Insights: Milan Design Week 2023

In April, Salone del Mobile and Fuorisalone came together to showcase the epitome of global innovation and creativity. As we eagerly followed the event highlights on our Instagram profile, we were captivated by designers who delved into groundbreaking material production techniques, harnessing the potential of salvaged items and even artificial intelligence.

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#01 Transparencies and Translucents

The use of glass, acrylic and other materials with transparent and translucent characteristics was evident, such as: resins in the use of furniture, decorative pieces and lighting.

Vis a Vis table lamp by Davide Groppe.

#02 Metalized and Mirrors Metallized materials and mirrors commanded attention. Whether showcased in grand pavilions or meticulously incorporated into intricate details, these elements brought a sense of opulence and visual intrigue.

Poêle Collection by Italian Alessi, designed by Philippe Starck.

#03 Ceramics The material found its way into several collections, notably serving as an enticing alternative for table tops. Designers embraced this innovative approach, incorporating the material to create captivating surfaces that exuded both functionality and artistic flair.

Decorative and table tops made of ceramics, by Paola Lenti.

#04 New Materials New material explorations were also a notable presence, with several creative initiatives catching our attention. Among them, we were particularly drawn to inventive solutions involving fungi, kombuchas, and other materials that are often overlooked or discarded.

Material designers Henna Burney and Kalijn Sibbel, left. Salt panels in building, on the right.

How can your brand incorporate materials into the work routine or reinvent materials that would otherwise be discarded? After a generous dose of inspiration at MDW23, we returned to our base full of references to share. We note movements, materials and influences that can stimulate the development of new products and serve as a source for creatives.

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