Salone del Mobile 2013: in pictures
The Salone del Mobile has swung into action once more. Designers, architects, makers and buyers have descended on Milan from all corners of the globe for what is indisputably the world's best furniture fair. With the doors to the Fiera now open, the city itself has also been transformed into a shining vessel for all that's new in design, with almost every urban inch turned into exhibition space for the duration of the Salone (9 to 14 April). Here, we bring you the highlights as they happen.
Kartell's installation at the fair was a riff on the storefronts of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. Each 'boutique' was dedicated to a designer and their latest offerings for 2013
From left: Glassware by Christophe Pillet for Kartell; a shelving unit by Nendo for Kartell
Ludovica + Roberta Palomba's plastic bathroom shelving system for Kartell
ToiletPaper magazine teamed up with Seletti to create a collection of plates, cups and tablecloths featuring some of the eccentric imagery from the magazine; the pieces are on show at Spazio Rossana Orlandi and also available to purchase from the gallery's shop
The eclectic collection features everything from a mug decorated with a kitchen plunger or a plate dotted with motifs like a rearing horse and severed fingers
Photography: Pierpaolo Ferrari
'We often have fun turning our pictures into objects, clothes and accessories,' says Ferrari (a regular contributor to Wallpaper*), adding, 'ToiletPaper's images can become both a bathing suit and a Formula 1 car. The important thing is not to betray the pop spirit and nature of the magazine, which is ironic and unsettling at the same time.' To see more from ToiletPaper, pick up a copy of our Milan Preview issue out now
Photography: Pierpaolo Ferrari
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'Reflector' and 'Gradient' table lamps by Studio WM at Ventura Lambrate
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Circular' lamps by Studio WM at Ventura Lambrate
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Troche' side tables by Studio WM at Ventura Lambrate
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
The 'A45' bathroom washbasin was Boffi's only new 2013 product launch at Salone. Designed by Bulgaria-born but Milan-based Victor Vasilev, the Cristalplant basin gets its name from its distinctive 45 degree angle, and comes with an optional moveable shelf unit for storage that can also hide drainage. Vasilev was also the brains behind Boffi's popular 'CT Line' shelving system, launched last year
Agape's presentation for this year's fair, in their Brera concept store (Agape12). Here, new pieces in the collection were framed in a cinematic context, with clips from cult films projected onto furniture around the shop. In the foreground of this picture are tables and chairs by Agape partner BassamFellows
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
Double bed from the Benedini Collection by Benedini & Partners at Agape
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Spoke' table by BassamFellows at Agape
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Marble Box' by Muller van Severen for Valerie Traan Gallery at Ventura Lambrate
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
Stool by Alberto Fabbian at Ventura Lambrate
'PlusMinus' stool by Alberto Fabbian in collaboration with Antoniazzi & Piovesana and Navarini Rame
The Revolving Room installation by Patricia Urquiola for Kvadrat and Moroso
The Revolving Room installation by Patricia Urquiola for Kvadrat and Moroso
‘Orotund’ by Marc Newson for Flos
‘Lit’ by Rodolofo Dordoni for Flos
‘String’ lights by Michael Anastassiades for Flos
‘Findme’ by Jorge Ferrera for Flos
Michele de Lucchi worked with E' De Padova for the first time on an ash and straw chair called 'Donzella'
Milan-based Massimiliano Locatelli's polished bronze and wood table at Nilufar Gallery
New candy colours for B&B Italia's now classic Barber Osgerby table and Fukasawa chairs
A screen by Lorenz Katz for Milan-based Cole design
The 'Feather' table by Pietro Russo at the Juice exhibit
Alberto Biagetti's exhibit at Galleria Riccardo Crespi included totemic iron lamps as well as paintings by his opera singing partner Laura Baldessari
Lights by Michael Anastassiades
Atelier Oï's 'Hive' is composed of woven pieces of leather made from repurposed scraps at the B&B Italia factory
Designer Hella Jongerius has lent her colour prowess to Vitra once more, prompting new colour ways for existing pieces – such as Jean Prouve’s ‘Standard’ chair – as well as the launch of her ‘Daylight Wheel’ (pictured), which shows how colours change throughout the day
‘Oursin’ pouffes by Hella Jongerius for Vitra
A selection of Zucchetti/Kos faucets shown in a presentation designed by Diego Grandi
A 1956 Ercol couch gets revamped with a new textile by Timorous Beasties
Foscarini's brand new showroom on via Fiori Chiari featured an installation by Attilio Stocchi...
