The Milan Design Fair never fails to impress with its ability to enchant and surprise attendees, and this year was no different. Two standout exhibitions caught the attention of visitors: Giorgio Armani’s showcase at Palazzo Orsini and Loro Piana’s tribute to the Andes.
Giorgio Armani, the iconic fashion brand, opened up its headquarters at Palazzo Orsini for the first time to the public during Milan’s Design Week. This extraordinary event presented a curated selection of Armani’s new “home” collection. The opening day alone attracted a staggering 5,500 people, with queues stretching along Via Borgonuovo. The historic palace, dating back to the 16th century, housed Armani’s headquarters, studio, and haute couture workshops. Rooms were transformed into opulent displays of the Armani/Casa collection, featuring mirrors, intricate frescoes by Andrea Appiani, and stunning Art Deco accessories. Notable pieces included wicker furniture for the veranda and exquisite Murano glass objects. The attention to detail was exceptional, right down to the impeccably dressed Armani-clad tarot card characters.
An intimate room within the palace held a true treasure: a desk, chair, and dressing table adorned entirely with handcrafted mother-of-pearl mosaic. Only eleven of these masterpieces were created as a tribute to the Orsini Palace. The journey continued into a secret garden at the back of the palace, where Armani’s outdoor furniture collection awaited. Teak wood furniture with a unique woven effect, including tables, folding director’s chairs, sofas, and lounge chairs, evoked a sense of relaxation and luxury.
Loro Piana, the renowned luxury cashmere brand, transformed its Milanese headquarters into a captivating Andean landscape for its presentation. Collaborating with Argentinean designer Cristián Mohaded, Loro Piana unveiled its new project dedicated to the Loro Piana Interiors line. Mohaded crafted geometric towers inspired by the “apachetas,” stone piles that mark paths in the Andes. Covered in vibrant fabrics reminiscent of the irregular stones, these towers reached impressive heights of up to eight meters. Alongside the towers, Mohaded’s furniture creations, made in collaboration with Loro Piana craftsmen, formed a highly tactile and sensorial collection.
The collection featured sofas, armchairs, benches, poufs, and coffee tables, adorned with Loro Piana’s finest textiles, including cashmere, alpaca, and a luxurious cashmere and silk velvet. Notably, this collection marked the introduction of precious vicuña fiber, derived from Andean llamas. With armchairs priced at a staggering 80,000 euros, the collection epitomized luxury. Each piece was made to order, ensuring exceptional craftsmanship and personalization. Meticulous finishing touches included hand-chiseled oak elements treated with beeswax, and a coffee table with a striking red ceramic cover.
Both the Giorgio Armani exhibition at Palazzo Orsini and Loro Piana’s tribute to the Andes at their Milanese headquarters garnered significant attention and acclaim. These showcases demonstrated the power of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation, solidifying Milan Design Fair’s position as a premier event for industry insiders and design enthusiasts alike.
Links:
– Giorgio Armani Home Collection: https://www.armani.com/homecollection
– Loro Piana Interiors: https://www.loropiana.com/interiors
