Milano,
Where do you start?
The fair ground is a good place, 40 minutes out of the city, on the train along with some 285,000 others over the course of five days.It's possibly the only thing that is actually bigger than Ben-Hur - in size, scale of production, cost and export dollars (7.8 billion in 2013). The fair itself is spectacular. All the biggest brands, their newest products and the world's most prolific designers (think Urquiola, Bouroullec and Lovegrove) at your fingertips.
It's also spectacularly tiring. Twenty-four pavilions on either side of a kilometre-long central walkway, and over 1,200 exhibitors. Luckily, most of the brands that make their way to Australia are grouped in about six main pavilions.
And then there are the city showrooms. And the satellite events, exhibitions and districts....
MAIN TRENDS:
Metals - increase in copper and burnished / softened rather than highly polished
Timber - lots of it!
Resurgence of old materials like leather, rope, cane in combination with other finishes
Craftsmanship (detailing / inlays) incorporated to deter copying subdued colours - not much vibrant/bold colour
Textiles - also muted, natural materials
50 / 60s Silhouette - return to better times / nostalgia
Japanese influence - clean, simple details, dark timber
Product Photography courtesy of the brands
