Salone del Mobile 2012 (page article)

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Thousands of design disciples from across the globe made their annual pilgrimage to Milan for the 51st edition of the Salone del Mobile in April
(17th – 22nd). The fairground gates swung open and galleries, museums, stores and villas across town opened their doors for a week of design exhibitions and parties. Highlights included Tom Dixon’s design fun fair at the Museum of Science and Technology, Fabrica’s show at the historic Villa Necchi, and – of course – our own blockbusting Wallpaper* Handmade exhibition at Brioni HQ. Didn’t make it to all the events? Don’t fret. We lapped the city to bring you all the wonders the design world has to offer for 2012…

Chair attached to a box

(Image credit: TBC)

'R18 Ultra chair' by Clemens Weisshaar and Reed Kram for Audi. The chair incorporates crowd sourced data acquired through thousands of testing sessions using advanced industrial sensors

Chameleon sculpture

(Image credit: TBC)

The Louis Vuitton store on via Montenapoleone has been invaded by a swarm of imaginary creatures, conceived by British artist Billie Achilleos, using Louis Vuitton small leather accessories

Silver motorhood

(Image credit: TBC)

Motorhood from 'Colour One' for MINI by Scholten & Baijings

Interior of pub

(Image credit: TBC)

Designer Lee Broom brings the good old British pub to Milan - Ventura Lambrate to be precise

Red cube robot

(Image credit: TBC)

'Cubebot' Sculpture by David Weeks Studio, on show at MOST

Patterned panel

(Image credit: TBC)

Acoustic panel by Anita Johannssen

Oval mirror with trunk base

(Image credit: TBC)

'Iconic Mirror' by Dan Yeffet and Lucie Koldova, as part of the La Chance exhibition at MOST

Yellow painted music box

(Image credit: TBC)

Musikbox by Werner Aisslinger

Yellow and green bubble chair

(Image credit: TBC)

Chairs from the Mutation Series, by Maarten De Ceulaer

Different sized bubble light fittings

(Image credit: TBC)

Lights by Nika Zupanc

Brown ornaments

(Image credit: TBC)

Ombre Collezione by Mario Ferrarini for Bitossi

Crystal glass set

(Image credit: TBC)

Still life glass by Tadeáš Podracký

Shelving unit and light fitting

(Image credit: TBC)

Pieces from th 'Necessity of Other' collection by Hanna Krüger and Jakob Gebert

Woven circular objects

(Image credit: TBC)

'Dala' outdoor collection by Stephen Burks for Dedon, woven by artisans in the Philippines, using a fibre created from recycled packaging

Large white arrow like sculpture

(Image credit: TBC)

The Molteni & C stand, featuring a giant interpretation of Ron Gilad's Grado collection

Multiple wooden floating shelves

(Image credit: TBC)

Shelves by Ron Gilad for Molteni & C

Small tables at different heights

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Small table by Ron Gilad for Molteni & C

Two arm chairs

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'Sol' by Constance Guisset for Molteni & C

Modern style green and blue day beds

(Image credit: TBC)

'O/K' day bed by Rodolfo Dordoni for Kartell

Wooden chairs with curved seat

(Image credit: TBC)

'Zartan' by Philippe Starck for Magis

Grey light fittings

(Image credit: TBC)

New collection by Normann Copenhagen

Bold painted small tables

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'Candy Table' collection by Sylvain Willenz for Cappellini

Dark sofa

(Image credit: TBC)

'La Mise' sofa by Luca Nichetto for Cassina

Wooden desk and chair

(Image credit: TBC)

...and desk

Thick padded white chair with black frame

(Image credit: TBC)

New pieces from the Prouvé Raw collection have been put into production by Vitra, including this chair...

Thick wooden floating shelves

(Image credit: TBC)

'Corniches' by the Bouroullec brothers for Vitra

Comfy turning arm chair and pouf

(Image credit: TBC)

'Grand Repos' chair and ottoman by Antonio Citterio

Wooden chairs in different shades

(Image credit: TBC)

'Medici' chairs by Konstantin Grcic for Mattiazzi

White mesh sun lounger

(Image credit: TBC)

Lounger by Jasper Morrison for Kettal

High back arm chair

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'Take a soft line for a walk' chair, with detachable cover by Alfredo Häberli for Moroso

Low rise tables

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'Chandigarh' tables by Doshi Levien for Moroso

Light padded chair with metal frame

(Image credit: TBC)

'Zabuton' chair by Nendo for Moroso

Set of bowls

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Bowls by Milia Seyppel studio at the 'Some German Designers' stand, SaloneSatellite

Set of stacked boxes

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Boxes by Sarah Böttger at the Fresh from the Mint stand, SaloneSatellite 

Set of tables

(Image credit: TBC)

'Skale' by Sarah Böttger at SaloneSatellite

Lamps with large shades

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'Parasol' table lamps by Jonas Forsman, at SaloneSatellite

Colourful memory sticks

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Memory sticks by Big-Game at SaloneSatellite

Thin steel ornaments

(Image credit: TBC)

