If you thought we’d moved on from Milan Design Week, think again. There were fashionable forays into furniture from luxury Maisons, including Issey Miyake, Saint Laurent, and Thom Browne, and more. Mercedes-Maybach and Porsche raced to get in on the action, too, and there was even some scented goodness from LOEWE Perfumes. So before you say “so long” to Salone, strap in and see what you might have missed.
Issey Miyake made art out of the everyday
Issey Miyake collaborated with the Dutch design collective We Make Carpets for its “Fold and Crease” exhibition, which featured a series of installations crafted from everyday objects arranged in hypnotic shapes. It was crafted from 60,000 bamboo skewers, which were dipped in paint by hand and the wooden frame that the carpets were laid on was made from tulip trees and assembled with tusk tenon joinery without glue or screws. To finish it off, the patterns on the carpets were completely unique, crafted from a combination of three carpets.
Saint Laurent’s plates paid homage to Gio Ponti
Saint Laurent’s contribution to Milan Design Week consisted of a series of collaborative plates made with the Gio Ponti Archives. Anthony Vaccarello curated the exhibition, which was showcased at the Chiostri di San Simpliciano. The plates were produced with Ginori 1735 and are available from select YSL boutiques and online.
UGG teamed up with James Bantone
UGG commissioned artist James Bantone to work on a bespoke installation channelling a bold new direction. Titled "If you (see me, see me, see me)" the installation explores the blurred private and public lines. It was supported by OOH billboards of the Porta Venezia of Milan for the duration of Milan Design Week.
Giorgio Armani opened the doors to its historic headquarters
For Salone del Mobile 2024, Giorgio Armani took us inside Palazzo Orsini, its historic headquarters, to present a collection titled “Echi dal mondo” or “Echoes from the World.” The space was presented as a dialogue between fashion and design, which unfolded between rooms. Each setting corresponded to a different geographical location often referenced in the work of Giorgio Armani, including Europe, Japan, China, Arabia, and Morocco. Across the space, furniture flowed into fashion as Giorgio Armani’s showcased its cross-discipline design vision.
Thom Browne expanded its homeware line
Thom Browne unveiled his collaboration with Frette at Palazzina Appiani and serves as a continuation of the New York label’s developing homeware line. The collection sees heritage Italian fibres used to construct bathrobes, bath linens, and bedding.
Versace made sofas centred around conversation
Versace unveiled its latest furniture collection, “Versace Home: If These Walls Could Talk,” for Milan Design Week, focusing on the House’s signature design codes. The Medusa ‘95 and Greca featured rounded chairs and deep, expansive sofas in leather and chenille finished with the Barocco motif. The collection’s standout piece is the Medusa ‘95 conversation Sofa, a design that is unmistakably Versace in its exaggerated luxury comfort.
Porsche unveiled “The Art of Dreams”
Porsche combined themes of geometry, symmetry, rhythm, and reception for its “Art of Dreams Exhibition,” which explored the significance of dreams in our time at Milan Design Week. The installation was centred around an interactive sculpture titled “Lines of Flight,” designed by the artist collective Numen/For Use. The installation was a part of Porsche’s ongoing creative installation series, which sees the car brand pop-up in cities around the world.
Yves Salomon paid homage to Pierre Chapo
Yves Salomon paid homage to Pierre Chapo’s cutting-edge furniture design in its Salone del Mobile installation. The project delved into the shared values of both design houses as part of an exploration of modern luxury at DIMORECENTRALE as part of the OCCUPAZIONE exhibit. The collection saw five emblematic YVES Salomon x Chapo pieces availabled in distinct patterns and colours.
Lanvin linked up with Rooms Studio
Lanvin teamed up with Rooms Studio, the first female-run architectural and design studio in Tbilisi, Georgia, founded in 2007 by Nata Janberidze and Keti Toloraia. The partnership is reflective of Jeanne Lanvin’s understanding of the broader design landscape, which intersects with other creative disciplines. The collection focused on collectable objects and a focus on architectural design.
David LaChapelle reunited with Mercedes-Maybach
Mercedes-Maybach and David LaChapelle are regular collaborators, and for Milan Design Week 2024, they teamed up to create three artworks which explored the natural connection between Mercedes-Maybach’s automotive artistry. The artworks were unveiled at Milan’s Gallery Meravigli, which immersed guests in the artistic world of both parties.
Diesel invited us into its Red Takeover
Diesel invited us to its conceptual showroom for its Red Takeover, presented by Silver Dome. The space was dressed in Diesel red and silver and presented a vision of the Italian label’s approach to luxury living.
LOEWE Perfumes found the beauty in imperfection
LOEWE Perfumes looked to the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, finding beauty in imperfection and the beauty in the handmade. As part of its Milan Design Week installation, LOEWE Fragrances created a series of ceramic candles in vessels that embraced the spontaneity of the medium.
IKEA gave us a gaming collection
IKEA launched the BRÄNNBOLL gaming collection inspired by the evolving needs of gamers and those who live with them. The range comprised ergonomic pieces designed to keep to keep the good times going.
Off-White revealed a limited-edition rug
When it comes to design, Off-White knows a thing or two about it. For this year’s Salon del Mobile, the luxury brand unveiled a “DON’T WALK HERE” rug, that was designed especially for the event, and showcased in a setting filled with the brand’s signature quotation-mark-filled playfulness.
Cover Image: @Saint Laurent
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