Milan Report 2024
Welcoming over 300,000 visitors worldwide, Milan Design Week is a buzz of new collection launches, exhibitions and installations, talks and discussions, and design-centric parties flowing late into the night. This year’s theme "Materia Natura" emphasised sustainability, exploring the connection between "matter" and "nature" in creative processes. Meanwhile, the furniture fair, Salone Del Mobile experienced record attendance, drawing architects, designers, media and enthusiasts alike. Here's a closer look at our standout moments from Salone del Mobile and Fuorisalone 2024.
Stories
30.05.2024
Cassina Cornaro armchair, designed by Carlo Scarpa.
Cassina
The Cassina Perspective Exhibition 2024 was all about change and growth. Known for its pioneering attitude and commitment to innovation, this year's exhibition and new releases combined designs by established names such as Michael Anastassiades, Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby, Neri&Hu, Gaetano Pesce, Philippe Starck, Linde Freya Tangelder and Patricia Urquiola.
Noteworthy was the reintroduction of the iconic Cornaro model, a masterpiece originally crafted by Carlo Scarpa in 1973. Reimagined with modern sensibilities, the Cornaro marries timeless aesthetics with sustainable materials, reaffirming Cassina's commitment to design excellence.
Other new pieces introduced include the Indochine Chaise Lounge, designed by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina. Conceived as an extension to the iconic Indochine Swivel Armchair, the Chaise features an aerodynamic silhouette with three curved segments that seamlessly extend into the armrests. Originally crafted in rattan due to wartime metal shortages, Cassina now honours Perriand's vision by manufacturing this piece in tubular steel.
Another addition to the newly released Moncloud Sofa, is the Moncloud Armchair, designed by Patricia Urquiola's for Cassina. The armchair features a wooden structure that elevates the upholstered sections, giving the piece its signature cloud-like lightness.
Cassina Moncloud armchair, designed by Patricia Urquiola.
Poltrona Frau
Visitors to the Poltrona Frau’s Milanese showroom stepped into a new way of living with its 2024 Imagine Collection. This powerful theme encourages us all to unleash our imagination, creativity, and desires, offering a fresh and deeply personal perspective on living.
New designers were invited to collaborate this season, including British artist Faye Toogood with her irresistible Squash series, and design duo Draga & Aurel with their impactful Parka sofa. Plus, Fornasetti x Poltrona Frau's debut collaboration: an iconic name in Italian interior design reinterprets the Vanity Fair armchair with the dreamlike and surreal motifs of sun, moon and clouds.
Poltrona Frau Milan Showroom during Milan Design Week 2024.
Kettal
Spanish outdoor furniture brand Kettal released a series of captivating designs at this year’s fair. The Insula modular sofa by Patricia Urquiola reimagined traditional seating found in Arab majlis, offering versatile configurations for social gatherings indoors and outdoors. Meanwhile, the V Pavilion by Vincent Van Duysen drew inspiration from 1950s American modernism, epitomising flexibility and adaptability in design.
CC-Tapis
At the fairground, CC-TAPIS unveiled GRAND TOUR, a collection of hand-woven rugs that seamlessly blend contemporary design with Indian craftsmanship. Collaborating with international creatives like Patricia Urquiola, India Mahdavi and Doshi Levien (to name a few), the collection offered a diverse exploration of materials and techniques.
Meanwhile, the CC-TAPIS showroom in the city was transformed into an immersive experience, featuring Faye Toogood's Rude Art Club, where hand-knotted rugs were showcased like pieces of art alongside Tacchini furniture.
Another highlight collection was M’AMA NON M’AMA hand-knotted rugs by Patricia Urquiola. Inspired by nature, and about the game “loves me, loves me not”, the Spanish designer abstracted the organic shapes of flowers into soft and inviting rugs, to be touched, felt and interacted with – just like the game the collection is named after.
Moroso
Moroso's exhibition at its flagship store on Via Pontaccio was a testament to its values and identity. Curated by the legendary Patricia Urquiola, the display featured the One Page armchair by Ron Arad, surrounded by captivating contrasts and dialogues between materials and colours.
Another tribute to the company's historic association with Ron Arad was The Moroso Gallery of Wonders. Displayed within the Rossana Orlandi Gallery, an international landmark of collectible design, the One Page armchair by the London-based artist and designer was presented in five special versions, alongside a selection of iconic pieces revisited for the occasion.
Additionally, a bold exhibit with Diesel Living showcased the latest collection with the international fashion brand in a mesmerising setting of red and silver.
Puff-D Chair by Diesel Creative team for Diesel Living with Moroso at a Red Takeover and Silver Dome exhibition during Milano Design Week 2024. Photography: Leonardo Duggento
Moroso's Milan Showroom featuring Ron Arad's One Page armchair. Photography: Leonardo Duggento.
BD Barcelona
BD Barcelona's INTERZONE exhibition at the iconic Capsule Plaza showcased the visionary designs of Muller Van Severen, blending form and function effortlessly. Vibrant and sculptural, the collection exemplified comfort and community, inviting visitors to explore the interplay between shapes and spaces.
Additionally, sneak peeks of upcoming designs by Sabine Marcelis and Konstantin Grcic hinted at the brand's commitment to pushing boundaries in design.
BD Barcelona's INTERZONE exhibition featuring designs by Muller Van Severen at Milan Design Week 2024.
BD Barcelona Benchwing designed by Konstanin Grcic.