...alongside iconic lamps from the brand
Nacho Carbonell's new 'Memoralia Edition' chair at Rossana Orlandi's exhibit at Museo Bagatti Valsecchi
Large scale needlepoint works by Frederique Morrel on show at Museo Bagatti Valsecchi
Discipline's pop up shop at its exhibition space on via Mascagni
'Clip' coat holder by Nendo for Discipline
'Slice' stationary holder by James Irvine
'Clip' side table by Nendo for Discipline
The 'Palladiana' chest of drawers is a re-edition of two iconic Piero Fornesetti pieces: the yellow side is from the 1950s while its other crisp white half is from this year
Azucena's new showroom on via Manzoni features an installation by Dimore Studio
Artek has revived a series of chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara – one of the lesser-known stars of mid-century design – from the 1950s. The collection is called ‘Lukki’ (or ‘daddy longlegs’)
‘SB14 Nota’ desk by Elizabeth Lux for e15
Tables from Wonmin Park's 'Haze' series at Spazio Rossana Orlandi
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Hain' by RaR for Thomas Eyck at Spazio Rossana Orlandi
Thomas Eyck commissioned Dick van Hoff of Vanhoffontwerpen to design a series of leather products, including a brief case, firewood bag and a chair (pictured), all being exhibited at Spazio Rossana Orlandi
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
Leather daybed by Vanhoffontwerpen at Spazio Rossana Orlandi
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Mass-Produced Individualism' by Iina Vuorivirta for the 'Design Anima' exhibition by Konstfack, hosted at Spazio Rossana Orlandi
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
Milan-based architect Nicola Quadri gathered an eclectic collection of discarded containers, crates and vintage boxes for his exhibition in Mari&Co, Marinella Rossi's catering and event space in Milan
A former dealer of Scandinavian design, Quadri continues to scour markets across Europe for discarded objects like these wooden crates paired with ceramic eggs
Straw boxes complemented the many wooden nest light sculptures that Quadri commissioned from Brescia-based Marilena Capuzzi, Paola Fieschi, and Elena Mazzolari
Industrial iron containers from the early 20th century
These vintage cataloguing boxes are over a century old
Custom-made black spaghetti at Nicola Quadri's exhibition
'Anura' by Aldo Bakker on show at Ventura Lambrate. This design was initially conceived for Wallpaper* Handmade in collaboration with leather manufacturer Santiago Gonzalez but now he is showing it in its pure, unupholstered form
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Fume' by Aldo Bakker, at Ventura Lambrate, is inspired by church furniture
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Three Pair' by Aldo Bakker is composed of three perfectly interlocking forms that balance upon each other without moving
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
‘Teso’ table by Foster + Partners for Molteni & C
‘Allure’ by Matteo Nunziati for Molteni & C
‘Nature’ bed by Molteni & C
‘Z-shelf’ by Ron Arad for Moroso
‘Cradle’ tables by Benjamin Hubert for Moroso
‘Burnt Doodle’ table by Front for Moroso
'Stone Garden' installation by Nendo for Caesarstone at Palazzo Crivelli
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
The installation is a versatile arrangement of one-legged tables that hold each other up by overlapping
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Stone-edge Table' by Nendo for Caesarstone
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'T 904' by Gastone Rinaldi for Poltrona Frau
'Letizia' by Gastone Rinaldi for Poltrona Frau
'GranTorino' by Jean-Marie Massaud for Poltrono Frau
'Candy Shelf' by Sylvain Willenz for Cappellini
'Acciao Lounge' by Max Lipsey for Cappellini
Cassina launched Philippe Starck's 'MyWorld' lounge system at the fair this year
‘Chair M100’ by Ruizsolar at SaloneSatellite
‘Gadget’ system by Morten & Jonas, on show at SaloneSatellite
‘Rayn’, a modular outdoor system by Philippe Starck for Dedon
'Lounge of layers' by Katrin Greiling for Droog
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Hardworking series' by Studio Droog
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
The newly reopened Rijksmuseum presented new designs based on Rijksstudio in collaboration with Studio Droog and deJongeKalff. The collection, which was shown at Droog's space on via San Gregorio (pictured), is an update of century old works using contemporary techniques and materials
From left: 'Rubber tablecloth' by deJongeKalff; and 'Tasting glasses' by Studio Droog
'Forgotten tools' by Studio Droog
French brand La Chance has returned to the Salone del Mobile for its second year, bringing with it new furniture and objects by the likes of Sebastian Herkner, Nathalie du Pasquier and Guillaume Delvigne, including...
