Taster's Choice

Everyone's a critic during Milan's Salone Internazionale del Mobile. We asked design gurus to weigh in with their opinions. But all that matters is that you have one.

Karen D. Singh -- Interior Design, 6/1/2005 12:00:00 AM

"The aim of design is not to conceive objects but to suggest life alternatives that provide emotional and sensorial experiences. I am optimistic the market is ripe for progressive proposals." —Jean-Marie Massaud

"It's good to see companies investing in a wide range of designers, young and old, from around the world." —Jeffrey Bernett

"In the field of design, the fast-growing companies are the ones that are the progressive thinkers. They believe in the future and invest in fresh concepts, talent, and products—that means new business." —Matteo Thun

"There's a new generation of Japanese talent infiltrating Italian design, bringing a fresh insight into materials, production, and aesthetics. Pieces like Naoto Fukasawa's table are thoughtful and laced with apparent simplicity, which makes them light and meaningful. This is a good thing for design." — Ross Lovegrove

Tearose Capsula armchair, resin Mescalina lamps, and 4 Elemanti lamps in Aire, Tierra, Agua, and Fuego. 39-02-7601-5467; tearose.it. circle 354

Cassina Aspen sofa by Jean-Marie Massaud. 800-770-3568; cassina.com. circle 355

Prandina Equalibre F3 floor lamp. 206-310-8649; prandina.it. circle 356

Monnalisa Silasol lamp by Tobia Scarpa. 39-03-0253-8378; monnalisadesign.com. circle 357

B&B Italia Landscape chaise longue by Jeffrey Bernett. 800-872-1697; bebitalia.it. circle 358

Rossi di Albizzate Avenue Montaigne chair by Matteo Thun. 39-03-3199-3200; rossidialbizzate.it. circle 359

Sawaya & Moroni Bella Rifatta chairs by William Sawaya and Zumtabel Staff's Vortexx ceiling fixture by Zaha Hadid. 39-02-863-9216; sawayamoroni.com. circle 360

Tonerico Memento light sculpture by Hiroshi Yoneya, Ken Kimizuka, and Yumi Masuko. 81-35-468-0608; tonerico-inc.com. circle 361

The fair's Satellite celebrates Milan, since Salone del Mobile moves out of the city next year.

Domomodo Living ball installation by Douglas Mont. 33-66-175-6594; domo-modo.com. circle 362

Gervasoni Croco pendant lamps. 39-04-3265-6611; gervasoni1882.com. circle 363

Agape Ufo bathtub. 212-941-9941; agapedesign.it. circle 364

Tearose Custom floral arrangement. See page 187. circle 365

Driade Ishi pouf and Muku table by Naoto Fukasawa. 39-05-2381-8660; driade.com. circle 366