Milan Design Week and Salone del Mobile need no introduction—their legend in the world of design is well and truly known. The 2023 edition came roaring back into its regular April slot after a three-year hiatus due to global pandemic disruption, and boy, was it a blast! This year, Milan felt renewed, its vibrancy touching every corner and filling every street. The city was bustling with attendees and teeming with shared social content.
As a twelve-time attendee (though I baulk at the term ‘veteran’), I witnessed Milan ablaze with creativity. Yet, this year, an undercurrent of fragmentation was evident, mirroring our collective efforts to piece together our post-pandemic lives.
Shows? They were everywhere! The city was a playground of exhibitions, hidden gems sparkled in the most unlikely corners. While some eluded even our seasoned radar, we delved into the city with a meticulously planned itinerary over seven adrenaline-fueled sleep-deprived days.
One thing everyone seems to ask me post-Milan is—how was it?—which I find a little frustrating. Summarising my Milan adventure in a few words feels akin to squeezing an elephant into a suitcase (or fitting in my pants after a week of intense carb loading—totes worth it, though). A concise 90-minute presentation at our MILANTRACE 2023 Live events is challenging enough and often feels like it barely scratches the surface.
But if I were to attempt a brief description, I’d say Milan was back to feeling overwhelming—a true sensory overload across a multitude of design shows and precincts spilling over with creativity. Reaching them was a journey in itself. My week was a rollercoaster of exhilaration, stimulation, inspiration, unexpected surprises and yes, a few emotional moments too. Who, me getting emo and teary-eyed? Can you believe it?
The speed at which the world moves on post-Milan Design Week never fails to intrigue me. I often feel like I’ve just begun to unravel the wealth of experiences, the meaning of what we witnessed, and how these precious nuggets from what can only be described as the Annual Design Olympics will shape our world in the years ahead.
Today, we’re thrilled to share a taste of the excitement with a quick overview and a visual diary of highlights from our week. Our video coverage, MILANTRACE 2023 Live Talks, and a whole new Digital Experience are all in the works—there’s so much more in store.
If you’re seeking the ultimate Milan Design Week and Salone Del Mobile experience, our legendary Live Events are your golden ticket. Presented in partnership with Living Edge, these CPD-accredited events are coming to Brisbane, Perth, Sydney and Melbourne this June.
With nothing but love, Mama Yellowtrace x
Tuesday, 20 June 2023 (Evening Session)
Thursday, 22 June 2023 (Evening Session)
Monday, 26 June 2023 (Lunch & Evening Session)
Tuesday, 29 June 2023 (Lunch & Evening Session)
Casa SEM’s immersive exhibition was designed by Motta Architecture, set with a historic Milanese building that housed the new néolithique collection. Seriously gorge.
Entrance to Casa SEM.
Augusto Betti, artist & designer. An amazing exhibition presented by Paradisoterrestre at Fondazione Sozzani, with a set designed by one of the queens of Milan, Elisa Ossino.
Augusto Betti exhibition, presented by Paradisoterrestre at Fondazione Sozzani.
Patricia Urquiola for Mutina at Nilufar Depot.
Chatting to the delightful Valentina Ciuffi at Nilufar Depot.
Poikilos by Objects of Common Interest—a site-specific installation co-curated by Nina Yashar and Valentina Ciuffi presented at the ground floor of Nilufar Depot.
Filippo Carandini cabinets & Sophie Dries carpets at Nilufar Depot. Major swoon!
Also at Nilufar Depot, a solo show by Audrey Large with additional pieces by Hsin Min Chan and Maximilian Marchesani—curated by Studio Vedet.
Catching a bit of tennis with Luka at Cristina Celestino’s Clay Court Club, held at Bonacossa Tennis Club.
Arrived dressed for tennis. LOL.
We Are Ona pop-up restaurant at Clay Court Club installation by Cristina Celestino presented at Bonacossa Tennis Club.
Google presented Shaped by Water—co-created by VP of Hardware Design, Ivy Ross and her team, and water, light and sound artist Lachlan Turczan. One of Milan Design Week’s major highlights.
We were lucky to spend a quiet hour with Google’s VP of Hardware Design, Ivy Ross, and clever young artist Lachlan Turczan. Can’t wait to share more with you about this experience in our talks!
A little moment before our interview with Lachlan Turczan.
Ingo Maurer’s magical installation at Porto Nuova, Milan’s Piazzale Principessa Clotilde—one of the four city gates.
New and classic products from Ingo Maurer’s extraordinary lighting collection.
Casa Mutina presented two new collections this year. This one was by Michael Anastassiades.
A rare glimpse of Nick (left) who’s behind the camera in all of these beautiful images. And me dressing to match the installation—a strong theme of the entire week. Hilarious!
Solid Nature presented Beyond The Surface—an epic series of installations in Brera.
In the courtyard, a travertine table designed by Sabine Marcelis for Solid Nature, with a foodscape by Laila Gohar.
Solid Nature: Beyond The Surface exhibition continued underground with an epic intervention by OMA.
A cool exhibition of Solid Nature’s various stones was also located underground. They spent some MAJOR coin here.
Held at La Pelota, Hermès took a minimalist approach for its Milan showcase. An installation catered to time and place, the show communicated the luxury house’s attention to detail.
It was all about stripes at Hermès, and although it definitely doesn’t look like it—I did not deliberately dress to match.
Elle Decor presented The Art of Light at Palazzo Bovara, an installation designed by Giuliano Andrea dell’Uva and Metis Lighting.
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