Fair

Hi - so let's look at Salone iteself. As expected, the ones that you would expect to shine - shone. Kartell (disclaimer - our client) was really a stand out. Having a tremendous collection of the best in design - it met all expectations. There was great stuff from the Bourellec Brothers; Patricia Urgiola; Piero Lissoni; Antonio Citterio, Tokujin Yoshioka.......... and last year's prototypes from Starck, Jouin - were finally products that we can't wait to promote. LOVED the chairs from the Bros - really a lot. And the adorable Loo Loo Ghosts - Louis Ghost for kids - was simply adorable.

The Outdoor Garden at the Triennale was absolutely beautiful - and one that brought a smile to all that saw it.

There was absolutely a trend to outdoor - and Kartell, with POP and it's outdoor fabrics - and all of the stuff that Starck has designed over the last 20 years - really made a wonderful and exciting exhibition. But I stray.

Moroso again did not fail to delight. Their booth stand to the introductions were absolutely wonderful. They are to be commended.

These two privately held firms should be commended for consistently coming up with great and wonderful designs....and innovation.

The congolomerate - Cassina, Alias, Capppellini etal - were certainly LARGE! I liked very much the accessories from Cappellini and the bench system from Alias. Some of the others - were less highlights for me.

Salone Satellite is wonderful and encouraging for a design future. Is some of it ridiculous - of course! But this group really thinks about the environment - more than the large companies do - and some of the ideas definitely should be looked at by the large companies. I always like their public spaces - so well used and appreciated. One doesn't need to sell each and every bit of space - one needs to give those attending spaces to enjoy, think and rest. Bravo to Marva Griffin and this element of Salone. (Look for Salone Satellite shots tomorrow).

Went through the Kitchens and Bath and the future of K & B too - didn't see much innovation - but lots of large spaces and beautiful kitchens and baths. You still need to see Boffi - off site to get a true sense of what real beauty of K & B is.

I love the Alessi building (disclaimer: another client). It's this two story stand alone building at the fair. They show the products in such a whimsical but lovely way.....I always love visiting it. It makes me smile - each and every time.

The fair itself is so much better than the old fairgrounds. Couple of problems: 1) Not everyone knows they need to buy a special fair train ticket - and when you are going there, it doesn't matter - but try leaving the fair! If you don't have that special ticket - you need to get on huge lines to buy one - there's polizia at every turnstile!!! Luckily - I knew. But I heard that one night the subway got so backlogged - that the next day, the fair stayed open until 8:30 p.m. to avoid the crowds. All in all, food service is better; transportation (except for those not knowing)is much better and as a long time fair going - I'm much happier.

And...and - they know how to treat their customers - the great ones have espresso, preseco, water - and treats. The "back rooms" of these booths are like welcoming them to their home.

One thing I love is seeing all the designers we read about all year in person at the fair - for those of us who love modern design - it's our rock stars! Meda, Starck, Morrison, Citterio, Jouin, Urgiola - brava! During this week - I'll do a bunch of these for you.....

Please read on all week - for things offsite - lots of great stuff. And those stars - Wanders, Dixon.....For restaurants and the food - and some fun stories.....this week - promise.