MILAN FAIRGROUNDS: HALLS 6, 10 & 12

Pedrali

The concept of the Pedrali stand by Migliore+Servetto Architects (pictured above) was a play on lightness and dynamism. Ten groups of “Flying Boxes” opened upwards in different volumes like “matryoshka dolls”, outlined by thin wireframes that revealed the products of the new collections in an unexpected and playful tone.

The 2014 novelties give prominence to timber and upholstered products combined with plastic materials, using the technological innovation as a key aspect of every project.

Pedrali ‘Flying Boxes’ installation detail. 

Pedrali is available in Australia from Cafe Culture + Insitu, James Richardson and Estilo. 

Arketipo

A rich layering of texture and geometry gave the Arketipo stand a luxurious quality lacking in many of its neighbours. The Florentine brand sustained its characteristic focus on leather upholstery, introducing more angular forms and rigid metals in its bookshelves and occasional tables.

Arketipo Stand – Milan 2014

Arketipo is available in Australia from Contempo Collection.

Capdell

A simple exhibition from the Spanish brand was a strong canvas upon which to display seven new collections. Combining four collections by experienced designers with three by younger counterparts including Australian designer Marcel Sigel and Spanish studio Yonoh, the 2014 Capdell catalogue presented a balanced mix of refined and adventurous collections.

Perch by Marcel Sigel

Capdell is available in Australia from Stylecraft

Maruni

Another stand that let the beauty of its products speak for itself, Maruni was populated by a the exquisitely crafted chairs the brand is famous for. The novelty this year was the ‘Roundish’ sofa, an expansion on the ‘Roundish’ chair family, which signifies the company’s move towards designing larger seating solutions.

Roundish sofa by Maruni

Maruni is available in Australia from Seeho Su.

Cattelan

At the opposite end of the aesthetic spectrum, Cattelan’s stand was a feast of boisterous designs. New offerings embodied the vigour and audacity of the iconic Italian brand, while experimentation with structure and balance was evident in a few of the new products, giving them a dynamism akin to the contrapposto of Renaissance sculpture.

Nasdaq table by Cattelan

Cattelan is available in Australia from Misura

Ritzwell

Another instance of Japanese reserve, Ritzwell’s stand showcased two new products for 2014, the ‘Light Field’ sofa by Shinsaku Miyamoto and the ‘Lupin’ lounge chair by Atelier D.Q.

‘Light Field’ sofa by Shinsaku Miyamoto

Ritzwell is available in Australia from Stylecraft.

Riva1920

This year’s installation at the Riva1920 stand was a gigantic “head” designed by Karim Rashid made of solid walnut. Rashid says of the project, “The omni-directional profile represents our universe of selves – global, multicultural, creative, wired, and on a journey for love and intelligence. I am a citizen of the global society where there are no boundaries, no borders, no prejudices or class or racial differences.”

Beyond wowing audiences with the artwork, the Italian timber masters presented a characteristically comprehensive collection of new products, affirming the beauty and relevance of wood as a material.

‘Globalove’ by Karim Rashid

Riva1920 is available in Australia from Fanuli Furniture

Kenneth Cobonpue – Hive

Part of the colourful and varied Philippines Design stand, Kenneth Cobonpue’s Hive exhibit showcased four new collections in the designer’s signature style.

Left – Trame armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue
Right – Adesso Easy Armchair by Kenneth Cobonpue

Hive is available in Australia from Ke-Zu

For more indesignlive coverage of the 2014 Milan design fair visit: indesignlive.com/category/articles/in-review/milan-14