In this look into the world of Italian design, I will take a look at some of the more interesting items at the forthcoming Salone del Mobile, Furniture and Design fair in Milan, Italy.

This year’s Salone calendar is jam packed with exhibits and events which will be held all over Milan. While some of the events feature the work of more established companies, others exhibit the more of many smaller design studios, and then there are a few quirky designs which serve to showcase the versatility of their designers, but which are well worth looking out for and looking at.

This year’s event promises to be another fantastic design fest and visitors will need to plan ahead to ensure they see as much as possible.

Inga Sempè

Various new designs by Inga Sempè will be on show, including a smaller version of the ‘Ecran‘ wall light for Luceplan, which is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.  A simpler design is that of a solid beech shelf with an incorporated screw for Moustache called ‘Balcon‘.  Simple, yet effective, and you can view a video of how it works here on YouTube

Alain Gilles

These metal ‘Collage’ tables are the latest design from Alain Gilles for Bonaldo, and they’ll be on show for the first time in Milan. The modular sofa tables are inspired by the concept of memories; in particular, vivid memories of odd shapes spotted in unusual places. You can view a video of how they work here on YouTube

Modus

Award-winning British furniture manufacturer, Modus, will be presenting a selection of new works which includes pieces from Monica Förster, PearsonLloyd, Kirsty Whyte, Michael Sodeau and Clåesson Koivisto Rune. Pictured is a new range of seating from PearsonLloyd.

Tokujin Yoshioka

Tokujin Yoshioka has designed ‘Mi-Ami‘ for Italian furniture manufacturer Kartell. This item  will be on show as part of Kartell’s ‘Kartell♥Milano’ project which will be held at the Kartell Flagship store.

Airnova

Amongst the new pieces from Airnova will be the ‘Lulu’ rocking chair, designed by Ewa Bochen and Maciej Jelsky of Kosmos Project – a rocking chair with an airy metal frame and a leather seat – and the perfect accompaniment to a modern interior.

Sticking Sticks

Another design making its début at Milan this year is ‘Sticking Sticks’; which will form part of the designjuction event and launch alongside British furniture brand Modus’ new releases. Designed by Studio KG in collaboration with Velcro and currently being developed by Modus, it’s a modular, but very flexible, partition system.  Consisting of a kit of different length tubes wrapped in strips of Velcro, it makes room divisions quick and easy to create. You can view a video of this installation here on YouTube.

In collaboration with the MOROSO Showroom, Japanese designer Tokujin Yoshioka will be taking inspiration from the celestial plane with his Twilight presentation. The centrepiece of the exhibition will be Tokujin’s “Moon” chairs, seen below. An accompany light installation will “release infinitive light rays in the white space, creating a scene as if light breaks through the cloud.” It all sounds very interesting!

Moleskine

Moleskine, a favourite notebook amongst the design crowd, will be launching a new product line of bags, pencils, pens, reading glasses, computer cases, a rechargeable reading light and an e-reader stand under three separate collections: Writing, Travelling and Reading. Designed by Italian industrial designer Giulio Iacchetti, the collection is said to take inspiration from the classic Moleskine: the elastic band, the rounded corners, the black colour, and the simple design. For more information, click try here

Tom Dixon

Tom Dixon will be launching new designs, one collection of which is the series of ‘Roll‘ tables. Intended for use in cafés and Restaurants, its industrial feel is also highly practical.

Dixon has also designed a Multiplex pop up experience area offering an ‘invasion of the senses’, more of which is explained here: Tom Dixon Presents Multiplex at Milan Design Week

These are just some of my picks for the Salone, if you have any suggestions on what people must see then please feel free to let us know and we’ll add the most interesting ones to this preview of the Salone Del Mobile 2011.

50 Years Young

Milan’s International Salone del Mobile celebrates 50 years of exhibiting designer furniture and the exhibition is on from Tuesday 12th to Sunday 17th April, 2011. For more information: 50 Years Young

About Paolo Feroleto

Designer of the Italy Chronicles logo, Paolo Feroleto has a genuine passion for Italian design and all things design in general. A designer of Italian origins, Paolo has over 13 years industry experience obtained from working in mixed discipline design studios in the UK and abroad.

Paolo has worked with a range of clients – from small independent retailers, to large blue chip companies, both in the UK and Europe. His projects have included building corporate identity, designing literature, creating stands for exhibitions, as well as devising graphics for retail outlets and websites. Here are some examples from the interiors section of his portfolio: Four Design – Interiors

Paolo also teaches Graphic Design on a part-time basis and has developed creative workshops for use in education and professional environments.

Currently based in the UK, Paolo like to spend his time travelling as much as possible. You can reach Paolo though his company, Four Design.