A fair to remember

Last month, Milan became the epicentre for wonderful and remarkable design. After all, Salone del Mobile is one of the biggest international fairs in the world. From classic to ultra modern style, from purely functional to decadent designs, from multi-coloured to black and white pieces, the 54th edition of the fair was vibrant and exciting. What stood out were the number of luxury brands that made their presence felt through carefully curated exhibitions in the city, and installations and elaborate booths at the fair. Here are our top picks.

Extraordinary Collaborations
This year Netherlands-based Moooi decided to unveil original designs and remarkable collaborations using art by Teheran-born photographer-artist Rahi Rezvani in the backdrop. Featured here is the very dramatic Tudor cupboard designed by Netherlands-based Kiki & Joost, upholstered with polyester fabric; the Boutique sofa designed by Dutch designer Marcel Wanders is available in an array of specially designed fabrics and patterns. The most striking piece is the Chess Table designed by Swedish design group Front. It is a stylish side table made from wood with an internal steel frame finished in high gloss lacquer. The Colour Globe lamps hanging from the ceiling are designed by Amsterdam-based Scholten & Baijings. Price on request; At www.moooi.com

The Czech Glass Blowers
The Moser Glassworks (that develops unique handmade designs using high quality crystal), took 'Treasure Islands' to Milan. The installation represents works of art from 12 leading Czech glass artists collaborating with Moser. Groups of crystal objects were placed on variable plinths made of highquality marble and metal, shaped like coral atolls sailing the waves of the sea. Shown below are two vases-cum-decorative pieces- Blues designed by Rene Roubiek, a leading figure of the Czech glass art and Features designed by David Suchoparek (Czech Republic) and Ingrid Rakova (Slovakia), glass artists who have been collaborating with the Moser Glassworks on unique large cut and bonded vases for many years. Price 7,040 pounds (Blues), 10,340 pounds (Feature) At 202, DLF Emporio Mall, 4 Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi

Revisiting Classics
Portugal-based Boca do Lobo's stand at the fair was a world of pure luxury. Designed as a gallery, the focus of the space was to exhibit traditional designs with a contemporary twist, such as a classic dining table with handmade azulejo tiles or a console with an undulating form and metallic shine. One of the exquisite furniture pieces they exhibited was the Newton Centre Table, which is also a limited edition. This modern interpretation of a centre table features a unique blend of materials and colours. The centre table is a distinguished design piece with modular form that can be divided into two separate pieces, which can also be used individually. The table is made of metallic spheres and semi spheres joined together, using materials like polished brass, black lacquer and gold for plating. Techniques used to make this chic and contemporary masterpiece include joinery, foundry, lacquering, varnishing and polish. Price 21,730 pounds At www.bocadolobo.com

Fashion Inspires Design
This year we saw a number of fashion houses delivering amazing decor and design items. First up is Fendi. The brand collaborated with Brazilian designers Fernando and Humberto Campana, for a series of one-of-a-kind pieces, among them was a spectacular chair titled, The Armchair of Thousand Eyes. For those not in the know, the Campana brothers are famous for their innovative approach to design, often using found objects and ordinary materials in their creations.

For this chair, over 100 iconic Bag Bugs (a series of playful, monster-inspired bags crafted from leather, mink and fox fur) made by Fendi artisans in different sizes, colours and expressions have been creatively stitched together by to give shape to this part furniture, part art piece. Then, there's Giorgio Armani. To celebrate the international design fair, along with the upcoming 40th anniversary of the brand, Armani/Casa showcased several design objects. Their striking installation played innovatively with the shapes and colours of the pieces. On display was the Jazz bar cabinet, the Jingo and James tables, the Jaime and Hack lamps, Jacques candle holders, Joe board games and the Jaspide paperweight, to name a few.

However, what stood out were the 40 limited edition pieces of the Justin desk, with double top and drawers in aqua leather and grey tamo ash. The stylish yet functional desk has radiant top edges and tapered legs with four drawers and a central compartment for the laptop. Equally eye catching were the designs presented by fashion brand Roberto Cavalli under Roberto Cavalli Home. Their booth at the fair was a showcase of their new range of luxury tableware, furnishing and furniture. This season's collection came brimming with lush florals and Roberto Cavalli's beloved leopard print crawling on plates as well as floral intarsia rugs and upholstered dining room chairs. Price on request At www.fendi.com, www.armanicasa.com, www.robertocavalli.com