Salone; Milan 2010

Last month, I traveled to Milan to attend the Salone del Mobile on behalf of our client, Kartell, who was participating in the fair.  The Kartell store in Milan was completely transformed by the creative talent of Tokujin Yoshioka who showed a couture collection of thick transparent pieces made of polycarbonate.  Back at the fair, Kartell showed 16 new striking pieces, all of which were showcased in black [or clear, or grey]. For those who did not make it to Milan, you’ll be able to see many of these items on display at the Kartell New York flagship during ICFF later this month. 

Kartell's "Black is Black" booth at the fair

Tokujin Yoshioka at the Kartell booth

Moleskine, as part of the special exhibition, "The Hand of the Designer”, brought us to Villa Necchi Campiglio, a true highlight. Commissioned in the 1930s by the Necchi Campilglio family, the villa was designed by Piero Portaluppi. Located in the heart of the city, it is considered a masterpiece of Rationalist architecture and also combines elements of Deco style.  Guests are able to walk through the entire villa, all equipped with the original furniture. For design week, Villa Necchi, was one of four house museums that participated in “Unexpected Guests; Yesterday’s houses, today’s design”. Each house had contemporary furniture dispersed in the rooms, illustrating how centuries and styles work together. 

The Villa Necchi from the outside

An ornate doorway in the Villa Necchi

We made it back to New York on the day we were scheduled to depart Italy. For those of you who followed the news of the volcanic cloud of ash wreaking havoc in Europe, you know this was the exception to what was going on all around us.  Of course, the trip back was not easy – we spent several hours on the phone with various travel agents + airlines.  Then we had to find a way to get from Milan to Rome.  At close to midnight, it was too late for a train, rental cars were unavailable, and the hotel concierge said that finding a driver would be impossible.  Beth had the brilliant idea to contact Salvatore, a driver who drove us around one evening during the fair.  Salvatore agreed!  And after an overnight car ride, we made it to Rome just in time for our flight back to NYC.  

--Marlene Capron