Metamorphosis in Motion by Lina Ghotmeh
Milan Design Week: In Review
EVENTS
Each April, Milan becomes the centre of the global design conversation, and this year the OLISE team spent the week immersed in both the halls of Salone del Mobile and the energy of the city beyond. Moving between the fair at Fiera Milano and a series of curated city-wide experiences, the week offered a clear view of where design is heading and who is shaping it.
Outdoor installations also made a strong impression. The Provisa installation, constructed from layered mesh metal, created a sculptural presence that played with light and transparency. In the courtyard of the historic Palazzo Litta, we encountered Metamorphosis in Motion, a captivating centerpiece of the MoscaPartners Variations 2026 exhibition. Designed by Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh, this hot-pink and magenta labyrinth utilized curved geometric modules to create shifting perspectives for every visitor. Aligning with Ghotmeh's Archaeology of the Future philosophy, the installation offered a playful, contemporary layer to the palace, providing a needed silent pause amidst the intensity of the week.
Design by Samsung
Our journey continued to Superstudio, a primary highlight was the collaboration with next125, which redefined the culinary space as an architectural sanctuary. Their The Cut kitchen installation felt less like a utilitarian zone and more like a piece of precision-engineered furniture, balancing sleek aesthetics with a deeply intuitive workflow. It mirrored the broader Superstudio sentiment: that technology should disappear into the background to allow materiality and emotion to lead.
Design by next125
Design by Minotti
Minotti reinforced its reputation for architectural statement-making with a collection that embraced fluid, expressive forms. A defining highlight was the Orion collection, where new sectional sofas were designed to curve gracefully around a room, creating a sense of movement that caused a significant whirl amongst visitors. This shift toward sculptural curves reflects a broader trend seen across the fair, where furniture is increasingly treated as spatial design. By moving away from rigid lines in favor of cocooning seating and softened silhouettes, Minotti’s latest presentation perfectly captures the year's move toward layered, emotional, and more atmospheric interior environments.
Audi and Zaha Hadid Architects unveiled Origin, an immersive architectural installation in the courtyard of Portrait Milano. Inspired by the Radical Next design philosophy, the sculpture features sleek, matte titanium surfaces and serves as a moment of stillness designed to combat sensory overload. Situated in the former Archiepiscopal Seminary on Corso Venezia, the collaboration merges Audi's focus on technology and emotion with Zaha Hadid’s signature parametric, flowing design. While the exhibit highlights Audi’s entry into Formula 1, it primarily provided a serene, reflective space amidst the bustle of the city.
Design by Zaha Hadid x Audi
At the fair, a shift towards more expressive, collectible design was immediately apparent. Sculptural forms, richly veined marble and high-gloss finishes dominated, with brands such as Visionnaire, Elie Saab and Tacchini presenting pieces that felt architectural and statement-led. We spent time exploring stands where craftsmanship and materiality were at the forefront, with layered textures, intricate detailing and a strong emphasis on tactile design.
Design by Zaha Hadid x Audi
B&B Italia’s return to Salone was a standout moment, drawing attention with a refined presentation and a modular outdoor seating system that reflected the growing importance of flexible, lifestyle-driven design. Across the halls, furniture increasingly felt like spatial design, cocooning seating, softened metals and sculptural tables creating environments rather than individual pieces.
L’Appartamento by Artemest
Gessi also made a significant splash with their Haute Culture showcase. Moving beyond simple bathroom fixtures, Gessi presented the Longevity Ritual, an exploration of water as a therapeutic and aesthetic element. Their Milan showroom became a temple to well-being, featuring intricate finishes that felt more like jewelry than plumbing.
L’Appartamento by Artemest
L’Appartamento by Artemest
Beyond the fair, Milan’s most memorable moments unfolded through curated interiors. A highlight for OLISE was L’Appartamento by Artemest, set within Palazzo Donizetti. Internationally recognised studios including March & White Design, The Rockwell Group, Sasha Adler and Róisín Lafferty reimagined Italian living through a series of sensory-led interiors. Each space was layered with pieces sourced from Italian artisans, celebrating craftsmanship through texture, material and detail. The exhibition tapped into all the senses, with floral elements bringing softness and romance throughout, while moments of glamour were introduced through reflective surfaces and statement lighting.
A striking crystal chandelier at the base of the staircase set the tone, drawing visitors upwards into a sequence of immersive rooms. The New York-inspired apartment on the upper floor stood out in particular, conceived as a reflection of the designers’ own studio environment, balancing international sensibility with Italian craftsmanship.
L’Appartamento by Artemest
Luxury brands continued to shape the experiential side of design week. Bentley Home, in collaboration with artist Red Longo, presented a cinematic installation exploring movement, light and material, alongside a refined, architectural collection. Versace Home and Bugatti Home delivered bold, identity-driven showcases, translating their aesthetics into complete lifestyle environments.
L’Appartamento by Artemest
L’Appartamento by Artemest
Textile houses offered equally compelling narratives. Pierre Frey presented a richly layered exhibition grounded in heritage and colour, while Rubelli’s collaboration with Ai Weiwei brought a conceptual dimension, merging art and textile design.
The energy didn’t dip after sunset. We joined Restoration Hardware and Gessi for evenings that perfectly balanced grandeur with intimacy. Material Bank, in collaboration with Elle Decor, hosted a vibrant gathering that brought together the brightest minds in the industry, proving that the best design ideas often happen over a cocktail and a shared appreciation for a well-placed curve.
Milan Design Week 2026 reinforced a clear direction: design is becoming increasingly immersive, expressive and rooted in storytelling, while remaining grounded in craftsmanship and connection.
