Fashion and design intersected in a remarkable display of creativity and innovation at Salone Del Mobile 2024. As Milan Design Week unfolded, renowned brands such as Hermès, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Loewe, and Prada captivated audiences with their visionary approaches to blending fashion and homeware. From immersive exhibitions to thought-provoking symposiums, each brand brought its unique perspective to the forefront, reshaping the landscape of design and luxury.
Hermès Gallops Ahead: A Commitment to Craftsmanship
Hermès reaffirmed its position as a pioneer in the realm of homeware and furniture with a stunning showcase at Salone Del Mobile. Since its debut in 2011, Hermès has continuously pushed the boundaries of interdisciplinary design, seamlessly merging fashion and home decor.
The exhibition, held in a concrete space reminiscent of its inaugural Salone outing, transported visitors into a world of timeless elegance and heritage. Through meticulous craftsmanship and atmospheric installations, Hermès underscored its unwavering dedication to quality and innovation. From equestrian-inspired cashmere plaids to exquisite porcelain services, each piece bore the unmistakable imprint of the brand’s DNA.
Gucci Design Ancora: Redefining Homeware
Gucci, known for its bold aesthetic and avant-garde approach to fashion, embarked on a new journey into homeware and design at Salone Del Mobile. Under the guidance of creative director Sabato de Sarno, the brand unveiled a sleek and polished vision for homeware, infused with its signature charm. The exhibition, housed above its Via Montenapoleone store, showcased iconic Italian designs reimagined in Gucci’s bold color palette. From leather sofas to glass vases, each piece exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication.
Loewe Lamps: Exploration of Light
Loewe, renowned for its eclectic taste and artistic flair, captivated audiences with an ambitious exhibition at Salone Del Mobile. Creative director Jonathan Anderson curated a collection of artist lamps that combined sculptural practice with functional design. From neon installations to leather sculptures, each lamp pushed the boundaries of creativity, blurring the line between art and design. Through innovative materials and techniques, Loewe demonstrated its commitment to pushing the boundaries of design, inviting audiences to explore new dimensions of light and form.
Bottega Veneta x Cassina: Honoring Heritage Through Collaboration
Bottega Veneta celebrated its heritage with a collaborative exhibition at Salone Del Mobile, in partnership with Cassina and the Fondation Le Corbusier. The exhibition showcased limited-edition pieces inspired by the brand’s iconic craftsmanship, paying homage to the past while embracing the future. From wooden crates to leather sculptures, each piece reflected Bottega Veneta’s rich history and legacy of excellence. In two monumental piles reaching up toward the silo-like office’s circular ceiling, the €2,500 burned boxes (of which only 100 will be sold) were interspersed with even-more limited editions: boxes covered in deep-hued Intreccio leather darkened by nuances of black paint, priced at €12,000 each.
Prada Frames: A Thoughtful Exploration of Design
Prada took a different approach to Salone Del Mobile, hosting a symposium curated by Formafantasma that delved into the philosophical and scientific aspects of design. With esteemed speakers and thought-provoking discussions, the symposium provided a platform for intellectual engagement and exploration.
At Milan’s Salone del Mobile, fashion brands engaged audiences through design collaborations. Bottega Veneta partnered with Cassina, while Saint Laurent commissioned Ginori 1735 for porcelain plates by Gio Ponti. Thom Browne collaborated with Frette for a linen collection, and Valextra teamed with Studio Temp for a Rinascente takeover, featuring a 3D-printed handbag and more.
Loro Piana revisited Cini Boeri’s designs in cashmere and shearling. Fendi and Versace showcased homeware extensions. Versace highlighted products at Gianni’s palazzo. Salone served as a sales platform, with brands like Fendi and Versace focusing on selling collections rather than sparking conversation. As we look to the future, one thing is certain: the intersection of fashion and design will continue to inspire and innovate, pushing the boundaries of creativity and imagination.
By Vittoria Ottanelli
