ZUVALifeCulture: Milan Design Week: Salone del Mobile Day 2, Brera

Salone Internazionale del Mobile 2013 Day 2 was just as interesting as Day 1. Yesterday was more exhibition and installation-focused. I spent the majority of the day in Zona Centrale and Brera and visited 13 spaces.

How can I describe Day 2 of the show: Intriguing, informative, surprising

What themes stood out: Use of reflective surfaces (great exhibition by Brazil S/A using reflective backgrounds for all installations and high-gloss finishes for furniture), historical furniture pieces reinterpreted (Edra’s new bed collection based on a previous couch series), use of natural materials like wood, rope, stone (Rhoda, Enea and Exteta at Brera Outdoor Village)

What were the installations like: Vibrant and compelling – incredibly creative use of materials (Shining Surfaces), patterns (La Rinascente’s Afrofuture), visual and sound effects (Brazil S/A) and innovative lighting concepts (Sensational Umbria; Brera Outdoor Village)

Where have I been:

Discussions – “Meet the Afrofuturists” introducing the participants of La Rinascente’s week-long event exploring the African design culture and industry and showcasing design professionals from Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Cape Town and more.

Unveiling of a new product line – Rezina, Edra

Flagship store launch – Made in Ratio

Store Visit – Black Tie

Pop-up store – Weiss

Brand experience – Brera Outdoor Village

Exhibition / Gallery – Brazil S/A, Andy Warhol, Eroko Tamai, Dejana Kabilijo, Sensational Umbria, Shining Surface

Highlights of the day:

Receiving a one-on-one lesson from Chiara about Rezina’s new product: a resin-sealed linen wall and floor coverings called REZINA Tessile
Seeing a woman being painted from head to foot by an artist in Sicis’ storefront on my way home (poor thing was covered in goosebumps from being naked for so long!)