Milan Design Week 2024

Once again, DCA returned to Milan to participate in the highly anticipated annual Milan Design Week event. This event serves as a global gathering for designers seeking to immerse themselves in the latest trends and innovations. The 2024 edition offered a diverse array of engaging exhibitions, cutting-edge innovations, and thought-provoking talks.

Our first day in Milan was dedicated to immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Salone del Mobile, an expansive and influential design fair.

The key highlights of the event included a strong emphasis on lightweight materials and their impact on design. The use of contours and natural materials played a significant role, with an exploration of colours inspired by natural elements. Soft, pebbly forms and textures that played with light and fluff were also featured. The concept of intersections and framing was explored, along with the use of generous radii in design. The combination of electrifying colors with muted natural tones created a striking visual contrast, and the concept of “walls of light” was also showcased.

Bouclé fabric was used on a variety of furniture such as sofas, chairs, and beds. This material was commonly applied to furniture with soft forms in an off-white color, creating an extremely soft and comfortable design aesthetic.

During DCA’s visit to the Brera design district, we explored an important area for promoting design to both local and international audiences. The district featured several notable highlights, including Porsche’s “The Art of Dreams” exhibition and Google’s “Making Sense of Colour” exhibition. Google’s exhibit showcased a spectacular and serene installation that created an environment where visitors could see sound or hear light.

Another standout feature was Loewe’s lighting exhibition, where the fashion brand presented a stunning collection of lamps created by 24 artists from around the world. These unique lamps were crafted using a diverse range of materials, including leather, glass, Japanese washi paper, and twigs.

On the third day of our trip, we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Tortona design district. It was a feast for the senses, as we encountered an array of captivating design pieces and installations. One particularly unforgettable experience was witnessing the innovative installations presented by Lexus to showcase their new electric vehicle. These installations featured mesmerizing moving lights that truly captured the imagination. Additionally, we were enchanted by Preciosa’s Crystal Beat 2 installation, where a dazzling array of their new lighting product was harmoniously synchronized with music, resulting in a spellbinding and unforgettable visual and auditory spectacle.

Midj’s furniture installation was a visual treat, with their exquisite furniture pieces arranged against a backdrop of lush natural grass. Additionally, the exhibition by Ikea was both captivating and filled with playful elements.

To wrap up, after the incredibly successful event, we were filled with inspiration and motivation upon our return. We are eagerly anticipating the next year’s edition!