Dior unveils Medallion chair exhibition
Christian Dior originally selected the Louis XVI–style Medallion chair to seat guests at his fashion shows because of “sober, simple, and above all classic and Parisian” style, as he recounted in his memoirs. This season, Dior Maison collaborated with 17 artists to reinterpret the house’s signature chair for a special exhibition. Participating designers Dimore Studio, Pierre Yovanavich, India Mahdavi, and others delighted exhibit visitors with their far-flung takes on the traditional furniture piece.
Lisa Corti and Laboratorio Paravicini’s Veranda collection.
Photo: Courtesy of Lisa Corti and Laboratorio ParaviciniLisa Corti and Laboratorio Paravicini debut the Veranda collection
The spirit of Italian entertaining is alive and well in the new Veranda collection, a collaboration between textile designer Lisa Corti and ceramics manufacturer Laboratorio Paravicini. Striking, colorful ikats ground painterly camellias, gardenias, and peach blossoms throughout the line, which includes table linens and tabletop ceramics.
Arjumand’s World shows new gild and lacquer wall coverings
Arguably one of the most charming fabric and wallpaper showrooms in the world, Arjumand’s World is always a treat to visit. Located on the narrow, cobblestone-clad Via Santa Marta, the showroom is marked for Milan Design Week with a swath of fabric and palm leaves hanging above the door. Step inside to see Arjumand’s newest collection, aptly named the Gold Collection, shown in mood-setting candlelight to highlight the gild and lacquer wall covering’s appealing glimmer.
Artemest’s AQVA exhibition.
Photo: Courtesy of ArtemestInspired by water, Artemest presents the Aqva exhibition
Italian design retailer Artemest tapped its impressive list of artisans from across the country to develop new pieces to be unveiled in unison in Milan. Art directed by Milanese architecture firm Ciarmoli Queda Studio, the project tasked each artist with using water in some facet of the design process. From the Feng room divider by Gebrüder Thonet Vienna to the Cloud N.1 lamp by Biancodichina, it is clear that the concept of water can take on a fresh meaning in the hands of a talented artist.
La DoubleJ’s Milan flagship.
Photo: Filippo BamberghiLa DoubleJ opens inaugural Milan flagship
Italian design guru JJ Martin unveiled her first flagship location in a 19th-century Milanese building on Via Sant Andrea. The shop, which was designed by Milan-based firm Paolo Badesco, features La DoubleJ’s signature swing dresses in a pattern explosion of silks, velvets, and crepe de chines, plus the brand’s whimsical home collection of tabletop ceramics, Murano glassware, and textiles. Not to be missed is the downstairs Sacred Grotto, a studio painted by Romanian artist Aitch filled with a jungle of spirit animals and goddesses.