Salone del Mobile - what we've discovered

THE MUST-SEES

Milan and Italy are famous for being a step ahead when it comes to design, and the design-focused galleries in the city are world-renowned.

NILUFAR GALLERY AND NILUFAR DEPOT

Nilufar is the ultimate design gallery in Milan. Its founder, Nina Yashar, is an eminent style arbiter, with her unique flair in marrying contemporary fashion with vintage. At the gallery in Brera, multidisciplinary designer Khaled El Mays has created a surreal psychedelic and out-of-proportion installation that will stay with you for a long time. At the serendipitous depot, in a former silverware factory, highlights include new carpets and furniture by Martino Gamper, and a series of interesting collaborations between contemporary designers and traditional porcelain brands.

DIMORE CENTRALE AND DIMORE STUDIOS

From their headquarters in Brera's Solferino to their Centrale studio near the station, Dimore’s cinematic installationS has been a staple of Milan Design Week for years. It offers a unique opportunity to discover vintage treasures, from Pierre Chapo to Raffalealla Crispin.

ALCOVA

Alcova’s series of installations take place at the spectacularly crumbling Ospedale Military di Baggio — best to take the metro to get there. And this is where you'll discover newcomers and get a sense of up-and-coming trends. Don’t miss the new works from Duyi Han and the monumental pink bathtub by Sabine Marcelis and OMA

THE LUXURIOUS

Luxury brands are increasingly involved in the Salone - with many of them showcasing accessories or furniture collections. Here are three to look out for:

HERMES

Fashion brand Hermès has built four large structures modelled on water towers and covered in translucent sheets of coloured paper around the theme of lightness. You can enter the towers, which are all made from ash wood and paper, to find the brand's latest homeware collection. They are lit up by light from the inside.

LOEWE

The Spanish fashion brand has become a regular of Milan Design week in recent years, showcasing stunning pieces of traditional craftmanship. This year’s ambitious display at Palazzo Isimbardi, called Weave Restore Renew, doesn’t disappoint.

LOUIS VUITTON OBJETS NOMADES

I was told that Louis Vuitton’s Objets Nomade’s collection is always a must-see.

This year they have some new designs, from the Campana Brothers’ Bamboo sofa to the Raw Edge’s Cosmic Table.

MY FAVOURITES

THE SOCIALITE FAMILY: THE PENSIONE

Constance Gennari and her team won the Brera Prize last year.

For this talented and multi-faceted journalist/blogger/influencer turned designer, it is beyond impressive. This year, Constance settled Via Venturi, in a small Pensione (hostel). It is a joy to wander from the garden to the main bedroom crossing the main bar cum living area...

Inspired by the Italian furniture of the 60s and 70s, Socialite Family presents a combination of stripey cushions, velvet sofas and leopard print carpet. Incredibly inspiring and charming.

STUDIO LUCA GUADAGNINO, BY THE FIRE

From La Villa Necchi, the Milanese property in I am Love to the North Italian country house in Call Me By Your Name and the Pantelerria villa in the bigger Splash, interiors in Luca Guadagnino movies always play a key part.

So it is not entirely surprising that the director has launched his own interior design studio for private clients. His space evokes the aesthetic of his films. Drappés, utterly elegant.

ROSSANA ORLANDI: RECOLLECTIBLE 2022

Another Milan Design Doyenne, Rossana Orlandi opens her gallery door to present the most promising upcoming talent from all around the world. The gallery, with its gardens and coffee shop, is a delight.