Milan design week made a triumphant return in 2022 as the world's most important design event. It is anchored by the Salone del Mobile furniture fair and features displays and events in hundreds of venues across the Italian city's design districts. Following a pared-down version of the event in 2021, the 60th Anniversary of the fair saw a return to its pre-pandemic size which featured more than 2000 exhibitors and makes it one of the largest trade shows on Earth.
New homewares and furniture from big names such as Louis Vuitton were a highlight, especially with their use of colour, texture and innovative take on established designs. Emerging talent in the design world also made their mark, with some inspiring new offerings.
Let’s dive in and check out some of the most exciting displays...
In Milan this year, Louis Vuitton marked the 10th anniversary of its ‘Objets Nomades’ collection. The collection was first launched in 2012, the range of furniture and objects are made in collaboration with internationally renowned designers, and must embody Louis Vuitton’s vision of travel, exploration and its design principles.
Maison Matisse is a design house founded by the painter’s family who wish to “keep the unique spirit of its forefather alive” via furniture and objects created by renowned or emerging designers.
This year, Maison Matisse has collaborated with Milan-based studio Formafantasma for a stunning limited-edition collection of lighting called Fold.
Matisse’s works have been reimagined through steel, LED tubes and cut paper for an expressive collection.
Known to many as a clothing and lifestyle brand, Missoni has expanded its offerings of its distinctive stylings with the launch of its tableware line.
Loewe celebrated sustainability with their ‘Weave, Restore, Renew’ display. The installation celebrated manual labour, and the art of breathing new life into discarded objects. It included a display of sculptural raincoats alongside 240 baskets sent to artisans around the world to be repaired using leather strings.
During Milan Design Week, Dolce & Gabbana launched a dedicated homewares and furniture store, over 2 locations, named Dolce & Gabbana Casa. The two spaces will showcase the fashion house’s rich collections of furniture and accessories, including home textiles ,Murano glassware and Sicilian ceramics.
Of the new talent on show, a stand out display was from Lebanese designer, Khaled El Mays. He created a surreal psychedelic installation which featured modular style seating. His shaggy club chair and twisty lamp was also visual and textural delight.
Another new talent is that of Nigerian architect and designer, Tolulope Adebayo, who displayed the Abeti Aja chair. Although it looks like an origami paper crane, she actually drew inspiration from closer to home. The chair is made to resemble the Abeti Aja cap that is popular in West African countries, including Nigeria.
Made of handwoven material just like its muse, the armchair can be described as a traditional piece with modern sensibilities. It has the timelessness of culture with the clean lines of a modern design.
