Salone del Mobile 2011

I have been visiting the Milan furniture fair every year since the early 90’s and it is still one of the most important and enjoyable events in my work calendar. I’d like to share some of this year’s highlights with you…

New from Italian brand Alias is the ‘Tagliatelle’ chair by Jasper Morrison:

And, ‘Eleven’, a comfortable and ingenious modular sofa system

by Pearson Lloyd:

From style leader Cappellini came ‘Capo’ designed by London based studio Dosh Levien:

‘Thin Black Table’ by Japanese designer Nendo:

And, the ‘Basket’ Sofa by the Bouroullec brothers:

Spanish designer Jaime Hayon has designed an exciting sofa ‘Favn’ for Fritz Hansen. It is a departure from the Danish brand’s signature style but deserves to be successful…

We are delighted to have it on display in the store now.

The trend in luxury upholstered furniture for outdoor living looks set to continue with Cassina’s launch of iconic Le Corbusier designs re-worked in stainless steel and water-resistant fabric:

Beautifully made solid wood furniture was everywhere - my favourites included the new ‘Sveva’ bed frame by Flou:

The ‘Osso’ chair by the Bouroullec brothers for Mattiazzi:

And, ‘Jalis’ chairs and tables by Jehs + Laub for COR:

A few names featured so prominently that it was impossible not to notice them – step forward Konstantin Grcic, Jaime Hayon, Piero Lissoni, Barber Osgerby and the Bouroullec brothers!

I’m getting a bit long in the tooth to skip round multiple events after a long day at the fair but I did enjoy Mattiazzi’s ‘Kaleidoscope’ party where music videos selected by four designers, including Sam Hecht, the Bouroullecs and Konstantin Grcic, were shown on big screens surrounded by their furniture in a thrillingly raw venue – it felt genuine and special.

Ruth Aram

ARAM STORE