In 2023, Milan Design Week emerged in full glory, reminiscent of its pre-pandemic exuberance. Milan sparkled with a myriad of exhibitions, unique installations, pop-ups, and public projects.
The city-wide event ‘Fuorisalone’, held concurrently with the main fair, exhibited a slew of creative concepts, ranging from chic home decor to socially impactful projects. The settings were as diverse as traditional galleries, grand palaces typically closed off to the public, private homes, and even a deserted slaughterhouse. A recurring theme at most venues was sustainability, artistry, the circular economy, and melding traditional crafts with modern innovation.
Embracing Traditional Craftsmanship with a Modern Twist
Defying the escalating influence of AI in art and design, several artists have embraced the charm of traditional craftsmanship, albeit with a touch of modern technologies like 3D printing.
At “Tools & Crafts”, held at the non-profit Fondazione Riccardo Catella, UK’s Woven Memories showcased handcrafted cushions, blending digital coding to merge text and design. Nareg Krikorian, a Lebanese-Armenian designer, honoured Armenian artistry with handcrafted leather stools featuring exaggerated stitches.
A notable venue was a repurposed slaughterhouse hosting Alcova. Here, Fabscarte and Martyn Thompson artistically transformed a room using handmade wall coverings inspired by the moon, crafted from copper and bronze powder. In the same vicinity, N/A designers Natalia Triantafylli and Andrew Scott unveiled a collection that spotlighted handmade design intricacies, seamlessly integrating 3D printed elements.
At Alcova, innovative projects like Sangmin Oh’s “The Knitted Light” and Dutch collective Basketclub’s woven 3D pieces exemplify the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques.
Major fashion brands also made a statement. Tod’s celebrated its iconic products with a display at the Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci, and Bottega Veneta exhibited handbags crafted under the vision of design maestro Gaetano Pesce, each narrating a tale of his life journey.
The Allure of Tangible Designs
Amidst our increasingly digital existence, the craving for tangible experiences was evident. Vivid colours, textures, and innovative designs were central, as seen in Greek designer Kiki Goti’s “Neo-Vanity” series and Chef Deco’s transformation of everyday objects into lively home accessories.
Spaces like Convey exhibited collections bursting with vibrancy and fun. Gubi, at Bagni Misteriosi, celebrated a decade of their iconic Beetle Chair with an eclectic reinterpretation by international artists.
Roche Bobois and young Croatian designer Ana Koruga introduced avant-garde furniture pieces, encouraging users to experience a deeper physical connection with their living spaces.
Eco-conscious Innovations
Sustainability was a centrepiece of the fair. Young designers and established names showcased the endless possibilities when design leverages existing resources.
Intriguing displays included mirrors crafted from waste aluminum at “Tools & Crafts” and furniture collections built from repurposed building materials at Dropcity.
Alcova showcased Taiwanese artist Erco Lai’s blend of ceramic 3D prints with waste materials. PROWL Studio and M4 Factory made a statement with the PEEL Chair, crafted from hemp-based fibre, urging viewers to contemplate the product lifecycle.
Milan Design Week 2023 showcased a collective desire for eco-consciousness, blending time-honoured techniques with future-forward innovations.
2023 Milan Design Week was more than just a celebration of art and design; it was a testament to humanity’s innate ability to adapt, innovate, and uphold traditions even in changing times. It mirrored our collective consciousness, emphasizing the importance of sustainability, the beauty of craftsmanship, and the endless potential of innovation. As the curtains fall on this year’s spectacle, we’re left with a renewed sense of hope, inspiration, and anticipation of what the next design week will unfold.
