Read reports from the other days here: day two, day three, day four, day five.

Day One - 17 April 

We were lucky to attend the Preview Day for Moooi, a wild and eclectic design company whose co-founder and creative director, Marcel Wanders, was recently part of an Urbis and ECC panel in Auckland. Mooi’s Milan event was perfect for a photo opp, as there were only a few people in the Toranta warehouse; normally, there are hundreds!

Wanders opened proceedings with Prodigy’s high energy song, Smack my B***h Up, blaring from the speakers; then, a wildly decorated piñata was lowered from the ceiling. Much like at a kid’s party, no matter how much of a bashing it took, the piñata needed a bit of help to reveal the prize: shiny metallic confetti.

This year’s collections were based on The Museum of Extinct Animals and, ‘Moooi Through the Eyes of…’. The second theme was delivered in partnership with interior design practices Megan Grehl and Concrete Architectural. Design firm Concrete built a replica of their own office inside the warehouse and were basing themselves there for the week. Hosting meetings, and generally getting on with business. 

In a nod to last year’s amazing light installation, Moooi now produce the mega chandelier (pictured below). Fantastic textured and embossed wallpapers were introduced, inspired by the skins of extinct animals, a theme which is carried through the furniture collection. Moooi was one of my highlights last year, it will be interesting to see who can top it this year.

In contrast, Paola Lenti’s furniture designs were a little more subdued this year. Colours were notably toned down with less bright shades and dirty pastels, and more cotton candy colours, plus bold, deep tones mixed with glossy ceramics and burnt metallics.

These designers aren’t afraid to experiment with technology, and this year they have developed a fully recyclable plastic called ‘diade’. It is available in several different colours, with a distinct woven texture. The impressive collection of ceramic tiles continued to wow with innovative shapes and patterns and a variety of textures curated perfectly with the extensive collection of fabrics.

Roaming the Streets of Milano and taking a walk through the high street, it’s clear to see how fashion will influence furniture this year. Colour trends are already visible from the preview shows. The combination of orange, burgundy, blue and pink is notable. Wedgewood blue, bright Barbie pink and red, bold floral patterns, pop art and gold and silver continue to make an appearance in the likes of Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana.