was first launched in 1961.
To immerse you in the look and feel of the event we have selected three key exhibitors – two being well known brands Gucci and Versace, the other a rather eclectic artist (based in Mexico) Carlos Amardes.
The Salone del Mobile Milano is a journey of sensual delight – a myriad experience of colour, fabric, light and texture.
This year world renowned Italian brand Gucci opened a pop-up store utilising an existing apartment, renamed the Gucci Decor Store. It will remain in place until June this year. The store has been designed to profile the Gucci brand’s latest offerings in homewares – furniture, porcelain, dinnerware and blankets.
Gucci’s Creative Director, Allessandro Michele, has filled the entire space with the brand’s signature patterns and prints. Unashamedly maximalist, everything from wallpapers, cushions, screens, chairs, candles, incense trays and metal folding tables – all carry the iconic Gucci brand.
The Gucci décor collection was developed and released in 2017, a commitment to the craft and artisanship and to profile the skills of Italian creators and designers. Part of this iconic collection comes from the famous Richard Ginori porcelain manufacturer acquired by Gucci in 2013. The company had been formed in 1735. Under Gucci’s stewardship, the range is now flourishing with artistic direction from Gio Ponti.
The store provided an augmented reality ‘app’ where users could use famous locations as well as their own home to try out different pieces, ‘virtually’ placing the items there. The overall installation was certainly an indulgence, but reported to be thoroughly enjoyable.
At Louis Vuitton their team in collaboration India Mahdavi, Patricia Urquindo and Tokujin Yoshioka presented its ‘objets nomades’ collection. The focus is on the idea of travel whilst considering each designer’s personal style.
Atelier Biagetti and Zanellato/Bortotto created feature pieces for each design. ‘Anemona’, a glass top dining table and a wavy base, dressed in soft leather was created by Atelier Biagetti whilst Italian duo Zanellato/Bortotto debuted with an amazing ‘mandala’ screen composed of three separate parts drawn together in a sophisticated weave.
The featured pieces were presented at the neoclassical Palazzo Serbelloni in an exhibition featuring the entire collection with past editions revisited in new colours and materials.
Darkened rooms are refreshed with light spreading in brilliant colours. Tonal effects with subtle changes, the Campano Brothers ‘bomboca’ sofa-puzzle in fluoro yellow; the ‘Cocoon’ suspended chair covered in a red faux fur.
The Campano Brothers have added a new piece called the ‘Bulbo’ armchair. It mimics a giant tropical bloom that embraces the person seated in billows of yellow fabric.
Also included in this latest display are ‘dollchairs’, modular in design. As with traditional Louis Vuitton trunks, the ‘chairs’ can be customised and hand painted with individual designs.
Our last featured contribution on this installation is from Marcel Wanders – Diamond shaped armchairs with arched wooden frames, cagelike, a diamond vase of mouth blown Murano glass suspended by leather strapping and a ‘venezia’, a lamp that is modelled on traditional Venetian lanterns.
The final vision we share is that of the Artist Carlos Arardes of Mexico. What an extraordinary vision he offers. Titled ‘The Accursed Hour’ his installation was located on the Fondazione Adolfo Pini. It features a swarm of 15,000 black butterflies – a breathtaking eerie display. For your pleasure we have added a series of images from his display.
For the very best in professional Architectural design, graced with impeccable interior finishing to compliment the overall effect, call Balance Architecture on 0418 341 443. Alternatively call our Melbourne office on 8696 9700 and leave us a message. Andrew Fedorowicz our principal Architect will be only too pleased to set up a time for a free no obligation consultation at your convenience. Balance Architecture specialise in Heritage properties, ensuring the integrity of the original construct is not lost.
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