Milan Design Week is an annual event that completely transforms the city for a week, hosting a multitude of events and exhibitions. This week-long celebration of design encompasses a wide range of industries, from fashion to furniture, and serves as a platform for creativity and innovation in the field. Traditionally dominated by high-end luxury brands, Milan Design Week also allows smaller, lesser-known brands to shine and make a name for themselves.
One brand that has successfully carved its niche at Milan Design Week is Dzhus, founded by Ukrainian designer Irina Dzhus. Dzhus is renowned for its multifunctional apparel, made using ethically-sourced natural materials. Dzhus’s groundbreaking garment construction techniques enable clothes to transform and adapt according to inspiration and necessity. Despite the challenging circumstances of operating amidst the war in Ukraine, Dzhus perseveres and continues to manufacture her products in Kiev. Her distinctive designs, coupled with her unwavering commitment to ethical fashion, have earned her admiration and recognition in the industry.
Another designer who has been making waves at Milan Design Week is Cynthia Vilchez, the visionary behind the jewelry brand Aliita. Vilchez astounded visitors with her latest collection, which was presented in a poetic installation that took them on a captivating treasure hunt through an enchanted world. Her delicate gold creations, adorned with miniature silhouettes, were discreetly concealed behind small secret doors. Vilchez has quietly established herself within the jewelry industry, distributing Aliita through carefully selected retailers and her own e-shop. Her designs, priced between €300 and €400, are exclusively made in Italy.
Taking a different approach, Lanerossi, an Italian manufacturer of upholstery fabrics and household linen, showcased their historical patterns during Milan Design Week. The brand adorned their Milan store with reinterpreted throws featuring archival patterns from the 1930s. Founded in 1817, Lanerossi boasts a rich history of collaborations with top designers. In recent years, the brand has focused on revitalizing its archives and expanding its range of home linen, a strategy that has resulted in substantial revenue growth.
Renowned fashion brand Etro also made an impact at Milan Design Week with their interior design creations, showcased at their Milanese headquarters. Led by new creative director Marco De Vincenzo, Etro drew inspiration from their vast archives to curate a collection that highlighted the brand’s iconic fabrics. This collection featured distinctive geometric and toile de Jouy patterns in an earthy green and blue color palette. Armchairs, sofas, tables, and other furnishings were elegantly upholstered with these fabrics, creating cozy and inviting sets. Etro is ambitiously expanding its home line, including accessories and furniture, both internally and through a licensing agreement with Italian furniture producer Oniro Group.
Milan Design Week acts as a magnet for creativity and innovation, serving as a gathering place for established brands and emerging designers to showcase their work. Whether it’s a fashion show, a jewelry installation, or a furniture exhibition, this week provides an opportunity for brands to leave a lasting impression and make a distinctive mark. While the event may have lost some of its romantic appeal due to its overwhelming scale, there are still breathtaking and undiscovered gems waiting to be explored.
Useful links:
1. Dzhus – Dzhus’s official website showcasing their multifunctional apparel and commitment to ethical fashion.
2. Aliita – Aliita’s official website featuring Cynthia Vilchez’s delicate gold creations and poetic jewelry collections.
