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5 things we loved at Milan Design Week 2023

Come rain or shine this show is one of the ones we always make time and energy for. It’s been 13 years since The Longest stay was founded and every year we’ve could, we’ve been here. With our best walking shoes on, ready to take in all the inspirational places, designs, and exhibitions to bring you (very soon!) the best luxury brands for your home.

Fashion and Interiors Meet Again

The intersection of fashion and interiors is nothing new. This time Milan Design Week took it to another level, brands such as Bottega Veneta, Hermes, Prada, Christian Dior and Loro Piana showcased some magnificent designs. We specially loved Hermes’ throws, with their iconic logo made with the softest cashmere. The ideal home accessory to add a touch of comfort chic to your living space. Of course, we cannot ignore the grandeur of LVMH collection. It’s opulent but understated – they truly know how to take luxury to the next level. The collaboration between Dior and Philippe Starke was a match made in design heaven, a literal symphony of chairs with a backdrop of visual in tune with majestic sounds.

Grey is the New Black

We spotted a wave of grey hues in the iSaloni and also in the open showrooms, brands like Salvatori displayed bathrooms and sinks with exquisite textures that reminded us of zen stone sculptures. We also got comfortable with Baxter, our CEO Sherry Roberts took a mindful pause from the hectic day and it was hard to get her up!

The Circle of Life

As far as predominant shapes go, we saw plenty of circular, soft and sinuous forms. Our instinct is that after such tumultuous past couple of years – designers are creating pieces for your home that offer respite. A moment of calm. These shapes lend themselves perfectly for that purpose. When decorating your home with this style of furniture design we recommend adding in contrast if you’re more of the eclectic design enthusiast. If you prefer minimal design at home then pair these oval-esque shapes with soft furnishings to enhance the zen energy at home.

Gubi was a beautiful example of bringing mindfulness energy to its design proposition. Even the way they set up their modern furniture against the tranquility of the Bagni Misteriosi lido. The perfect opportunity for a well-deserved break too!

Colour Explosion

In the name of eccentricity, Paola Navone’s for Otto Studio Eataly sculpture of tomato and spaghetti made us hungry, smile and epitomises Italy’s undisputed reputation for excellent pasta. Speaking of Italian, Rossana Orlandi, has created an entire universe with her galleries, restaurant and design curation. The perfect spot to sip a negroni and then move on to discover this dreamy location. We loved these stunning designer cabinets and resin sculptures by Emanuela Crotti filled with different kinds of objects, mixing precious metals and other memories from the artist’s travelling around the world.

We must mention Kohler’s The Creator’s Journey featuring the work by a group of female artists and an unforgettable installation by Janet Echelman. A reminder of making beauty a part of everyday rituals. From embellished bathrooms, tubs, smart toilets and sinks – they all had the glow up!

Let there be light

Lighting design for your home is as important as the furniture that goes inside. Why? It allows you to create your desired atmosphere and ambience. With that in mind we had to make a stop at Euroluce. The Preciosa installation Crystal Beat invites you to dive into another dimension, filled with soothings sounds, layers of light and music. The exhibition marks the launch of Preciosa Lighting’s brand-new Signature Design, Crystal Grid. The elegant clean lines of the hand-blown bubbled crystal tubes incorporate the light source within, while suspending in a grid structure.

And with that we bid adieu to another wonderful edition of #MDW2023. Our feet may have taken more than they can handle in a few days but our creative hearts have expanded yet another inch – probably more – after being immersed in the city of Milan.

Next up Clerkenwell Design Week, will you join us?