by Ross Bonetti
Despite financial problems facing the US and Italy, the third year of the Salone Internazionale del Mobile was a tremendous success. Designers, manufacturers and retailers from all over the world flooded into the Fiera Milano, to view the latest designs in furniture, kitchen and bath.
Milan newspapers reported that the Fair, in less than three years, had already outgrown its new premises. We can attest to this, as it took well over two hours to reach the exibition via car from downtown Milan. A trip that would normally take 20 minutes! The subway was even more chaotic as people stood in stations for hours waiting for space on trains.
The complex, designed by Massimiliano Fuksas, features a 1,300 meter two storey corridor that connects twenty exhibition pavilions and takes people to their destinations on moving sidewalks. The energy level and sense of excitement at the Fair is contagious, and the people-watching is simply amazing. Truly a place where fashion and design meet.
This year's design trend featured a fresh, simple, pared-down approach. White and black continue to dominate, with red, orange, green and even purple, making up the accents.
For more in-depth information about the Fiera Milano complex, I invite you to click on the links below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5omNRnds9U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aMKN0Wai6M