'Three Thin Lines' in spring steel by Ron Gilad for Dilmos

Sequence of chair frames decreasing in size

(Image credit: TBC)

'The Square Birth of a Chair' (detail) in enameled sterling silver by Ron Gilad for Dilmos

Vanity set

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Vanity Set designed by Fabrica and produced in collaboration with Agape for an installation in Villa Necchi, built in the 1930s

Stack of books

(Image credit: TBC)

Colour - Based On Nature wallpaper and book by Irma Boom for T.E., at Rossana Orlandi

Blue shiny table light

(Image credit: TBC)

'Vader' table light by Luca Nichetto, made from ceramic cushions for David Design at Rossana Orlandi

Cape lamp shades

(Image credit: TBC)

'Cape' lamp by Constance Guisset at Rosanna Orlandi

Table lamp with pencil holder

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'Const' lamp by Ploypan Theerachai of Thinkk Studio at Rossana Orlandi

Different light fittings

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Collection by Daniel Rybakken at Rossana Orlandi

Abstract chandeliers

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'38 series' of chandeliers by Omer Arbel for Bocci at Rossana Orlandi

White modern lamp design

(Image credit: TBC)

'Angelina' lamp by Constance Guisset at Rossana Orlandi

Isometric circular mirrors

(Image credit: Lisa Klappe)

'Isometric' mirrors by Design Academy Eindhoven graduate Germans Ermis. Photography: Lisa Klappe

Abstract shaped metal light fitting

(Image credit: TBC)

'CMYK Corner' by Design Academy Eindhoven graduate Dennis Parren

Yellow balance lamp

(Image credit: TBC)

'Balance' lamp by Nathalie Dewez

Wooden triangular stools

(Image credit: TBC)

'Diaphragm' stools by Michael Bihain, part of the Belgium is Design exhibition at the Triennale

Two vases

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'Merging top' vases by Thinkk Studio

Containers and vases

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'Out', a collection of containers-cum-vases by Pedrita, with Nico Toniolo and Sartori Marmi

Cupboard unit

(Image credit: TBC)

'Sept apartments' by Fabrica for the Objet Préféré project, in association with Grand Hornu, at the Triennale

Pavilion with curved glass

(Image credit: TBC)

Inspired by 'nature's fluidity', the pavilion comprises 24 self-standing crystal panels

Pavilion with water running down glass

(Image credit: TBC)

Liquidkristal pavilion by Ross Lovegrove for Lasvit

Thick wooden table and stools

(Image credit: TBC)

A collection by Fred&Juul

Modern small round tables

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Tables at Classicon

Set of glass vases

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Brazilian architect Guto Requena shows a new set of vases at the Brazil S/A exhibition at Piazza Mercanti

Bold design on rug

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Graphic illustrating the new rug collection by Vincent Darré at Palazzo Durini

Graphic showing table designs

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Graphic depicting the new tables by Vincent Darré, shown at Palazzo Durini

Small clay tables

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'Brutiful' clay tables, designed by Studio Carnevale and made by Naylor Industries

Colourful ceramics

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Colourful ceramics by Cynthia Viale

Yellow toned light

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Chiffon light by Norie Matsumoto

Painted metal chairs

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Chairs at Stafan Holm

Wooden furniture pieces

(Image credit: TBC)

Part of the tabletop collection by Studio Mumbai for Paola C

White porcelain kitchenware

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NewChi contemporary porcelain, shown at the Triennale

White modern styled tables

(Image credit: TBC)

'Conica' tables in lacquered wood and copper, by Matteo Zorzenoni with La Veneta and Vanzo Ferro Battuto

Yellow painted wooden chair

(Image credit: TBC)

'Ash' chair by Thomas Bentzen for Mindcraft12

Wooden and blue painted table

(Image credit: TBC)

The Chroma season collection by Liliana Ovalle

Abstract sliding door cabinet

(Image credit: TBC)

'Sliding cabinet B', from a collection by Nendo for Bisazza Bagno

Coloured glass vessels

(Image credit: TBC)

Glass vessels by Dan Yeffet and Lucie Koldova for When Objects Work

Circular objects stuck together to form a sculpture

(Image credit: TBC)

'Maru' by Shigeru Ban for When Objects Work

White ceramics in black boxes

(Image credit: TBC)

'Plastic ceramics tabletop' collection by Pili Wu for Han Gallery

Brick centerpiece

(Image credit: TBC)

'Brick plan centerpiece' by Rock Wang, part of the Han Gallery exhibition, curated by Gijs Bakker

White ornaments in a line

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Pieces from the Jaime Hayon collection

Black rectangle table with golden metal frame

(Image credit: TBC)

The Wire Table by Alberto Biagetti for Post Design

Coloured glass ornaments

(Image credit: TBC)

Patricia Urquiola for Baccarat

Reflective sculptures

(Image credit: TBC)

David Adjaye designs for Gaia & Gino and Swarovski

Aluminium desk

(Image credit: TBC)

3D printed aluminium desk by Clemens Weisshaar and Reed Kram for Nilufar

Tableware objects

(Image credit: TBC)

