Two weeks ago we took our 2nd trip to Milan for this year’s Salone del Mobile. While we didn’t show this year, there was plenty of inspiration to go around both inside and outside of Salone.
By far one of our favorite components of Salone/Milan Design Week/Fuorisalone/etc. was the Salone Satellite exhibit within Salone del Mobile. We found many of the freshest ideas, materials, and perspectives came from the young and emerging artists represented in this showcase.
Chisato Ishikawa of 117/ichiichinana created these intricate and beautiful Aran-style door knittings made of Ramie.
What interested us most about this approach was how significantly a change in material expectations affected the overall feeling of one of our most common household features.
There was also an additional warmth and comfort when one of these doors was illuminated from behind.
Robert Van Embricqs is a very talented young designer who has created a series of highly functional and aesthetically pleasing pieces that combine complex engineering with appealing forms. All of his pieces collapse into a flat form which we love and we have a feeling one of these pieces would keep us entertained for hours.
Tangent: produced a crowd-drawing product called KIHOU. It’s composed of 2 liquids (one a black silicone oil and the other a stickier substance), a pump, and LEDs and creates a steady stream of golden illuminated “bubbles” on the surface of the silicone. It’s pretty mesmerizing to watch and difficult not to touch.
This photo doesn’t do the product justice so you can watch the video here.
Selene Tunesi has created some very clever products with an adorable and energetic source of inspiration (who was also in the booth with her).
Mag.nifico (below) is a nice bathroom solution for people with little ones. The light from the illuminated mirror is focused in the first configuration by the cylindrical mirror attachment which is then removed and placed on top of the basin to create the “baby bath.”
The Moonflower Cradle is another clever piece from Selene that goes from cradle to carpet. It uses regenerated leather and a washable, antiseptic foam and can be easily stowed or transported.
The “stork beak” holder is a nice touch.
Designer Estefania Johnson is responsible for this illuminated wall covering titled “Lum.” Chile is the largest producer of copper and Estefania has not only created a striking wall piece, but has simultaneously involved the prisoners from Colina I in the manufacturing of the panels thus creating an opportunity for new job skills for prisoners as well as new ways to use this resource.
We love pieces with a sense of whimsy in addition to functionality and the designers at Yoy continue to deliver. After seeing Peel at last year’s fair, we were excited to see what they came back with this time around.
Canvas consists of a wood and aluminum frame as well as an elastic fabric with a printed chair graphic. The most surprising feature of this piece is that it actually functions as a chair. It’s the type of piece that has you hesitating to try it out but can’t help but make you smile when you do.
Another thought-provoking piece is Protrude which defies gravity and makes us want to run to catch it. This piece makes clever use of a clamp under the tray for support.
Last but not least is a collection from Barbi Bottazzo that’s currently making us very hungry. We love the Tortellino chair and could imagine swinging Tarzan-style from the light (probably not advisable). It’s great to see some humor and playfulness at the fair in contrast to many other exhibitors.