Firstly let it be known that a record number of visitors attended the fair this year with 348,000 people flocking to the Saloni 2008 from all around the world.

“These data are a source of great satisfaction for us" – comments Rosario Messina, President of the Salone Internazionale del Mobile – "as they undoubtedly are for the exhibiting companies, given their investments in design, innovation and communication, for they are an integral part of the Saloni’s success."

At the Saloni, 2,450 exhibiting companies ranged over a net area of 230,000 square metres, showcased the latest in domestic furnishing, declined in all the various styles, ranging from classic to modern to designer at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile and the International Furnishing Accessories Exhibition.

Alongside these outstanding figures, a few logistical and transport-related problems have been reported upon return, but what we care about its the design.

So here is our verdict.

"Where do I start? I didn’t attend the fair, but from the pics I have seen and the first-hand reports, I think it’s pretty clear that the Swarovsky Crystal Palace was once again a showstopper- as it has been in previous years. Pics of the ’Veil’ installation by Paul Cocksedge particularly captured me. I don’t know if it was the four metre high curtain of 1500 cyrstals, or the fact that they disclosed a hidden image of the Mona Lisa.

The Eternal installation by Tokujin Yoshioka looked cool too. The series of blocks each contained giant Swarovski Crystals showing the juxtaposition of acrylic and crystal."

Jess Noble, Indesign Editorial team

 

’Veil’ installation by Paul Cocksedge

 

 

Also seen at The Swarovsky Crystal Palace

Marcel Wanders at Bisazza for Swarovski

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I also loved what Tom Dixon presented at Superstudio Pui. Although I was a little disappointed to realise that the designs were new editions of previously released products."

Jess Noble, Indesign Editorial team

 

 

At Tom Dixon

 

"Highlights included Jaime Hayon presenting the Fantasy Collection for Lladro, shoes for Camper and his monograph titled WORKS by Gestalten at the Rossana Orlandi Gallery, Glas Italia’s new collection of mirrors by Ettore Sottsass and the established and sons exhibition (and party!) in milan’s ex-sports arena – la pelota."

Emma Telfer, indesign Brand Manager 

 

STAY TUNED: MORE INDESIGNLIVE TEAM VERDICT BEING UPLOADED NOW!

 

 

 

 

 

The I Salone Furniture Fair is over for another year– and as the stands are packed away, and the hangovers subside, designers and buyers from around the globe are trickling back into regular life.

Here are some more of the highlights from Milan, with plenty still to come. Our final verdict on the fair is on its way. Watch this space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MILAN, Live coverage.

Here’s what indesignlive.com have seen and counted as the most outstanding highlights so far.

 

Bisazza presented a striking installation by Jaime Hayon at Superstudio Più today. Spanish designer, Hayon was commissioned to create a full-size, classic black and white tiled Aeroplane, covered in white-gold Bisazza tiles. The "Jet Set" installation, built especially for the fair, is so far one of the most talked about spectacles .

 

 

 

Yoshioka for Kartell.

 

 

Urquiola for Kartell.

 

 

Moroso.

 

 

Moroso.

 

 

Lexus.

 

 

Emu.

 

 

Aussie designer Adam Goodrum’s ’Stitch’ Chair, launched by Cappellini.

 

 

Artek Stand.

 

 

Lexus.

 

 

 

 

 

’MYTO’ by Konstantin Grcic for Plank.

 

 

Quinze&Milan, and Arne Quinze.

 

 

 

 

 

On display at ClassiCon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

British designer Tom Dixon’s new collection ’A Bit of Rough’ pulled a big crowd at Superstudio Più.

KEEP CHECKING BACK FOR MORE UPDATES!!!

 

 

 

MILAN, Preview.

The I Salone Furniture Fair in Milan is officially underway, and indesignlive.com reporters are on the ground sending back word and visuals to our homebase in Sydney.

Tuesday April 15 was preview day in Zona Tortona.

Here we start you off with the Milan entree, before a big main meal of juicy design we plan serve up over the next few days. Check back regularly for updates as they come through.

 

 

Via Tortona was buzzing with people on the eve of Salone. While the fair doesn’t start until the 16th, designers, retail buyers and media are out in force, to get in a preview look at the newest and most innovative design in the world.

Here are a few of the outstanding products on preview display throughout the fair district.

At Design +
Slicebox byVoongwong & bensonsaw
Decode london

 

Giant 1227 by Angelpoise. This oversized lamp has been on the market for 2 years but now they have released the outdoor version.

At Spain Playtime- Fresh Air in Spanish Design.
This is a major exhibition in the foyer of Hotel Nhow that includes products such as Kettal seats, the Ona lamps and the DO+CE tables.

 

 

Van Esch – Everything is Curious
A fantastic exhibition presenting four products that include an oversized clock, Coat rack Treehooked and a collection of chairs that work as a bench system.

 

 

 

At Extremis
The BeHIVE by Extremis provides a lounge system that can seat 12-20 people (depending on how well you know each other!)

 

Please check back for regular updates to this article as the pics flow in from Milan!