Designers’ Experience of Milan: Andrew Parr
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SJB Interiors’ Andrew Parr described Milan Design Week as both stimulating and exhausting. What did he get out of the fair? We find out.
Name: Andrew Parr
Occupation: Interior Designer
Location (where are you based): Melbourne
Company: SJB Interiors
Position: Director
How would you describe the 2015 Milan Design Fair in one sentence?
Stimulating! Exhausting! But with some great new forms and Bauhaus colours.
What has/have been your favourite…
Three products this year?
How can you stop at just three! Too many exciting products and exciting designs it’s impossible to choose – but my definite favourites this year were…
Flos light by Patricia Urquiola
Penta lighting
Tacchini sofa in Green
Cassina – segmented rattan coffee table
Arflex chair in leather
Diesel – perforated cabinet in Aqua
Flos Light by Patricia Urquiola
Exhibitor/stand?
Cassina at Via Diorini and the fair. It is always interesting to see where Cassina take their designs and yet remain true to their aesthetic integrity. Absolute masters of their craft!
Flos Stand with trees – Flos presented new light fixtures by Michael Anastassiades, R. & E. Bouroullec, Antonio Citterio, Piero Lissoni, Jasper Morrison, Philippe Starck, Patricia Urquiola, together with new architectural products and outdoor surprises.
Penta Go Lamps
Party/event?
The Nendo Works 2014-2015 exhibition (at Milan’s Museo della Permanente) by Japanese studio Nendo who presented a year’s worth of work by the studio’s founder Oki Sato.
Over 100 products were exhibited which have been designed over the past year for 19 brands, including previously unseen pieces for Glas Italia.
Newcomer’s stand?
None that spring to mind – but that is because the quality of the stands was extraordinary across the board.
What are the main trends you saw in Milan for…
Colour?
Bauhaus – grey green blue
Brick, faded terracotta
Crimson, pink blush
Forest Green, spearmint
Texture?
Velvet… and more velvet
Marble and glass
There was an extensive presence of white glass lighting throughout the fair. Everything from simple organic forms used as lamps or floor lighting through to larger suspended pieces in an array of shapes and finishes.
What product and/or trend at Milan do you see being most relevant to the Australian market?
Paola Lenti’s outdoor furniture – particularly the sofas. Paola’s designs allow designers and consumers to choose products with a finesse and vibrancy of both form and colour setting them apart from the everyday.
Paola Lenti outdoor furniture
What did you personally take from and/or learn at the fair?
Euroluce was extremely stimulating with LED revolutionising lighting design.
What has been the highlight of your time in Milan?
Ceresio 7 Restaurant owned by the DSquared2 group
SJB Interiors
sjb.com.au
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