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Salone del Mobile 2016: 18 exhibitions we loved
APR 20, 2016 | By Raisa Tolia
Six days of non stop design – this year’s Salone del Mobile in Milan, like always, impressed and awed. We were there front and centre absorbing all that transpired at one of the biggest trade fairs in the world. A more comprehensive report will be published in our June-July issue. For now, fresh from the fairgrounds, here’s our pick of the best live displays, new launches, interactive installations, unique collaborations and experimental creations.
1. Stefano Boeri at the Super Design Show
Milanese architect Stefano Boeri collaborated with Minneapolis based 3M Design to imagine an installation titled Urban Tree Lounge at the Super Design show. Set in the Materials Village by Material ConneXion Italia, the structure provided a place for visitors to meet, rest and reflect using 3M’s films, non wovens, and adhesives.
Website: www.3mitalia.it
2. The Restaurant by Caesarstone and Tom Dixon
Quartz manufacturer Caesarstone along with British designer Tom Dixon unveiled The Restaurant by Caesarstone and Tom Dixon. The multi sensory creation consisted of four conceptual kitchens and dining halls inspired by the elements of earth, fire, water and air.
Website: www.caesarstone-tomdixon.com
3. Werner Aisslinger for Dedon
Luxury outdoor furniture brand Dedon joined forces with German designer Werner Aisslinger on their latest offering Dedon Jungalow. The collection amalgamates the energy of a jungle with the tranquility of a contemporary bungalow.
Website: www.dedon.de
4. Gunjan Gupta at Alamak! Design in Asia
The Alamak! Design in Asia at the XXI Triennale International Exhibition was entirely dedicated to the contemporary aesthetics of Asian designs. Representing India among 12 designers was New Delhi based, multi EDIDA India winner Gunjan Gupta who showed her unique seaters.
Website: www.alamakproject.com
5. Bulthaup
The leading German kitchen brand launched their new sleek offerings like b+ solitaires, b1 and b3 kitchen ranges. We simply loved this black aluminium cooking table from the b+ solitaire line.
Website: www.en.bulthaup.com
6. Light is Time by Citizen Watch
Developed by Paris based architect Tsuyoshi Tane of DGT Architects, this magical art installation involved over 80,000 suspended main plates (the basic component of a watch). The glittering artistic setup aimed to reflect the plain fact that without light there would be no time.
Website: www.citizenwatch-global.com
7. Hermes
The French luxury brand released Collection for the Home 2016-17 at the trade fair. We love the Spinning Tops made of gold and black hunter cowhide in full leather and natural beech.
Website: www.hermes.com
8. Kartell
In a special exhibition titled Talking Minds, the Italian company created 11 micro environment, each dedicated to an iconic designer. Alongside latest furniture displayed in rooms, each creative voiced out their thoughts in recordings. We enjoyed Airway by Philippe Starck and Discovolante and Testacalada by Piero Lissoni.
Website: www.kartell.com
9. Omnia Vincit Amort by Raja Schwahn-Reichmann for Lasvit
Austrian artist Raja Schwahn-Reichmann’s stunning illuminator is a combination of her paintings and blown glass components. This ethereal piece employs delicate colours while adding a contemporary twist to baroque icons and floral elements.
Website: www.lasvit.com
10. Ron Tom Tom by Moroso
The photography exhibition by Tom Vack, held at the State de Milano, showcased all the products designed by Ron Arad during his 25 year long partnership with Moroso. The photographs printed on stretch canvas or plexiglas were displayed alongside a number of Ron’s creations for the brand.
Website: www.moroso.it
11. Matteo Thun Atelier
The Italian architect and designer launched his new brand Matteo Thun Atelier with three entirely handcrafted collections. We loved the Glass + Ceramics collection that can be fully customised in thirteen colour combinations.
Website: www.matteothunatelier.com
12. Natuzzi Italia
Natuzzi Italia launched their new collection with 20 models including sofas, beds, tables and chairs for the living, bedroom and dining areas. We simply loved the contemporary and straight lined Piuma bed.
Website: www.natuzzi.com
13. 50 Manga chairs by Nendo
The 50 Manga Chairs installation by the Japanese design studio for Friedman Benda was inspired by manga comics. Each sculptural chair took after a different design element like speech bubbles or effect lines.
Website: www.nendo.jp
14. Collections by Preciosa
The Czech lighting brand is known for its conceptual chandeliers designed by local masters. We particularly liked Mercury by sculptor Rony Plesl that is inspired by the male form and is adaptable to both vertical and horizontal positioning.
Website: www.preciosalighting.com
15. Scarlet Splendour
Kolkata based luxury brand showed their Vanilla Noir range by Italian designer and EDIDA India 2015 winner Matteo Cibic at Spazio Rossana Orlandi. The award winning collection was designed using classic Italian forms and traditional Indian inlay work.
Website: www.scarletsplendour.com
16. Valcucine
Leading Italian kitchen brand Valcucine launched two new kitchen solutions – V-Motion Kit and New Gourmet System. Our pick was the interactive V-Motion Kit that helps simplify tasks using smart opening and closing systems for drawers.
Website: www.valcucine.com
17. Bottega Veneta
The Italian luxury brand launched its new home collection imagined by creative director Tomas Maier. The series consists of modern arch tables, suede or leather sofas and tables with marble or wood surfaces along with intrecciato weave handles.
Website: www.bottegaveneta.com
18. Crista by Zaha Hadid for Atelier Swarovski Home
Iraqi born British architect Zaha Hadid designed the crystal and metal Crista centrepiece that takes inspiration from nature’s crystallisation process. Crafted using the brand’s new Wave Cut technology, the object is a part of Atelier Swarovski Home’s debut collection.
Website: www.atelierswarovskihome.com
Website: www.salonemilano.it
Also read: Designers we spotted at Salone del Mobile 2016
