Who can provide a unique yet authentic perspective on Milano Design Week 2024? This question lingered as the curtains fell on both the Fuorisalone scattered across the city streets and the Salone del Mobile Milano at Rho Fiera.
While industry giants and seasoned editors offer invaluable insights, it’s the emerging designers sculpting the future of furnishings who bring a fresh lens to the event, especially if it’s their debut at Milano Design Week.
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Without delay, we tapped into the minds of the brightest first-year Product Design students at Istituto Marangoni Milano to uncover everything from their initial impressions to the standout moments and the hidden treasures of Milano Design Week 2024 – from sleek minimalist marvels to daring experimental installations. What did we unearth? Stay tuned.
A sneak peek! From being fascinated by the event’s inclusivity and sense of togetherness to its knack for spotlighting both the legacy of design heavyweights and the burgeoning potential of their young successors, one thing became crystal clear: planning your journey through Milan’s streets and the stands at Rho Fiera is non-negotiable. Once you’ve mapped out your tour of exhibitions and activities, the game is on, and you can’t help but marvel and be inspired by that unique blend of tradition, innovation, and diverse cultural influences that cement Milan’s global dominance in design year after year.
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A Global Showcase of Innovation, Togetherness, and Emerging Talent
As first-year design students, we were captivated by the eclectic fusion of styles, concepts, and technologies at Milano Design Week 2024. The city’s streets had transformed into a runway for innovation, where every corner unveiled a new perspective on the future of design. From interactive installations engaging all the senses to digital artworks challenging perception, each exhibition conveyed an inspiring message.
Milano Design Week 2024 transcended being merely an event; it became a catalyst for the transformation and evolution of our world, fueled by the power of art and design. Photo courtesy of the authors
Yet, the best part about Milano Design Week is that it brought together people from every corner of the world, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and cultural exchange that pushed us to think beyond conventional boundaries.
Saint Laurent Rive Droite presented "Gio Ponti - Villa Planchart" curated by Anthony Vaccarello. Photo courtesy of the authors
What struck us most during this week was the opportunity it provided to showcase and amplify the voices of lesser-known designers, as evidenced at the Alcova off-site exhibition.
Massimiliano Galli, Maia Villa, Flaminia De Santis, Itamar Sasson
First-year Product Design students, Milano
A Journey of Discovery – But Plan Your Itinerary Well to Avoid Getting Lost in Design
During our first trip to Milano Design Week 2024, we were driven by an insatiable curiosity. Our journey took us through the charming corridors of the Brera Design District and the prestigious halls of Salone del Mobile Milano.
While we encountered many impressive destinations during our trip, the La Marzocco pop-up store stood out as a beacon of inspiration. The store featured a well-curated collection of high-end espresso machines, including their ground-breaking collaboration with Rimowa.
The La Marzocco pop-up store featured an high-end espresso machine in collaboration with Rimowa. Photo courtesy of the authors
As we ventured deeper into the heart of design, our journey led us to Salone del Mobile Milano. Standout exhibits included Venini’s exquisite glass creations, Lapalma’s iconic AP Stool designed by Shin Azumi in 2010, and the Panorama swivel chair by Philippe Starck for Kartell. We were also captivated by the understated elegance of the Acerbis Storet chest of drawers designed by Nanda Vigo in 1994 and the unconventional Pratone seat by Gufram, which added whimsical charm with its long green stalks that we could sink and lie in. We also admired the timeless allure of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Chair. The Lokum by Acerbis, also known as those blown glass coffee tables designed by Sabine Marcelis, added a touch of ethereal beauty to the ensemble, rounding out a diverse collection of design excellence.
From left to right: the Panorama swivel chair by Philippe Starck for Kartell; the unconventional Pratone seat by Gufram; the Lokum blown glass coffee tables by Acerbis designed by Sabine Marcelis. Photo courtesy of the authors
As we look forward to the upcoming Milano Design Weeks, we are determined to prepare for the event with greater foresight and planning. To achieve this, we will conduct thorough research and create a customised itinerary that will enable us to engage fully with the most compelling exhibitions and activities.
Aigin Juhls and Gustav Craft
First-year Product Design students, Milano
Where Tradition, Innovation, Design Master Legacies, and Cultural Heritages Converge
Milano Design Week 2024 reverberated with a strong focus on the essential pillars of materiality, form, sustainability, and narrative, showcasing the evolution of contemporary design paradigms.
Among the many exhibits, the one hosted by Nilufar Gallery stood out for its exceptional quality. It skillfully explored the interplay between environment and design, demonstrating how the context in which furniture is presented can give it life and meaning.
Snapshots from the interplay between environment and design explored by Nilufar Gallery. Photo courtesy of the authors
Equally captivating was Loro Piana’s tribute to Cini Boeri’s legacy, seamlessly blending luxury with an unwavering commitment to exquisite craftsmanship and unparalleled comfort. This revivalist approach not only celebrated the timeless allure of enduring design principles but also underscored the brand’s steadfast dedication to uncompromising quality.
Capturing moments at Nilufar Gallery. Photo courtesy of the authors
Furthermore, the integration of cultural heritage into product design took centre stage in Saudi Arabia’s Design Space AlUla, which brought a glimpse of the natural and cultural landscape of the ancient oasis city to Brera. Through a thoughtful blend of elements of Saudi Arabia’s rich historical tapestry and contemporary design, the exhibition designed by Sabine Marcelis and CLOUD created a compelling narrative that deeply resonated with visitors.
Rana Al Droubi and Halla Khaled Abdelhamid Elsayed Ibrahim
First-year Product Design students, Milano
Cementing Milan’s Global Leadership in Design
During Milano Design Week 2024, the city reaffirmed its unmatched position as a global epicentre of design. The event went beyond a mere display of products; it was a joyous celebration of boundless creativity and exquisite craftsmanship.
As we strolled down the famed Via Durini, we embarked on a journey through a tapestry of design stores. From the timeless allure of Zanotta to the contemporary edge of Cassina and the avant-garde marvels at Cappellini, every step along that street unveiled a new facet of design excellence. Here, Binova shone as a beacon of sleek sophistication, effortlessly blending form and function to redefine the modern kitchen as a space for both utility and aesthetic delight.
Avant-garde marvels by Cappellini showcased at Milano Design Week 2024. Photo courtesy of the authors
Yet, it was our rendezvous with Istituto Marangoni professor Matteo Agati at Trussardi Casa that left an indelible mark on our senses. The meticulous craftsmanship and sumptuous textures of Trussardi Casa’s furniture whispered tales of timeless elegance, casting a spell of sophistication upon all who beheld them.
The pinnacle of our Milano Design Week odyssey awaited at Salone del Mobile Milano at Rho Fiera, where we bore witness to the vanguard of furniture and design trends. From sleek minimalist masterpieces to audacious experimental installations, Salone del Mobile Milano confirmed Milan’s status as the beating heart of the design universe.