Milan Design Week drew large crowds, but its focus on luxury designs has raised concerns that it may be catering to a narrow slice of society. The event, which is open to the public, featured a range of designs, from affordable to ultra-high-end.
A few designers stood out for their affordable and innovative designs, including Mikael Axelsson, who created an inflatable chair, and Lex Pott, who designed a rotating lamp. These designs were showcased alongside more expensive pieces, highlighting the coexistence of democratic design and luxury in the industry.
Luxury and Democratic Design
The Italian faucet company’s fair display, designed by Milanese architect Giacomo Moor, will be rebuilt as a community washroom in Masala, Zambia, demonstrating the potential for design to have a positive impact on communities. In contrast, some designers, such as Philippe Malouin, created more affordable pieces, like a moka pot available for $175.
Other designers, like Maria Bruun, presented more expensive pieces, including an urbane dining table. The Dutch designer launched additions to Arco’s Dew table series. Muuto presented its novelties in an appartamento, including Maria Bruun’s designs.
High-End Designs
Some of the most expensive and exclusive designs were showcased at the event, including the Stadium d’Hermès table, designed by Barber Osgerby, which features marble marquetry. Another notable design was Studio Paolo Ferrari’s seating, inspired by the Macchi M.C.72 Italian seaplane, which was originally created for a client’s 74-metre Sanlorenzo superyacht.
One of the newer sections of the fair focused on antiques and unique collectibles, featuring pieces like Job Smeets’s faux fur rug with a built-in panther sculpture. This section highlighted the growing interest in one-of-a-kind designs and the blurring of lines between art, design, and luxury.
French designer Thélonious Goupil’s bed-in-a-box, complete with a plump pump-up mattress and headboard-slash-room divider panel, was also showcased, with pricing to be announced. A limited edition table lamp, produced by Flos, costs €2,850.
