With an already illustrious design heritage, Milan will be spurred into full creative force next week during Milan Design Week (16 – 21 April).
In its finest form, design embodies the intention to shape reality for the better; it is an opportunity to share in the curiosity and surprise of innovation, and there are few cities that use aesthetics as a medium for adventure and advancement quite like Milan.
Emanating from the long-established furniture trade show, Salone del Mobile, which was founded in 1961 and quickly became – and remains – a vanguard of art and design, Milan Design Week is driven by a collective desire to exhibit the best in design, craft and furnishings.
Over the coming week, Milan will welcome leading names across art, interiors, architecture and fashion, but to attend the Salone furniture fair alone would be to omit a host of design launches, fringe events, panel discussions and unveilings taking place across the city this month.
Including fashion anniversaries, champagne photography pop-ups and art exhibitions, as well as the best design-led stays, eateries, and nights out, these are the hottest spots for Milan Design Week 2024.
What To See
Dolce & Gabbana at Palazzo Reale
Dolce & Gabbana marks its 40th anniversary this year with the unveiling of a new exhibition in Milan, From The Heart to The Hands which traces founders’, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s realisation of design ideas over the decades. Each space in the exhibition pays homage to a facet of Italian culture that has informed their work. Runs 7 April – 31 July.
L’Appartamento by Artemest at Residenza Vignale
This year, the second edition of L’Appartamento from the online Italian furniture platform, Artemest, will be curated by six, prestigious interior design studios. Early imagery of this year’s apartment sees mid-century decoration against an ornamental backdrop – gilded mirrors, decadent chandeliers and satin curtains with an opalescent sheen all lend a rococo feel to various mid-century style furnishings, which bring a rounded and glossy, fifties finish to the setting. It will run exclusively for Milan Design Week: 16 – 21 April.
Miranda July: New Society at Fondazione Prada
Curated by Mia Locks, Miranda July: New Society is the first exhibition to chart the thirty-year career of the American writer, filmmaker, author and performance artist, Miranda July. Her first solo exhibition at Fondazione Prada includes installations and short films, beginning with her early-90s performances in punk clubs, and her show, F.A.M.I.L.Y – a year-long Instagram collaboration with seven other performers. Runs from 7 March – 14 October.
Veuve Clicquot and Magnum Photo’s Emotions of The Sun Exhibition
Oaxaca. Veuve Clicquot
Held in Garden Senato, the exhibition space designed by Constance Guisset is a playful, surrealist interpretation touring a photographic celebration of the sun. Eight photographers will present their response to the brief: ‘a creative carte blanche to convey the emotions that the sun inspires in them’. Featuring 40 prints shot by Magnum photographers, the exhibition is one of the few must-see, free exhibitions during the week. Runs exclusively for Design Week: 16 – 21 April.
Faye Toogood: Assemblage 08 Launch
Palette_Coffee Table
Faye Toogood’s latest collection, Assemblage 08 celebrates the knowledge and heritage of artisan makers and introduces two new furniture families: Gummy and Palette. Gummy is the first upholstered chair from Toogood – a soft and sculptural work in bouclé. Palette is a curving, playful new table showcasing local artisan woodwork. Entirely made in Britain using natural and sustainable materials, Assemblage 08 is an ode to heritage craft and trades. This is a private showing that runs from the 15 – 20 April, email to enquire
Where to Stay
Bulgari Hotel Milano
The Bulgari is one of Milan’s top design-led hotels and ideally located for an elegant stay that strikes the all-important and delicate balance between a carefully-planned space that is still rich in ambience and atmosphere.
Portrait Milano
The recently renovated Portrait Hotel, a former seminary, now converted into a hotel with a magnificent 32,00 square foot courtyard, Piazza del Quadrilatero – one of the largest squares in Milan’s Fashion District – is another top design-pick during or post-Salone.
Armani Hotel Milano
The Armani hotel, conveniently located in the centre of the city and designed by Giorgio Armani himself, is an ideal stay for a luxurious weekend in Milan and a top spot to stay in, to fully immerse yourself in the design heritage of the city.
EAT + DRINK
Emporio Armani Ristorante
Throughout Design Week Sensazioni at Emporio Armani Ristorante will be showcasing a series of unique dinner shows from 15 – 20 April, with live performers and DJs.
Clicquot Café
Forming part of Veuve Clicquot’s ‘Emotions of The Sun’ exhibition from 16 – 21 April, The Clicquot Café pop-up’s immersive ‘Sun in your Plate’ experience is paired with Veuve Clicquot champagnes beside their exclusive boutique. A champagne-meets-design-lovers paradise.
The Bar at Ralph Lauren
The perfect outdoor seating spot to take breakfast or a mid-morning coffee break, The Bar at Ralph Lauren is an elegant space to brunch at as you take in the brand’s homewares exhibition.
Where To Party
Start at Bar Paradiso in Porta Romana, or Bar Nico; both are great spots for an aperitivo. Then head to Bar Basso, where the Negroni sbagliato was invented (swapping the gin for prosecco); this is the perfect spot to trial any denomination of spritz.
Afterwards, the Punks Wear Prada Salone del Mobile Closing Party, hosted by Dinner Conversations club founder Natasha Slater on the 20 April is set to be one of the week’s highlights – tickets are still available for purchase here.
Lead image credit: Dolce & Gabbana at Palazzo Reale
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