It’s early Spring in Europe. Refresh, renew. Vibrancy, colour – design. In Milan the Salone Internazionale del Mobile has just finished. It’s the most popular design event in all of Europe. This year it was the 58th edition and it ran from 9-14th of April.

There were some stunning installations that drew accolades and public acclaim. This week we feature those from iconic brands – Gucci and Louis Vuitton as well as a stunning exhibition from Mexico based artist Carlos Amardes.

The Salone del Mobile Milano is a sensual delight, an explosion of colour, fabric, light and texture. This year Gucci opened a pop-up store, an apartment store, for the duration of the event. It was designed to specifically profile the brands latest offerings in homewares – furniture, porcelain, dinnerware and blankets.

The brand’s creative director Allessandro Michele chose to fill the entire space with the brand’s signature patterns and prints. It was maximalist, it involved everything from wallpaper to cushions, screens, chairs, candles, incense trays and metal folding tables all carrying the iconic Gucci brand.

The Gucci décor collection was developed and released in 2017, a commitment to the craft and artisanship and to profile the skills of Italian creators and designers. Part of this iconic collection comes from the famous Richard Ginori porcelain manufacturer acquired by Gucci in 2013. The company had been formed in 1735. Under Gucci’s stewardship, the range is now flourishing with artistic direction from Gio Ponti.

The store provided an augmented reality ‘app’ where users could use famous locations as well as their own home to try out different pieces, ‘virtually’ placing the items there. The overall installation was certainly an indulgence, but reported to be thoroughly enjoyable.

At Louis Vuitton their team in collaboration India Mahdavi, Patricia Urquindo and Tokujin Yoshioka presented its ‘objets nomades’ collection. The focus is on the idea of travel whilst considering each designer’s personal style.

Atelier Biagetti and Zanellato/Bortotto created feature pieces for each design. ‘Anemona’, a glass top dining table and a wavy base, dressed in soft leather was created by Atelier Biagetti whilst Italian duo Zanellato/Bortotto debuted with an amazing ‘mandala’ screen composed of three separate parts drawn together in a sophisticated weave.

The featured pieces were presented at the neoclassical Palazzo Serbelloni in an exhibition featuring the entire collection with past editions revisited in new colours and materials.

Darkened rooms are refreshed with light spreading in brilliant colours. Tonal effects with subtle changes, the Campano Brothers ‘bomboca’ sofa-puzzle in fluoro yellow; the ‘Cocoon’ suspended chair covered in a red faux fur.

The Campano Brothers have added a new piece called the ‘Bulbo’ armchair. It mimics a giant tropical bloom that embraces the person seated in billows of yellow fabric.

Also included in this latest display are ‘dollchairs’, modular in design. As with traditional Louis Vuitton trunks, the ‘chairs’ can be customised and hand painted with individual designs.

The final contribution is from Marcel Wanders – Diamond shaped armchairs with arched wooden frames, cagelike, a diamond vase of mouth blown Murano glass suspended by leather strapping and a ‘venezia’, a lamp that is modelled on traditional Venetian lanterns.

Something somewhat different is the Carlos Amardes installation ‘the accursed hour’ which was presented in the Fondazione Adolfo Pini with a swarm of 15,000 black butterflies – a simply stunning display. For your enjoyment we have added a series of photographs capturing the magic of his installation.

For genuine design excellence and true European elegance, Sulfaro offer a stunning collection of traditional and modern furniture. From original objets de art, upholstered and stylish Lounge Suites, Dining Suites and a full range of inspired accessories, select Sulfaro and enjoy both the comfort, luxury and exquisite design of true Italian and European design.

Call now and book an appointment with Amelia Sulfaro experienced Sales and Design team on 9872 4608. We are conveniently located at 650-652 Whitehorse Road Mitcham 3132 (Cnr of Cochrane St) approximately 1km west of the Eastlink offramps for Ringwood. Here is the google maps ref

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