Designers blend emotions with creativity to create design magic
Designs that really capture people’s interest make you think about things in a different way
“It is all about emotions, even if it is just about things in your everyday life. Design that really captures people’s interest usually just makes you think about things in a different way,” says Japanese designer Oki Sato.
It was a prescient observation during the Salone del Mobile, which celebrated its 56th anniversary in April with more exhibitions, installations and events at the Rho fairgrounds and across Milan’s many palaces, boutiques and museums than any one person could possibly see.
Touted as the most important event on any design aficionado’s calendar, the week-long extravaganza sets the tone for the design industry, offering a snapshot of the newest emerging creative trends.
The most obvious this year, on show from creative pop-ups to the most established brands, was a focus on soft, organic forms with natural curves.
For example, the silica, hand-dyed sand and powdered glass furniture of Fernando Mastrangelo, from the US. Then there was Shanghai-based design studio Neri&Hu’s sleek “Mandarin Chair” for Stellar Works, which featured a seamless blend of classical form and mid-century style that the designers say translates Asian temple design typologies.
Curves also extended to lighting at the Nilufar Gallery, where Cypriot-born industrial designer Michael Anastassiades showcased a new maroon iteration of his mobile chandelier, while at Euroluce, Czech glass specialists Lasvit introduced Zaha Hadid Design’s graceful “Eve” chandelier comprising 15 fluid glass bodies that combine to create a floating sculptural effect.