SALONE DI MOBILE: MILAN

As a first-timer to the legendary Salone di Mobile, I expected chairs, sofas, bizarre designers, groupies, and cocktails! I am pleased to announce that SdM failed to dissapoint in every above-mentioned category. In a 48 hour whirlwind taking me and my colleague Patrycja Pappelbaum from the bustling Zona Tortona, to the tony streets surrounding Milan´s “golden triangle” of shopping, to the infamous Design Miami/ “Craft Punk” production, we saw it all.

Highlights included…

Craft Punk by Design Miami/: Definitely one of the most talked about exhibitions at SdM, Design Miami/ and FENDI´s collaborative effort, “Craft Punk” featured a number of emerging talents from around the world “performing” their craft among thousands of gawkers and new devotees. Aside from the beautiful design itself, the best part of the show was being able to interact with the designers and really speak personally with them as they show the method behind their madness. Among my favorites were Nacho Carbonell and his “Beasts” collection and Siman Hasan with his boiled leather products. Also overheard were a few advance celebrity purchases of Kwangho Lee´s “obsession” chairs. We are extremely proud to have played a part in this exhibit and want to think Design Miami/ and especially Kapila and Victoria for their help! Also a big shout-out to our partners at TheCrane.TV who were on hand to shoot some insightful interview with designers and Wava Carpenter, the Associate Director of Design Miami. (video to follow!)

Bar Straf Happy Hour: As a member of Design Hotels, the Straf proudly excels in fulfilling all of our key brand values- incredible avant garde design, knowledgable and friendly staff, and one of the top “watering holes” in the city. With beautiful people, tasty cocktails, great music, and happy hour snacks, the Bar Straf really does host one of the best happy hours in town. The clientele ranges from chic Milanese beauties and business men, to globe trotting hipsters, and all have a great time. HOTEL STRAF

Taste Lounge/Richard Ginori: The infamous “food thing” located on the Via Tortona included a journey through undiscovered Italian foods from the food design collective, Arabeschi di Latte, and ceramics from the Italian firm Richard Ginori- the oldest and “most famous” italian porcelain manufacturer. Here visitors could pick up a plate and sample a variety of delicacies and gawk at the monumental porcelain wall at the end of the building. As well, the exhibit featured a comfortable reading lounge with a great selection of design, fashion, and lifestyle magazines.

Tom Dixon: In my opinion, the most relevant designer of the period, Tom Dixon showcased several new pieces in the Superstudio Piú. “Minimal, yet timeless” charactarize the designs from Dixon as substantial woods, and thick and memorable textiles coddled seat-testers! Also, the chalkboard was a nice touch and Patrycja and I took the opportunity to mark our territory!

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