Natural materials extolled by excellent manufacturing and plastic materials treated with likewise excellent technologies. Plenty of textiles, less wood than in the past few years (but top-quality species and details), lot of metal with a vintage look, too, concrete and “ancient” materials (marble, leather) reinterpreted with today’ taste and technologies.
A throwback to the fifties – and Scandinavian style– with the iron rod, that won over some of the most renowned designers (interiors and outdoor furniture). A renewed attention to the textile also for its sound-absorbent function, a very real issue for the office and also for the Contract industry.
Leather and hide are present in all their glory, also thanks to our tradition and the matchless Italian craftsmen, whom no one in the world can copy.
Luxury is the thriving market and no doubt the Salone del Mobile and Fuorisalone highlight the Italian pre-eminence: small joints that look like sculptures (De Castelli), chairs made with the handcraft manufacturing of traditional shoes (Kristalia), wooden gears with a Leonardesque flavor (Poltrona Frau) …and details that – quoting Mies – confirm the presence of God.
Photo above:
1 Emeco, SU Collection, stools and tables, design Nendo. SU seats come in three new material choices, all of which demonstrate a more environmentally conscious way of doing things, using responsibly selected alternatives of some traditional materials. Eco-Concrete seats are made of Green-Concrete, a revolutionary concept that can replace the energy-consuming traditional concrete used in architecture. Emeco’s eco-concrete SU seat consists of 50% recycled glass bottles and CSA (calcium sulfoaluminate cement) that takes much less energy to make.
Captions
1, Bla Station, Code 27, design Stefan Borselius and Johan Lindau, a sofa system based on 27 cm modules, it is infinitely extendable.
2, Cappellini, Shelves, design Max Lipsey.
3, Gubi, Masculo Chair, design GamFratesi.
4, Tom Dixton, Y Chair, a recognisable silhouette, an ergonomic shape and a modern attitude.
5, Kristalia, sedia 1085, design Bartoli Design.
6, Poltrona Frau, Albero bookcase, design Gianfranco Frattini, re-edition.
7, Frag, Bak Valet Stand, design Ferruccio Laviani; valet with leather-upholstered painted steel frame and shelves.
8, Caimi Brevetti, Pli, design Marc Sadler, a line of screens doubles as partition and sound-mitigation usage( Snowsound technology), held together by elastic straps with details inspired by saddle makers.
9, Marsotto, Working on Marble,Rendez vous, design Philippe Nigro. Reception desk with housing for electrical cables in White Carrara marble.
10, Marsotto, Working on Marble,Toio, design Studio Irvine. Writing desk, in White Carrara marble, matt polished finish.
11, MatteoGrassi, Cruise, design Stefano Bigi, an invitation to travel between the warmth of wood and the sensuality of leather.
12, Driade, Herve, design Lievore Altherrr Molina. Series of outdoor seats and table with painted steel structure. Solotex© and polyurethane foams cushions.