This year welcomed the 60th edition of Salone del Mobile, the first full fair since 2019 (it was canceled in 2020 and the year after organizers were forced to run a pared-down version). In June 2022, visitors flocked to Milan from all over the world to see some of the newest and most exciting innovations from the design world.
With a focus on sustainability, brands were inspired to showcase reusable, upcycled, low-impact or certified materials. While eco-consciousness was encouraged, quality, innovation and beauty remained important as ever,
If thousands of displays were not enough, Fuorisalone, an array of fringe events, installations and exhibitions within Milan’s design districts, coincided with Salone del Mobile. This year, it included exciting artistic talent, new flagship stores and some seriously unique furniture.
Thought of as more important for the city of Milan than Fashion Week, Salone del Mobile was not to be missed. And, with over 2,000 exhibitors, there was too much for any one person to see. To show you what you missed, here’s a round-up of Elite Traveler’s best of the best.
[See also: Tiffany & Co Opens Exhibition at Saatchi Gallery]
‘Divided Layers’ by Kohler & Daniel Arsham
‘Divided Layers’ is situated within the historic Palazzo del Senato / ©Kohler
One of the most talked about art pieces this year was a collaboration between Kohler, a global lifestyle brand and leader in kitchen and bath products, and artist/designer Daniel Arsham. Titled ‘Divided Layers’, it is an immersive art experience located at the historic Palazzo del Senato, where the juxtaposition between contemporary and traditional is striking.
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The installation is made from seven stacked white panels that are arranged to form a tunnel, with a catwalk atop a pool of water underneath. The installation coincides with the pair’s release of Rock.01 — a 3D printed sink Arsham designed for the brand last year.
Louis Vuitton Objets Nomades
The Merengue pouf and Cocoon, both by the Campana brothers / ©Louis Vuitton
Celebrating its 10th anniversary at Milan Design Week, Louis Vuitton displayed a striking new collection of travel-inspired furniture and decor. Ever-popular, the brand’s Objets Nomades line invited internationally renowned designers from around the world to create experimental yet functional furniture pieces and design objects.
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With an ever-growing number of artists on their roster, among the novelties was the Merengue pouf by the Campana brothers and the Cosmic Table by Raw Edges, which is comprised of an innovative carbon fiber base and glass top. The latest designer to join the project is Frank Chou whose armchair and sofa were inspired by Chinese rice fields and desert rock formations in America.
FENDI Casa
The new flagship FENDI store / ©FENDI
A first for FENDI, the brand celebrated Design Week by opening its first flagship store. Just steps from Brera, Milan’s most fashionable district, FENDI Casa is in a landmark building in Piazza della Scala. Showcasing the Maison’s heritage and modern vision, they have created an immersive experience that pays homage to Palazzo della Civiltà, FENDI’s headquarters in Rome. Redefining luxury, displays are innovative while remaining classic and elegant.
And what is on display? Well, nine world-renowned designers have worked to fill the two floors of the store with furniture for the living and dining room, bedroom, and the outdoors. Unfolding sequentially, its aim is to inspire those within to see FENDI Casa as their own home, providing inspiration for how the pieces could look in a living environment.
Audi House of Progress
With the Audi Grand Sphere concept, Audi unveils its interpretation of the sedan / ©AUDI AG
Located within The Medelan, an authentic Italian building in the central Piazza Cordusio, Audi House of Progress presented its vision for the future. Echoing Salone’s sustainable focus, Audi showcased two of its concept cars and their work collaborating with Italian furniture designer Poliform, as well as presenting panel discussions.
Staging its vision, the brand demonstrated how humans will be the central focus of their new technology while evolving the car for maximum comfort and user experience. Most notably, the passenger zone inside the car is vast, while the interior layout is able to lend itself to various configurations and multiple purposes.
Bentley Home
The Galloway sofa and chaise longue / ©Bentley Home
Each year, coinciding with Milan Design Week, Bentley Home releases a new collection of indoor furniture pieces. This year, as well as launching two collections, they also debuted their flagship atelier located on the Corso Venezia. Mirroring the designs of their cars, the products’ curved silhouettes, luxury materials and iconic designs that Bentley is best known for have been reimagined for the home.
Brand new for 2022, the brand unveiled its first ever outdoor collection — Solstice. A celebration of open-air living, the collection was inspired by the Ramsey range from a previous year but using lighter colors and weather-proof materials.
[See also: Bentley Announces ‘Five-in-Five’ Electric Car Plan]
