Since 1961, Salone del Mobile has brought the innovative future of design to one of the pillars of fashion and culture, Milan. Starting as a design fair to highlight Italian furnishing and exports, Salone del Mobile has grown to be a key event during Milan Design Week. Surrounded by illustrious architecture, centuries of history, and an undeniable sense of savvy, there is no better place to witness what the creatives of today are bringing to the forefront of design.
Before we go deeper into the happenings of this year’s event, let’s take a trip back to the beginning. Tasked with creating an event for architects, designers, furniture manufacturers, and more to showcase their talents, Cosimo Carli was in for a challenge. With the help of a group of Italian furniture manufacturers, Carli put together the first annual Salone del Mobile at Parco Sempione in the Palazzo dell’Arte. With 12,000 guests in attendance, and works from Gio Ponti, Zanotta, and other Italian craftsman on display, the first event was a success. Over six decades later, the Salone del Mobile has become an institution for design, and is renowned as one of the biggest events for design in the world. With top brands, such as Fendi and Louis Vuitton, partnering with the event to create one of a kind pieces to display, Salon del Mobile only continues to grow in notability.
For this years event, Salon de Mobile welcomed over 2,000 brands to design’s most important city. These brands spanned across 37 countries, showcased 550 young designers, and included brands from 28 design schools and universities. People traveled from across the globe to partake in this week long celebration of design, creativity, and innovation. After a three year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival took over its usual location, the Fiera Milano.
Each designer brought a taste of modernity and vintage flair to their displays. Technology and its place in society was a recurring theme throughout different designs. From technology-infused fabric, to apps that control the temperature and type of water your refrigerator dispenses, the grip of technology was felt throughout varying displays and ideas.
Young designers sparked conversations of sustainability and the future of design, while the traditional heritage brands showcased the importance of history with subtle mid-century modern and ‘70s flair.
No matter if you view these displays in person, or see them over social media, there is no denying the impact and creative nature that the Salone del Mobile brings to the design community. In celebration of the festival, here are three designers featured on Elysian Collective who showcased their talents at the 61st Salone de Mobile.
Dooq
From the sunny coasts of Portugal, Dooq brought their sensual designs to the elegant city of Milan. A member of the Elysian Collective family, it was incredible to see their work showcased during Milan design week! Specializing in design that focuses on physicality, balance, and contrast, Dooq aims to bring objects that spark conversation and connection. Delicate materials such as velvet and straw pair with tough materials, such as copper and marble, to create an interesting dynamic between feminine and masculine design. We see these elements come together in items such as the Souk Mirror. An unlikely pairing of silk, bronze, satin, and marble creates an exquisite piece of decor fit for any home.
Forma Rosa
Another member of the Elysian Collective family, Forma Rosa debuted several new pieces at their solo show during Milan Design Week. Titled Natura Oscura (Dark Nature), the show featured different sculptures made by the brand that aimed to challenge viewers to “reconsider their relationship with the natural world and explore new ways of interacting with it.” For the show, Forma Rosa designed various new pieces, one of those being the Wave Form Stool. Using ceramic as the medium. Forma Rosa combine modern aesthetics with playful and whimsical motifs to create a stool that is a functional form of art. Paired with the Wave Form Vase, featured on Elysian Collective, the stools adds a sophisticated, yet intriguing touch to any space.
Felicia Ferrone
Known for intricate glassware, Felicia Ferrone brings elements of the Renaissance era to the contemporary age with STILL NOW. The Dinner. Ferrone transports the viewer back in time utilizing architecture and design. Hosting the show at the Villa Mirabello, a 15th century villa located in Milan, Ferrone sets a scene of a dinner party. Lining a table with royal blue cloths, plates, and dinner accessories, Ferrone allows the glassware to take the spotlight. Collecting pieces from the 20th century, this display showcases how the traditions of centuries ago still hold a place in the modern world. From tall, slender cups, etched with art deco lines, to wide, rounded wine glasses, Ferrone creates an interesting dynamic between height and weight to create a visually interesting composition. While one may not notice the beauty and skill that goes into crafting glassware, it is certain that after viewing Ferrone’s work for STILL NOW. The Dinner, that the viewer will leave with a newfound appreciation for the art of glassware.
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This year’s Salone del Mobile reminded us all that the power of design has the ability to not only transform our spaces, but plays a key role in bringing people together from across the world. Whether it’s through a vase or a chair, design allows us to bring different sectors of the planet into our spaces, connecting us little by little every day. We can’t wait to see what next year’s show will bring!
