Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1501754
Alcova, on the other hand, is a design platform celebrating independent design. Set on the sprawling grounds of a former slaughterhouse, its mere setting captures your attention. This is not home to a beautiful palazzo; rather, it's an elegant solution that aims to repurpose unused spaces. Sprawling is an understatement. The grounds saw thousands of visitors make their way through the setting, reminiscent of abandoned factories seen in Detroit, with booths and tables of independent designers from around the globe talking design and presenting their latest works. New York designer Lindsey Adelman had an installation here, but the key to the exhibit was the diversity of design offerings and sheer size and energy that young designers have a special way of capturing. The last stop on our trip is Galerie Philia. Exhibiting in a deconsecrated church, "Desacralized" showed the work of 20 established and emerging designers who were asked for their "personal interpretation of the notion of desacralisation." Set against this backdrop, with organ music piped in for full effect, the results were stunning. A massive rope chandelier by Morghen Studio hung as the centerpiece. Other works included a Rick Owens stone seating chair with moose- antler arm and Ukrainian studio Faina seating elements. Of all the exhibitions, this, to me, best embodied the spirit that is Milan Design Week. An incredible setting, fascinating works from both established and emerging designers, and a totally unexpected experience — these are the kinds of things we expect and the reasons we'll keep going back. In an exploration of lifestyle at their Milan headquarters, creative director Francesco Risso partnered with Belgian design firm Serax to launch their new Midnight Flowers collection of tableware inspired by nature. With the brand's Londonart series of flowing wallpapers cascading from the rafters, it was a whimsical yet beautiful setting — a bit of calm and serenity that was a welcome escape from the intensity of the other exhibitions. M ost who h a v e perused h o m e d e c o r stores for interesting housewares will know Alessi. Presenting "Ars Metallica" (The Art of Metal), the brand exhibited works created by Phillipe Starck, Salvador Dalí, Virgil Abloh, and more in its exaltation of metal. Finely crafted works, many of whose designs never made it to production, highlighted the show set in the historic P a l a z z o B o r o m e o d'Adda. Returning to its historical roots (founder Giovanni Alessi was an expert metalworker), highlights include a new collection by Starck, a cutlery set by the late Abloh, and Obget Inutile (Useless Object), designed by Dalí in 1973 and preserved i n c o m p a n y a r c h i v e s , and which has now been resurrected. Architecture and design studio Dimorestudio presented "No Sense" at a historic apartment in Via Solferino. The immersive experience explored the connections between art and design, with works playing off one another in a mix of epochs, materials, and techniques. Six rooms presented works both historic and present-day, including a Sottsass Associati bookcase, Piero Portaluppi cabinet, Kazuhide Takahama sofa, Giuseppe Pagano armchair, and chairs by Arne Jacobsen and Gio Ponti alongside art from Galleria Massimo Minini, including sculpture from Italian master Adolfo Wildt. The collective efforts of the gallery and a host of young artists created one of the most thought-provoking experiences of the week. @AGNESE_BEDINI PIERCARLOQUECCHIA DSLSTUDIO Alcova 2023 Marni X Serax Prada Frames: Materials in Flux' Symposium Dalí x Alessi Obget Inutile Grohe Health Through Water Veranda, Boschi di Stefano Villa Necchi Campiglio Villa Loewe Chairs