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Salute' tables by Sebastian Herkner
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Earhart' bench by Luca Nichetto
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
Nathalie du Pasquier's new 'France' rug is shown alongside pieces from the 2012 collection, including the 'Magnum' table by Pierre Favresse and 'Tembo' stool by Note Design Studio
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
Tom Dixon's 'Mass' dining table is chunky yet minimal
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
Like the table, the monumental 'Mass' book stand and coat stand are clad in copper
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
The 'Gem' collection by Tom Dixon is a small but fully fledged furniture and lighting collection, include these pendants, as well as tables and mirrors
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
Inspired by the facets of a semi precious gem, the sandcasted pieces have a rough finish
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
The 'Screw' table by Tom Dixon comes with various options for base and top
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
The table top options for the 'Screw' table
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
New variations on the 'Fan' chair by Tom Dixon
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Thalie' dish, fruit bowl and bread basket by Julie Richoz, who is undertaking her Bachelor of Industrial Design at ECAL
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Steak Knife' by John Pawson at When Objects Work
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Cowrie' chair by new brand Made In Ratio at Zonca & Zonca Gallery. See our May issue for more about Made in Ratio
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Filigree' table by Rodolfo Dordoni for Molteni & C
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Geta Credenza' by Arik Levy for Modus at Design Junction
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Paravento 055' screen by Dimorestudio
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Consolle 058' by Dimorestudio
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Steelwood Galva' by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec at Magis
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Construction Lamps' by Joost van Bleiswijk for Moooi. The Dutch brand is showing it's biggest Salone del Mobile presentation to date on Via Savona. The vast exhibition space is divided into room sets backed by photographs by Erwin Olaf
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Farooo' lamps by Marcel Wanders for Moooi
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Labyrinth' chair by Studio Job for Moooi
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
The 'Common Comrades' collection by Neri & Hu for Moooi
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
The Moooi presentation on Via Savona
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Ascent' lights by Daniel Rybakken for Luceplan, presented at Euroluce
Designers Luca Nichetto and Oki Sato of Nendo have pooled their creativity to conjure up a joint collection under the title 'Nichetto=Nendo' at Foro Buonaparte 48. The collaboration was inspired by a creative process in Japanese culture whereby one person composes the first three lines (kami no ku) of a short poem known as a tanka, then sends them to a second person to complete the final two sentences (shimo no ku). The co-designed pieces include these 'N=N/02 wedge of matter' candleholders
For the 'N=N/05 bridges for islands' sofa, Nendo proposed an archipelago-inspired sofa, whose components Nichetto connected by 'narrow bridges' that echo those connecting the islands of Venice
The 'N=N/01 shelves in a comic' began life in Nendo's hands a series of tiny shelves amassed together, between which there would be 'tiny and tantalizing spaces just waiting for something to be places on them'. Nichetto proposed giving them a flexible silhouette reminiscent of a speech bubble
The new Adidas by Tom Dixon collection is being launched amid the steam trains at Milan's Museum of Science and Technology. For his venture into fashion, the designer has signed a two year deal with the sportswear brand that will see him create four collections
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
Dixon has designed a series of bags, each holding a complete kit for a week's stay in Milan. Here are the contents, laid out on a Dixon-designed stretcher
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
This unisex boiler suit can be unzipped and reconfigured to create multiple outfits
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
A sleeping bag-cum-coat by Tom Dixon for Adidas
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Full Moon Lamp' by Nika Zupanc for Sé, on show at Spazio Rosanna Orlandi
'Jar RGB' by Arik Levy for Lasvit. The Czech glassmaker is presenting pieces from its new 'Lasvit Constellation' collection
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Nodule', a lighting installation by Ross Lovegrove for Lasvit
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Patchwork' by Nendo for Lasvit
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Homune' table by Michael Young for Lasvit
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Plisse Cloud' by Maurizio Galante for Lasvit
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
Mirrors by Zaven for Secondome Edizioni
'Cross Pendant' by New Zealand lighting designers Resident at their space in MOST
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'Hex Pendant' by Resident
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'SW Daybed' by OeO for Stellar Works has received an upholstery update, featuring a contemporary take on a Bauhaus print
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
'SW Three-seater Sofa' by OeO at Stellar Works
Photography: Jessica Klingelfuss
Depending on which way up you place them, 'Blu', by Norwegian design duo Domaas/Høgh at SaloneSatellite, can be used as a candleholder or a vase
A central rotating switch turns Caroline Olsson's blown glass wall lamps on and off
Slide open the 'Pencil Light' by Caroline Olsson to reveal a handy desk light and pencil pot
Inspired by the traditional Chinese medicine cabinet, and based on the Golden ratio, the 'Fibonacci Cabinets' by design studio Utopia are made from bamboo
Olga Bielawska's 'Sirens Floating' table lamps are made from copper and hand blown glass
Light shines out through the layers of this wall lamp by Jussi Takkinen
Playful, acorn-shaped pendant lights by Helsinki-based designer Maija Puoskari
Rui Alves' side table features a built in shelf for storing magazines and papers
The convex glass lids of Thomas Jenkins' desk containers magnify the contents, to make finding small items such as keys and coins easier
These brass and copper vessels by Finnish designer Matti Syrjä feature finnish birch bark lids
Also by Matti Syrjä is a collection of mirrors and LED lamps
The LED bars of Korean designer Taewoo Kim's 'Asterix' table lamps can be rotated to create different intensities of light
The textured doors of the 'Mr Quin' cabinet by Studio Baag have been sculpted to create a curved effect
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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