It was unlike any other design week or Salon del Mobile in Milan from years past. The pace was much slower and less crowded than before but even still, the Comune of Milan already fears there may have been too many people. Whether this will affect the upcoming scheduled Fashion Week events is yet to be determined but one thing is certain, the Covid pandemic will continue to change the way events happen. The Green Pass was in full effect, and soon it will be required even for going to work
The Gucci Cartoleria and Hermes presentations were some of the most talked about along with the recent opening of Manzoni, a Tom Dixon cafe and restaurant. These are some of the highlights for Design Week Milan 2021.
TOM DIXON
Chef Davide Fagiolini heads up the kitchen at this showroom, coffee bar, and design restaurant, Manzoni, a Tom Dixon restaurant. The spirit of Tom Dixon design wafts from every corner, from the glassware to the furniture, creating an immersive experience. A concept that combines food and design or food and fashion is not new but we may be witnessing a shift in the way luxury brands foster relationships with clients for the long term. Industry reports continue to stress the value opportunity for companies that invest in direct to consumer relationships as a way of building trust and maintaining loyalty. Reaching across channels from food to design allows consumers that may not be ready to invest in higher ticket luxury items, to get to know the Tom Dixon brand and develop an interest, even if just stopping in for a coffee.
OFFICINARKITETTURA
If you're not into wallpaper you're not paying attention. After long periods in lockdown our desire for personalizing our spaces has grown exponentially, especially when it is something tactile and inspiring. The same wallpaper that was chosen for the CGC Studios home office, we couldn't miss out on the Officinarkitettura event hosted by the talented designer and architect duo that runs the brand, Andrea Bernagozzi and Giorgio Buratti. The event presented a collection done in collaboration with Simone Guiderelli, Stylist and Fashion Editor for Glamour Italia and Vanity Fair Italia, who was also hosting the event alongside his bold and enchanting designs.
No detail was left unturned with party favors and even the DJ booth wrapped in patterns from the featured collection. A mix of professionals and enthusiasts filled the space with strict Covid mask restrictions in place. White wine and small fruit tarts were passed with even the staff wearing masks and aprons designed for the night.
CAMPO MARZIO 70
Known for being the most exclusive perfume store in the country, we stopped into the Campo Marzio 70 boutique in Brera, who also presented a collection in the Savona18 hotel during the week. The store is known for having a covetable selection of fragrance, skincare, objects of design, and accessories . While there was no formal presentation in the store a collection curated by Elad Yifrach, creative director and founder of “L’Objet”, and the Greek designer Lito Karakostanoglou was on display as well as the designs of Simone Guidarelli.
From the tactile to the olfactory, if one thing was clear during Design Week, design does not just mean furniture. The helpful staff walked us through the collaboration as well as other collections, wearing Guidarelli's signature patterned masks.
SAVONA18
The hotel Savona18 in collaboration with Campo Marzio 70 debuted a new fragrance on display at the hotel, paired with cocktails inspired by the new line of perfumes called simply, The Essential Blend. Each perfume is named with a different number, representing a store location and the scents that embody the area around it, like the 8. which recalls summertime at the sea at Forte dei Marmi or 65. that is reminiscent of the Florentine Irises. In addition, a collection by Creative Director and founder of “L’Objet”, Elad Yifrach, and the Greek designer Lito Karakostanoglou called, L'Objet + Lito was also on display.