Show and tell: From experiential furniture to dramatic installations
As a point of reference for the international design community, Salone del Mobile. Milano was the epicentre of action this April. Over 2,000 exhibitors from 37 countries participated in the event, which closed with a 15 per cent jump in the number of visitors from last year. From experiential furniture to dramatic installations, the world’s most prestigious trade show was all about conscious innovation and luminous experiences.
Here are some homegrown star performers who did us proud
Vikram Goyal
The well-known Delhi designer showcased his select works at the prestigious Nilufar Depot, founded by design icon Nina Yashar. Part of the ‘The Bright Side of Design’ exhibit, Goyal displayed a series of limited-edition brass pieces that reflected his studio’s innovative craftsmanship and contemporary design vocabulary.
Art Attaichi
Helmed by architect-turned-entrepreneur, Fainy Thakor, the brand displayed limited-edition sculptural pieces at SaloneSatellite. It was also the only Indian brand to be invited to another show, ‘1000 Vases’, to interpret the colour blue with its one-of-a-kind vases.
Phantom Hands
This design-driven furniture brand from Bengaluru, whose collections include re-editions of modernist classics, launched new pieces by designers Klemens Grund, BIG-GAME, x+l and Nityan Unnikrishnan, along with a selection from its INODA+SVEJE, Derek Welsh and Project Chandigarh collections.
Orvi
Synonymous with beautiful surfaces created through technology and traditional craftsmanship, Jaipur-based Orvi launched a series of bespoke furniture. Using marble, stone inlay, brass wire and wood, the new pieces showcased handcrafted techniques unique to India.
Arisaa
Founded by Aashka Shah, the Ahmedabad studio showcased its ‘Objects of Culture’ collection inspired by Indian weaves and traditional embroidery. All of which were transformed into contemporary products like rugs, hand-painted totems and sculptural wall décor pieces.
Jaipur Rugs
The floor-covering brand collaborated with designer Pavitra Rajaram to launch its new range, The Majnun Collection. With roots steeped in the carpet-making traditions of India, Persia and China, but interpreted in a modern idiom, the pieces ranged from traditional shikargah motifs to an English sipahi and a fiery sakya design.
Workplace 3.0
What will the new work space of the future entail? Design solutions by exhibitors from around the world showcased the new ideal—by experimenting in transformations and the use of smart technologies that are perfect for new ways of working in a post-pandemic universe.
Euroluce and the City of Lights
Tripping the light fantastic? You bet. There is no better way to describe these pavilions as artists from around the world employed a multidisciplinary approach while exploring different themes of lights. Sustainability, flexibility and cutting-edge technology were the cornerstones of this show. The focus—to be ready to adapt to a hyperkinetic future, multiple spaces and situations.
S Project
Possibly the most diverse pavilion, S Project was a multi-dimensional space that provided a 360-degree perspective on of-the-moment trends in interior architecture. Covering the whole gamut of lighting, furniture, fabrics and pretty much everything in between and beyond, S Project served as the pitstop for the future.
Courtesy Salone del Mobile Milano
Credits: Andrea Mariani (@baguray), Alessandro Russotti (@barabba_64), Diego Ravier (@diegoravier), Luca Fiammenghi, Ruggero Scardigno, Ludovica Mangini. Courtesy FederlegnoArredo and Credit: FR Francesco Rucci