The spotlights have just been switched off at the Salone del Mobile.Milano Moscow, but there’s still a palpable feeling of enthusiasm in the air. There’s much to be said about this edition – the interest of the buyers, the eagerness of those who took part in the Master Classes, the dedication and skill of the exhibitors, the talent of the young SaloneSatellite designers – but perhaps what struck, thrilled and gratified us most was the sense of wonder that emanated clearly from the faces of the visitors. Eyes were popping over everything: concepts, presentations, solutions, innovations, moods, materials and colours. The Salone thus won Moscow over with an intelligent, modern, international range of goods of decidedly timeless beauty that struck a chord even with those who, not long ago, seemed only to appreciate mega-classic furnishing, fancy decoration, crystal chandeliers, and lavish fabrics and details.
The 15th edition of the Salone del Mobile.Milano Moscow featured the sort of design that tries to interpret Russian contemporaneity and to understand its complexity in order to generate everyday happiness in the home.
Thus, alongside brands who read the concept of grandeur in a contemporary key – such as Annibale Colombo, Cattelan Italia, Clan Milano, Fendi, Giorgio Collection, Longhi, Malerba, Francesco Molon, Turri and Luciano Zonta – there were others, like A.L.F Uno, Arketipo, Flou, Natevo and Calligaris, that convinced with a more pared-back, clean and metropolitan style. While Moscow has always been challenging territory for bold adventurers, the fact that there is also a certain style of design straddling art, fashion and industry, extremely glam and sometimes strident, or edgy at the very least, does not pass unnoticed. This comes through powerfully with products such as those from Edra and Kartell. Kitchen design on the other hand, has brought function back centre stage, with organic and linear products channelling conviviality and comfort. Flying the Italian flag for kitchen concepts in Russia were Cesar Arredamenti, Scavolini, Stosa, Lube Industries and Veneta Cucine, with input from the Swiss firm V-Zug, a company that designs innovative and extremely high-end built-in appliances. Antonio Lupi Design and Falper entrusted bathroom furnishing with putting a personal stamp on the home, rounding it off with a space of powerful decorative impact and functional perfection. The lighting on the stage in Crocus Expo-2 was transversal and atmospheric. Theatrical proposals like those from Sigma L2 and Villari made a stunning impression, as did younger, smart and contemporary options from Contardi Lighting, Masiero, Slamp and Studio Italia Design - designed not just for illuminating the space but also for “living” it. Outsiders clearly delighted to have taken part in the Salone del Mobile.Milano Moscow were CUF Milano with good-looking, lively furnishings for the workplace bursting with energy and colour and Tabu which, with its state-of-the art coverings, demonstrated to the Russian public that home couture is not just an abstract theory. In Russia, too, relaxation en plein air has become a must. These days, contriving to spend more time outdoors has also become an imperative in this part of the world. This means that outdoor furnishing has acquired the same importance and, especially, the same level of comfort as home living and speaks the language of design, as exemplified by Atmosphera, Emu Group and Ethimo.
This Salone won over the public with its luxurious and contemporary vibe, and its unfailing references to the tradition of a country, which must always be narrated, but with huge focus on the new demands of a market driven by increasingly international taste and the quest for top quality designs and pieces that also embody “a beautiful spirit.”