Milan Preview: A Checklist for the 2013 Fair

Jennifer Krichels -- Interior Design, 3/1/2013 2:00:00 AM

With the theme of “Milan: interiors of tomorrow,” the 52nd annual Salone Internazionale del Mobile has participants looking toward the future. As exhibitors begin to hint at what will be on display, new collaborations and fresh takes on classics are coming to the fore, and many designers are introducing new concepts tailored for today’s evolving built environments—more often geared toward comfort at work and versatility at home. Saloni 2013 will take place from April 9 to 14 and includes the International Furnishing Accessories Exhibition, the biennial Euroluce, SaloneUfficio and SaloneSatellite.

1. Raphia by Casamania
A metal frame in white, black, red, or blue is wrapped in a modern version of hand-woven wicker, making each chair unique.



















2. Bell by Sebastian Herkner for ClassiCon
Introduced last year in a range of jewel tones as the designer's first-ever collaboration with ClassiCon, the Bay table gets a subtle new color pairing in gray and copper. Look for new lighting and more furniture by Herkner, too.















3. HBA Collezione by HBA and Sicis
Hospitality design firm HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates and mosaic and jewelry manufacturer Sicis will unveil their new contract and residential furnishings collaboration, which includes the Bangle table and the Geo pendant light, a mix of LED technology and mosaic artistry.





4. 57 by Bocci
Exhibiting for the first time at Euroluce, Bocci will present its flexible “horizontal chandelier” system, which is made by trapping voids of air within a glass matrix to create cloudlike glass forms.














5. Array by Zaha Hadid for Poltrona Frau
The company’s contract division plans to unveil Array, a new auditorium chair by Zaha Hadid that promises ergonomic design and an innovative folding movement.











6. Heel by Nendo for Moroso
Nendo is pairing up Moroso to present the Heel seat, shown here with designer Oki Sato in the prototyping phase.






















7. Heavy Metal by Successful Living from Diesel with Foscarini
An industrial twist on a vintage 1920s form, the table and floor lamp is made with turned metal washed in an acid bath that gives it the green, ochre and blue colors of natural oxidation.















8. Tina by Benedetta Tagliabue for Expormim
The Spanish manufacturer has traditionally worked this material with experienced craftsmen, and this time has provided its expertise and know-how to the architect Benedetta Tagliabue to create a contemporary concept of rattan chairs and benches.













9. Elio by Bicube Design for Mara
Designed by fledgling industrial design studio Bicube Design, the lightweight tables (elio is the Italian word for “helium”) have a laminated top and metal tube base available in several bright colors.






10. Naughty by Plinio il Giovane
A chair based on a child’s “time-out” spot is redesigned with a rocking base, making it suitable for adult diners and office tasks. The company will also present items from its eco-social line, Plinioltre, which is produced in collaboration with prisoners in Milan’s Opera prison.