Milan Design Week 2024

May 1

DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS /

TOP FAVES

ISSUE NO. 01

Milan exudes an innate tasteful essence that is evident as you wander its streets. From the stone benches in the metro, complete with their stainless steel drum bases (you know the ones, #iykyk), to the tranquil interior gardens and grand wooden doors, the city is a living testament to creativity and craftsmanship.

During Milan Design Week, the city graciously opens their doors, offering us mere mortals a rare glimpse into its architectural treasures, to marvel at the hand painted details on the ceiling, gasp at the door handles, daydream in secret gardens and stare intently at base details like one has never seen a base detail ever before.

Global brands and companies flock to Milan, transforming it into a vibrant showcase of design innovation. Each exhibit promises immersive experiences that transport visitors into realms of imagination and inspiration. In this journal issue, we'll take you through some of our favorite exhibits at Milan Design Week 2024.

01

ALCOVA / VILLA BAGATTI VALSECCHI + VILLA BORSANI

Sitting on the grass in the sprawling gardens of Villa Bagatti Valsecchi during Milan Design Week was a moment of pure bliss. The serene surroundings made me forget about rushing to see the next spectacular exhibit. I enjoyed a tomato focaccia and watched people play mini golf, and imagined the lives of Milanese aristocrats who once roamed the grounds. It was a vibe, until the skies decided to rain, snow, sleet, and hail - all at once. Not kidding.

Despite the mini winter thunderstorm episode, exploring the villa's interiors was captivating. The juxtaposition of contemporary objects against a backdrop of a memory of what was once pure opulence was striking. Reminder for my next adventure into old villas: bring a mini portable sage stick or spray, as there were definitely some eerie vibes in the dungeons.

`VILLA BAGATTI VALSECCHI / VAREDO / ITALY`

02

5VIE / PALAZZO LITTA

At the courtyard of Palazzo Litta, we were greeted by a playful installation of colored fabric called Straordinaria, a collaboration between Studio we+, Elica, and Fondazione Ermanno Casoli, curated by Marcello Smarrelli. You were immediately drawn into the colorful fabric stands and felt compelled to walk through it with your arms outstretched to pass through every cylinder of cloudlike tendrils.

The design journey continued through the rooms of the Palazzo where we dined with Anotherview, sat under Sara Ricciardi’s musical willow tree, marveled at Ensemble’s Pietrachiara and walked through the color infused Riches to Rags furniture and objects by Markus Benesch.

03

ELLE DECOR MATERIAL HOME / PALAZZO BOVARA

At Palazzo Bovara, Elle Decor Italia curated an event titled ‘Material Home’ showcasing various brand partners and sponsored by Material Bank. This collaborative effort by Studio Elisa Ossino, Rossi Bianchi Lighting Design, and Studio Antonio Perazzi explored materials in its various forms.

The exhibition featured seven rooms, each exploring different material aspects. Starting on the second floor, visitors were greeted by a vestibule surrounded by drapery in a patent caramel, setting an exciting tone. The first room resembled an interior design studio with a central island featuring material samples too beautiful to touch.

The most notable design element in this exhibition was their use of warm rich terracotta tones punctuated with a stark white and balanced by undulating stainless textures. All of which created an inviting ambiance of highs and lows in what one could imagine is a well designed home.

Milan Design Week 2024

Leslie Ann Chiu