Salone del Mobile - Part One

Hi - just back and feeling .....well, full and inspired. Food was amazing (will go into that). Sites - even better. I'll go over highlights and lowlights over a 5 day period. I hope you enjoy.

Best Party

For me, the SLS/Starck/Moss event on Corso Magenta. Why? It was held in the garden of the home where Leonardo da Vinci lived while painting the Last Supper! It is a private home now - and SLS really respected that. .. Using Gobos and nothing else to define their name. It was not a crowded affair by any means - but the right people were certainly there and I felt honored to be invited by my friend, Michael Doneff of SBE Entertainment Group. The food was wonderful and served so well. Oh, and the gift!!! It was a tiny chandelier that lit by way of batteries. So beautiful!

Well done!

Second was the party of the New York Times at the Bulgari Hotel. Again, honored to be invited and the crowd was really wonderful. The weather, again, was helpful to allow all guests to be outside on the grounds. Stefano Tonchi, Pilar Viladas and their group were consummate hosts. The displays were scattered in these large lit boxes on the lawn and highlighted designs from Kartell, Driade, etc. It was really a pleasurable time during the chaos of the fair.

For flair, the Kartell party at the Dolce & Gabbana Metropole space should be mentioned. Kartell showed the future of their lighting by Ferrucio Laviani. The prototypes were wonderful - and one can only hope most make it into the line. It was a spectacular presentation....with crowds trying to get in. Unfortunately, rain didn't help when one is waiting to get in....but once inside, spirits soared.

We also attended the Swarovski event. This is my 3rd or 4th time, and I must say I was a bit disappointed. In previous years, one got to scoop up random crystals and dream the impossible dream of what if? At the end, we also received one crystal in a small stringed bag that I use as a good luck charm. This time - not. No crystals, no good luck charm. The Crystal Palace exhibits of Studio Job, Marcel Wanders, Lissoni and the others were wonderful - but there didn't seem to be as many "oh wow" moments as in the past. Nonetheless, it is well done and hopefully will continue.