Baladi tableware by Galia Tammuz

Wallpaper with wood grain and images

(Image credit: TBC)

'Another Icarus' wallpaper by Tracey Tubb at the Royal College of Art exhibition

Textiles in yellow and orange tones

(Image credit: TBC)

Tex tiles by Raw Edges for Mutina

Modern low side tables

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Side tables by Form Us with Love for De Padova

Comfy arm chairs

(Image credit: TBC)

'Husk' chairs by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia

Bold colour arm chairs

(Image credit: TBC)

'Mini Papilio' chairs by Naoto Fukasawa for B&B Italia

Black coffee table

(Image credit: TBC)

'Tobi-Ishi' table by Barber Osgerby for B&B Italia

Four arm chairs

(Image credit: TBC)

'JJ' chairs by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia

Light wooden desk and chair

(Image credit: TBC)

‘Kami Bamboo’ table and chair by Claesson Koivisto Rune for Discipline

Wavy light fittings above table

(Image credit: TBC)

'Luce Volante' by Ingo Maurer

Circular light fittings

(Image credit: TBC)

'Lunatic' by Ingo Maurer

Three sized weights

(Image credit: TBC)

'Pesi' vessels by Maurizio Prina for Pimar

White rectangular light fitting

(Image credit: TBC)

'Petra' lamp by Studio Klass for Pimar

Table lamp

(Image credit: TBC)

'Tegola' lamp by Studio Klass for Pimar

White housing ornaments

(Image credit: TBC)

'Du Casette' book ends by Luca Scacchetti for Pimar

Weaved chairs

(Image credit: TBC)

Marni hosted a selling exhibition of 100 chairs made by Colombian ex-prisoners in its flagship Milan boutique

Metal framed bar stool

(Image credit: TBC)

'Catilina' bar stool from Azucena

Purple toned rug

(Image credit: TBC)

'Urbano' rug by Tiziano Vudafieri and Claudio Saverino for Azucena

Wooden colour bins

(Image credit: TBC)

'Colour bins' by Scholten & Baijings for Karimoku New Standard

Snacks on a curved plate

(Image credit: TBC)

Snacks and recipes at Karimoku came courtesy of Arabeschi di Latte

Wooden stools on patterned rug

(Image credit: TBC)

'Tones' stools by Sylvain Willenz for Karimoku New Standard

Low circular wooden table

(Image credit: TBC)

'A Frame' table by Tomas Alonso for Karimoku New Standard, exhibited in a historic Milanese apartment in Brera

White washed wooden tables

(Image credit: TBC)

Marsotto Edizioni pieces by Konstantin Grcic

Wooden triangular candle holder

(Image credit: Ed Reeve)

'Short house' candlestick, by Ron Gilad for Established & Sons. It is part of a collection of candlesticks in the form of abstract houses. Photography: Ed Reeve

Set of three shiny lamps

(Image credit: Ed Reeve)

'Golconda' lamps by Luca Nichetto for Established & Sons. Photography: Ed Reeve

Low circular bold painted table

(Image credit: Ed Reeve)

'Patchwork' table by Arik Levy for Established & Sons. Photography: Ed Reeve

Interior installation with draping lights

(Image credit: Ed Reeve)

The Established & Sons installation in Zona Tortona. Photography: Ed Reeve

White box wall shelves

(Image credit: TBC)

'Alma' bookcase modules by Studio 63 for Casamania

Different coloured chairs

(Image credit: TBC)

'Lepel' chairs by Luca Nichetto for Casamania

Black table with large decorations

(Image credit: TBC)

'Chandlo' by Doshi Levien for BD Barcelona

Black classical reading lamp

(Image credit: TBC)

A new reading lamp from Bottega Veneta, made from leather and metal

Green painted desk with golden drawers

(Image credit: TBC)

... and this desk, made from glass, thin bronze bands, and lacquered intrecciato parchment leather

Dark painted simple vanity table

(Image credit: TBC)

Fashion brand Bottega Veneta launched some sleek new additions to its furniture line, including this vanity table..

Colour porcelain tableware

(Image credit: TBC)

'Colour Porcelain' by Scholten & Baijings, part of the design studio's tableware collection for one of the oldest porcelain manufacturers in Japan, 1616 Arita

Black and silver vases

(Image credit: TBC)

'Growing Vases' by Nendo at Rossana Orlandi

Rosa Bertoli

Rosa Bertoli was born in Udine, Italy, and now lives in London. Since 2014, she has been the Design Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees design content for the print and online editions, as well as special editorial projects. Through her role at Wallpaper*, she has written extensively about all areas of design. Rosa has been speaker and moderator for various design talks and conferences including London Craft Week, Maison & Objet, The Italian Cultural Institute (London), Clippings, Zaha Hadid Design, Kartell and Frieze Art Fair. Rosa has been on judging panels for the Chart Architecture Award, the Dutch Design Awards and the DesignGuild Marks. She has written for numerous English and Italian language publications, and worked as a content and communication consultant for fashion and design brands.

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