Here’s the Inside Word from editor Alice Blackwood.

In April this year, I was lucky enough to attend the Milan Furniture Fair (yes, volcanic ash and all), which was one of the most educational and exhausting experiences I’ve ever had.

What was the best thing you saw? is the common question I encounter and, I have to say, it’s a hard one to tackle. The sheer size of the fair, not to mention the multitude of events, exhibitions, and installations throughout Milan, makes it impossible to name one single amazing element. There were so many!

But, if I had to pinpoint one thing, it would be the people: the designers, their stories, their work, their dynamism and personality. We stole 20 minutes with Patricia Urquiola and – I’ll never forget – she said how impressed she was by the intelligence and business acumen of women in Australia.

Another favourite was Thomas Heatherwick, who gave us the inside word on his ‘Spun’ chair for Magis (page 16), and the British Pavilion for the World Expo in Shanghai (page 12).

In covering (or should I say containing!) Milan within DQ, we have cut right to the chase, and brought you products. It only partially captures our week of Milan madness, but provides a great overview of  furniture, lighting, kitchens, bathrooms and installations. The coverage is not to be missed, on page 46.

Saturday in Design 2010 is almost upon us, and will be taking Melbourne by storm, 6 – 7 August.

Saturday in Design poses the perfect opportunity to visit the showrooms you never get to see, engage with the designers, specifiers and suppliers you’ve been meaning to meet, and connect with the creative community.

A major part of the Saturday in Design is The Project, which joins designers and suppliers at the drawing board, to create amazing installations in showroom spaces.

This year The Project is themed ‘Motion’, and we’re really curious to see what you’re going to come up with. So much so, that we’ve put it out there and asked you what ‘Motion’ inspires in you.

Flick to page 54 to see what we’ve come up with.

DQ
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Andrew Waller is profiled on p.38. Photographhy by Ansen Smart

Textile Mould Chair by Studio Hausen, turn to p.49 for full details.