out and about :: milan design week preview

By the time you read this, I will be sitting on a plane winging my way to Milan for Design Week. I am so excited – and not just because I’ve got my fingers crossed for a little sunshine, a gelato or two and some really good coffee!

I’m going to head straight to Salone Internazionale del Mobile and specifically Salone Satellite, which is the part of the show dedicated to the best designers under the age of 35 from all over the world.  I was really impressed with what I saw there last year, so I’m excited about meeting student, graduate and new designers and seeing some challenging, innovative or just downright good design. I’ve got a meeting scheduled with students from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and having had a sneak peek at what they’ll be showing, I’m very excited about that.

Next I’ll be off to MOST at Milan’s Museum of Science and Technology. Instigated by Tom Dixon it provides Milan Design Week with a curated creative hub, promoting forward-thinking culture, commerce and creativity against the backdrop of museum exhibits based on technological innovation. Last year I had a lot of fun making my own mini Tom Dixon chair, so I’m excited to see what awaits me there this year!

I want to spend at least half a day in the Brera Design District, where last year one of the highlights was the Marni Chair Installation. This year, it will play host to Edit by Design Junction, Design Boutique and Lee Broom‘s Crystal Bulb Shop, where he will be launching his new frosted bulb.

I’ve been invited to “Tea with Georg; an inspirational breakfast with Georg Jensen and Scholten & Baijings,” which I’m really looking forward to. I interviewed Ilse Crawford about her range for Georg Jensen last year and discovered Scholten & Baijings somewhat belatedly at Maison et Objet in January.

Then it’s off to Ventura Lambrate, which I’m probably most excited about, because it was my absolute highlight last year. The sun shone, there was a real festival vibe, and the design blew my tiny little mind.  One of my favourite things last year was RCA Paradise, and this incredible machine which turns sound into colour and form.

This year, I’m excited about the Mindcraft Exhibition by Danish Crafts and Norther by Aalto University. The name of the latter refers to a “sudden and stabbing north wind” – and promises “fresh design ideas from the young northern designers of the future.”

Next, I’m off to Zona Tortona, which I didn’t have time to squeeze in last year, and it’s where designersblock are going to be, so it’s a must-see. One of the highlights will be Milan Smells – an attempt by Olivia Alice and Kate McLean to build a paper model of the city and infuse it with the scent of Milan. (Looks like there might be some good photos of numbers to be had too!)

And I’m sure there will be lots more besides! Follow me on twitter, Instagram and Facebook for instant updates and I’ll get full reports up onto the blog as quickly as I can. Wish me luck!

Further reading for the especially geeky:

• out and about :: salone satellite
• out and about :: ventura lambrate
• interview :: lee broom
• out and about :: marni