After a manic last couple of months of University, I have finally got round to writing about my favourite exhibitions that I saw at Milan Design Week (MDW) this year. After the hype around this incredible week, everyone has probably seen and read everything that was incredible to see there, however it's never too late to share amazing design.
For those of you have never visited MDW, there is SO much across the whole city. The main exhibition, Salone del Mobile, is where the big brands present their collection to the ticketed crowds. Not only within this exhibition can you see huge brands, but smaller independent designers can present their work. The Salone Satellite stand was a particular favourite, designers aged under 35 could exhibit their work and the freshness and buzz around each work was a refreshing and exciting environment to wonder round in.
Outside of Salone del Mobile, there were design districts scattered across the city, this is where the majority of my favourite exhibitions were shown. You'd wonder round the amazing city of Milan, taking in the sights that it has to offer and then come across a courtyard in which a brand would take over for the week and present their incredible collection! Below are just some of them that really caught my eye and were perfect Instagram opportunities! (Make sure to click through the images to view more)
The Diner, Ventura Centrale
Found under a railway arch near Milan Centrale, The Diner created by The Rockwell Group and Surface Magazine, offered American cuisine throughout the week. There 4 distinct environments in which the Roadside Diner, the East Cost Luncheonette, The Midwest Diner and the West Coast Diner were presented with a modern twist. The electric colours and pops of neon lighting created a bold and snazzy environment to enjoy a milkshake and a burger!
For those of you have never visited MDW, there is SO much across the whole city. The main exhibition, Salone del Mobile, is where the big brands present their collection to the ticketed crowds. Not only within this exhibition can you see huge brands, but smaller independent designers can present their work. The Salone Satellite stand was a particular favourite, designers aged under 35 could exhibit their work and the freshness and buzz around each work was a refreshing and exciting environment to wonder round in.
Outside of Salone del Mobile, there were design districts scattered across the city, this is where the majority of my favourite exhibitions were shown. You'd wonder round the amazing city of Milan, taking in the sights that it has to offer and then come across a courtyard in which a brand would take over for the week and present their incredible collection! Below are just some of them that really caught my eye and were perfect Instagram opportunities! (Make sure to click through the images to view more)
The Diner, Ventura Centrale
Found under a railway arch near Milan Centrale, The Diner created by The Rockwell Group and Surface Magazine, offered American cuisine throughout the week. There 4 distinct environments in which the Roadside Diner, the East Cost Luncheonette, The Midwest Diner and the West Coast Diner were presented with a modern twist. The electric colours and pops of neon lighting created a bold and snazzy environment to enjoy a milkshake and a burger!
HARU Stuck-On Design, Ventura Centrale
Found again near Milan Centrale, HARU Stuck-On Design created an explosion of colour under the railway arches. The colour combinations were divine and the bright yellow wall pulled on my heart strings! HARU Stuck-On Design aims to bring colour back into our lives. Based on the concept of changing a space by "sticking on colour", it's idea is to introduce colour more freely into a space as to suit the situations and feelings of the moment. You may have also seen them at Clerkenwell Design Week this year too!
Found again near Milan Centrale, HARU Stuck-On Design created an explosion of colour under the railway arches. The colour combinations were divine and the bright yellow wall pulled on my heart strings! HARU Stuck-On Design aims to bring colour back into our lives. Based on the concept of changing a space by "sticking on colour", it's idea is to introduce colour more freely into a space as to suit the situations and feelings of the moment. You may have also seen them at Clerkenwell Design Week this year too!
Wood In Progress, Zona Tortona
A huge favourite of mine! Envisions and Finsa collaborated to create this amazing exhibition to showcase their experimental design research. Using a mix of Envisions colour wood samples and Finsa's manufacturing processes, stunning pieces of work were created and of course I fell in love with all the colour palettes on show! This collaboration proved that designers can't live without the industry and the industry can't progress without visionary designers.
A huge favourite of mine! Envisions and Finsa collaborated to create this amazing exhibition to showcase their experimental design research. Using a mix of Envisions colour wood samples and Finsa's manufacturing processes, stunning pieces of work were created and of course I fell in love with all the colour palettes on show! This collaboration proved that designers can't live without the industry and the industry can't progress without visionary designers.
HAY, Sonos and WeWork , Milanese Palazzo
The scrumptious venue of Milanese Palazzo Clerici provided the perfect backdrop to showcase the collaboration between HAY, office furniture company WeWork and sound professionals Sonos. The exhibition challenged the notions of everyday and working environments and the result created beautiful environments. The newly launched HAY Sonos One, which explore colour, sound and design were dotted around the styled sets and are now a must-have on my wish list!
The scrumptious venue of Milanese Palazzo Clerici provided the perfect backdrop to showcase the collaboration between HAY, office furniture company WeWork and sound professionals Sonos. The exhibition challenged the notions of everyday and working environments and the result created beautiful environments. The newly launched HAY Sonos One, which explore colour, sound and design were dotted around the styled sets and are now a must-have on my wish list!
Typecasting. An Assembly of Iconic, Forgotten and New Vitra Characters, La Pelota
Of course I have to end my top 5 with the unforgettable Vitra, who took over the old sports hall La Pelota, to showcase 200 objects from their archive. Of course there were classics that could be viewed such as the Charles and Ray Eames DAW Chair, but there were many other items that I hadn't previously seen, creating an exciting opportunity to delve into the history of incredible design at Vitra.
Of course I have to end my top 5 with the unforgettable Vitra, who took over the old sports hall La Pelota, to showcase 200 objects from their archive. Of course there were classics that could be viewed such as the Charles and Ray Eames DAW Chair, but there were many other items that I hadn't previously seen, creating an exciting opportunity to delve into the history of incredible design at Vitra.
It truly was a fantastic week and one that I hope to go and visit again next year! The designs, the furniture, the colours and styling of exhibitions lead to great excitement, photos and inspiration for me and i'm sure, many others!