It was adventurous.
Exciting.
Intense.
Fun and rich in design!
Exactly as you would imagine the Blog Safari during Salone del Mobile!
The idea
Thanks to a great initiative of the DDN magazine, together with a group of International bloggers I participated in the Blog Safari, organized in collaboration with 10 Iconic Italian Brands. During the tour, we not only had a chance to see the best of Italian Design, but also talk directly to the designers and hear the stories behind their new collections. A real treat for the interior-enthusiasts!
Highlights
The tour featured a wide variety of styles and designs, giving us an in-depth insight into the latest trends, tendencies in the world of Italian Design. I think there was something for everyone’s taste – from minimal, experimental designs to classics and luxury brands. Here are my personal highlights from the tour:
1/ Geometric Designs seen at Gallotti & Radice
Ten designers, sixteen products, one vision: to innovate through creativity and represent various interior concepts using a common visual language. I particularly loved the geometric details in gleaming metals, glamorous yet so playful and personal.
- Flabella mirrors – hand silver-plated and antiquated, the final effect is simply beautiful.
- Geometric Mobiles in collaboration with one of my favourite design studios – Studio Pepe.
2/ Conceptual design at JCP
Focused on the universe, encouraging visitors to discover JCP creations, showing new reality in the design world. A mix of art and design blending modern style with surprising materials. To me good design is also about good concept and I very much like the art direction and story behind the JCP collection.
- Side table with a fragment of lava stone cut in half supported by a simple metal frame.
- Mirror – a reflective surface couples with a different marbles, representing planets.
3/ Celebrating 50th anniversary of Kartell
Iconic Italian brand which does not need an introduction, characterized by different ideas and styles with no limits when it comes to creativity.
- My favourites this year include new ceramic products and bath complements, designed by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba. Kartell never stops.
4/ Color and light. Contrast between the warm and cold tones at Arflex.
I always enjoy visiting stands and showrooms, styled as homes, where you can tour each room, admire decorated corners and get ideas for your own space. That’s what an eye-candy Arflex stand was all about, featuring iconic designs and stylish corners.
- Geometric sofa in warm mustard tone designed by Jaime Hayon.
5/ Adaptable mobile chandeliers at Artemide.
Recent trends are all about beautiful, minimal designs combining function and Art, allowing the consumer to take part in the creation process.
- Yanzi designed by Neri & Hu can be composed to suit your needs. Made out of graphic structures and elements in different materials to provide a variety of versions and qualities of light (either flying free or contained in glass)
6/ A mix of vintage and modern, traditional and innovative at Annibale Colombo.
A traditional, italian cabinet concept transformed into multi-functional furniture, which suits different needs (kitchen/living room)
7/ Sophisticated textiles and finishes at Polifrom and Natuzzi
- Poliform – Mathieu desk designed by Emmanuel Gallina with a mix of materials (emery-leather, wood, and metal). Yes it’s a leather desk!
- Natuzzi has shown us new sofas in materials that represent Italian quality and textile tradition, including velvets and exquisite cottons, 20 new design pieces for living, dining and sleeping area. Sofas and armchairs, beds, tables, chairs and home accessories.
8/ Flexible, innovative table designs at MDF
- Axy table – Lightness combined with dynamic possibilities.
- Rock table – A mixture of natural and industrial materials, I love the final result!
9/ Luxury designs at Roberto Cavalli Home and Gian Franco Ferre
If looking for a luxury designs and elegant looks you will definitely adore the style of world-famous Fashion brands Roberto Cavalli and Gian Franco Ferre.
- Brass shelving system seen at Gian Franco Ferre Home
- Mirrors at Roberto Cavalli Home
It was a great experience to visit Italian brands and learn more about the design process and philosophy behind the products we see.
The video
You can watch a video from blog safari here, to get a feeling how it was to be a part of this lovely tour.
DDN and Brands – Grazie mille for the design experience!
Dear Bloggers – Thanks for joining us and making it an unforgettable day!
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Photos: Pictures taken at the fair – Agata Dimmich / Passion shake. Product images, credit: listed brands.
