Love at first sight is mostly a myth – unless you’re shopping for shoes or attending an event like Salone del Mobile. Here, first impressions count: it only takes a split second to spot something and for it to make a mark. As expected, the 55th edition of Milan Design Week was a visual and sensory overload teeming with inspirational designs. We expect these pieces to become even more covetable as the days go by.
Credenza Collection by Spazio Pontaccio
If you’re in the market for a credenza, look no further. The capsule collection of design boutique Spazio Pontaccio – a collaboration between the prolific Patricia Urquiola and graphic designer Federico Pepe – is a true head-turner. Referencing the dramatic stained glass windows found in churches, this hand-crafted piece assembles stained glass in the most alluring colour combinations. Definitely an eye-catching conversation piece.
The Équilibre d’Hermès Collection by Hermès
Looking for the perfect bookend, or perhaps a magnifying glass for your desk? Well, trust Hermès to come up with the most exquisite versions of those – rendered no less than in their signature supple leather mixed with wood, brass, and wicker. The brand’s exhibition at Teatro Vetra focused on the notion of balance. These decorative accessories are just one of the many highlights. We also loved Nigel Peake’s fabric and wallpaper collection as well as the Sofa Sellier and Moneo armchair, both of which feature cane work – a first for the maison.
Molteni & C’s Reissues and Gio Ponti Collection
It’s not surprising for a brand like Molteni & C to refer to their archives, especially after they celebrated their 80th anniversary in 2015. Drawing from their rich heritage but looking towards the future, two releases – the D.154.2 armchair by Gio Ponti and Afra and Tobia Scarpa’s Miss armchair – had our hearts racing. Currently under the creative direction of Belgian designer Vincent Van Duysen, the brand will also give three other pieces a new albeit limited lease on life this year.
Front’s Triclinium Sofa for Moroso
The sofa is probably the most versatile piece of furniture – it serves as a bed, desk as well as a dining table. Front’s interpretation of the sofa’s multi-purpose role resulted in the Triclinium Sofa for Moroso, which caters to every possible need with its customisable approach and cosy appearance. Thinking outside the box is the expertise of Moroso, enabling new and established talent to rethink the notion of a piece, as well as adding whimsy to everyday life.
Voyage Chair by Gamfratesi for Porro
The collaboration between Danish duo GamFratesi and Italian brand Porro began with the elegant Traveller daybed released in 2015. It continues this year with the simple and yet sophisticated Voyage chair. Clean lines and leather meet in this instant classic – it feels thoroughly modern and certainly won’t date. We also applaud creative director Piero Lissoni’s embrace of colour with the Modern box – released in a charming mix of orange, blue, purple and green.
The Bouroullec Brothers for Hay
What the Palissade Collection achieves is quite rare. At first glance, this outdoor line designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Hay, looks and feels familiar and fresh at the same time. While its sinuous lines and colour ways have us smitten (the olive is our favourite), the duo’s Can sofa is nothing short of revolutionary. Made for this era of democratic design, the sofa arrives flat-packed and to be assembled at home; it wins our vote as the best-designed flat-pack sofa we’ve seen so far.
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