New Discoveries: Milan Design Week 2023

If you are looking for an overview of Milan Design Week 2023, you can find it here.

In this post, I wanted to discuss new discoveries, or “new to me” brands I came across during Milan Design Week 2023. I mentioned Serip in my previous post, which I was really taken by. Their products were exquisite in design and execution, customizable and works of art.

Some other brands of note: Canadian based Brand AND, a bit challenging to find online, admittedly, but with some really amazing lighting products. I was taken by the “column” light, designed for a custom project and meant to resemble a Roman column. Anything Roman floats my boat, so this was an easy sell for me. It reminded me a bit of Sergio Roger’s work, (in glass rather than antique linen) which I am still smitten with and also saw among another exhibition at Rossana Orlandi.

When Objects Work

I found this pop up store in the Brera neighborhood. They are based out of Belgium and collaborate with the biggest and best in design and architecture (John Pawson, Vincent van Duysen). Their products are all made to be practical and beautiful. A win win in my book. I grabbed this quote directly from their website, and basically it capitulates exactly my feelings on design: function meets beauty:

when objects work is the vision of the owner Beatrice Delafontaine. A Belgian company who produces and distributes exclusive objects designed by leading designers and architects whose work shares a preoccupation with simple forms, immaculate function and a timeless idiom.

From its first collection, launched at the Milan Furniture Fair in 2001, when objects work has developed its theme of decorative art as beautiful domestic equipment for everyday life. All objects are handcrafted, made in a whole range of materials and production methods.

The marble vessel on the left made me think of similar, but mediocre in comparison, pieces I have bought from CB2 and H&M home. These vessels by When Objects Work are simple in form, but the dimensions of the piece, and the quality of the marble are exquisite. It’s like a good recipe: when you have good ingredients, you don’t have to do a lot. Superior design. Superior materials. I hope to acquire many of their pieces over the coming years.

Time and Style

I had never heard of this brand, but as I was wandering around the Brera neighborhood of Milan, I was drawn into their store. They have exquisite products with clean lines and quality materials. They offer everything from furniture to lighting, and dishes as well, creating an all encompassing look. The best of Italian design and Japanese manufacture, with carefully selected natural materials crafted by Japanese artisans. The best of both worlds. Time and Style has showrooms in Milan, Amsterdam, as well as Japan and China. There are many things I want from Time and Style, particularly the wood table and the wooden boxes.

Tom Rossau

Danish born and inspired by the Danish landscape, Tom Rossau has been designing lights for 15 years. There is one in particular I am smitten with, known as TR41. Apparently Tom designed his first light fixture using slats, and this has remained a theme in his work. TR41 is made of plastic material, so it shouldn’t be hard to clean!:

Lombardo Everyday Light (Linfa)

Another light. But for the garden. As we, and designers, are becoming more focussed on indoor/ outdoor living, I have big dreams about how I would like my future garden to look during the day, and into the night. Specialty outdoor lighting is one way to give your garden a customized look. I found these outdoor lights to provide the whimsy and ambiance that I would hope to have in my garden. They are hardwired with a driver, and come in a few variations of finishes and heights to choose from.

Paolo Castelli

Paolo Castelli had a beautiful exhibition at Milan Design Week 2023 in Rho Fiera. They created “rooms” with sheer fabric that looked liked wainscotting. It was gorgeous. There were several products I was interested in, mainly illuminated pieces. I guess “light” is my theme this year, too! I am really drawn to pieces that serve multiple functions, for example an illuminated wall piece, or bookshelf, as seen below.