Design Mecca: Milan Report Preview
A glimpse of our in-depth look at the latest innovations and trends from Salone del Mobile and Fuorisalone
A view of an abandoned space in an old meatpacking plant at Alcova
Saana in a room upholstered with Lelièvre Paris moiré fabrics at Nilufar Depot
The much-anticipated Salone del Mobile and Fuorisalone shows did not disappoint this year as Milan Design Week returned to its usual April schedule for the first time since before COVID-19. This edition of Salone del Mobile encompassed the Euroluce lighting show, as well as Salone Satellite, a special section showcasing young designers and universities. Fuorisalone, scattered throughout Milan, boasted an impressive array of presentations. The Textile Eye editor-in-chief, and veteran textile designer, Saana Baker captures the heart of both translated into an extraordinary journey for our latest report, Design Mecca: Milan.
Showcasing almost 500 images on 200 ad-free pages, along with 11 themes, 18 color palettes, and nine exclusive interviews and profiles, this edition is anything but ordinary. In fact, while curating the most innovative products and designs, trend analysis, and fresh and renewed color schemes alike, two opposing worlds emerge great depths of decay, disease, and the grotesque and the luminous realm of beauty and euphoria for a wholly unique experience. Still, it’s our conversations with the people behind the designs that truly continue to inspire. These include Nina Yashar, founder of Nilufar, Raffaele Fabrizio, creative director of Dedar, Luca Nichetto, founder of Nichetto Studio, to name a few.
“This edition invites you to look at the world through different lenses: from aesthetics unafraid of the ravages of time and decay, to work that celebrates radiant artistry, to collections that present more conventional approaches to design,” says Saana. “My hope is that you will experience the power of the new design presented in Milan to reflect and shape our collective consciousness.”
Here is a special sneak peek of Design Mecca: Milan.
Boundary-pushing design themes
Both the Salone del Mobile and Fuorisalone shows featured a wide range of aesthetics, from established brands to emerging ones, encompassing everything from maximalist to minimalist, sublime to grotesque, and colorful to textural designs. Eleven unique themes emerged, each with its own flavor. These include Surreal Cellular, Shades of Gradient, Decayed Patina, Natural Tendencies, and Futurista, which depict the whole breadth of the designs that were on display.
Spellbinding color trends that defy the norm
A vibrant palette of warm and nontraditional hues stood out at Milan Design Week this year. The once-prevalent light neutrals take a backseat, making way for the rise of warm browns and stronger palettes. At the same time, the revival of bold colors like red and magenta adds striking and sophisticated drama to numerous product introductions, signaling their resurgence as powerful statements in the world of color. Salt & Pepper, Telemagenta, Burnt Orange, Springscape, and Midas Blues offer a peek of our 18 color palettes.
Awe-inspiring interviews and profiles of ingenious creators, curators, and more
Great design is attention-grabbing, emotion-evoking, and memorable, but it’s the minds behind these products, styles, and trends pushing the needle on design, that are truly awe-inspiring. For this edition The Textile Eye highlights nine of the brightest among them. Learn more about Raffaele Fabrizio, the maestro of Dedar, and Nina Yashar, the master curator at Nilufar. Both share about their project approaches and how their upbringings have influenced their work today. Luca Nichetto talks unveiling his Domus collection, a collaboration with Rubelli for Ginori 1735, as Federico Forquet shows off his FuturLiberty collection for Liberty London, bridging the gap between futuristic dreams and classic elegance. Also included are insightful Q&As with and profiles of Fornasetti, Lorenzo de Grandis, Cristián Mohaded, Luigi Scarabelli of Fabscarte, and Tal Waldman of Talva Design.
We hope you enjoyed this preview!
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