Milan Design Week 2019 [Fuorisalone Diary Day 2]
Day two of Fuorisalone started off at Tom Dixon's new permanent restaurant space
, for the press launch and to hear the man himself talk about the why and what. Tired of pouring time, creativity and resources into temporary exhibition spaces he decided to open a restaurant that doubles as a cafe, shop, showroom and trade office - multi-tasking at its best. I must say, the space way exceeded my expectations, but when he claimed that the toilets were the 'best in Milan', I thought, 'well I'll be the judge of that', because that's SUCH a big call, but I had to agree! So. Damn. Good. So obviously I then took at least 200 photos, because, Instagram.
After Tom Dixon we walked to the
installation which showcased among many other things some amazing textured wall-coverings. How 'bout that bird lamp? LOVE!
The
Craftroom was right up my alley, with sumptuous upholstery in dusty blue velvets, quilted three dimensional wall-coverings and terracottas, with tan and beige leathers, and plenty of round mirrors.
On to
Carpets 'Planetario' by Cristina Celestino which was absolutely stunning. An entire apartment clad in carpet - both patterned and colour blocked with lighting by Esperia. This installation definitely had the wow factor and is what I love most about Milan Design Week - walking into a space you know nothing about and being completely blown away. The palette was stunning and basically covered all the colours we'll be seeing so much more of in 2020 and beyond. And I'm not mad.
A lunch and spritz pit-stop was required at Pacifico - a Peruvian restaurant we'd spied the day before and was a brilliant find for a reasonably priced and delicious lunch (think poke bowls and cerviche through to a modern take on a Caesar Salad) in gorgeously Instagrammable decor. We were joined by the Milan Design Week regular, and my partner in walking, design and spritzing crime for the rest of the week,
.
After lunch it was on to the Cos installation which this year was in collaboration with architect Arthur Mamou-Mani. Called Conifera, it was made from 700 'bio-bricks', digitally printed using a mixture of wood and bio-plastic. I can confirm it was beautiful and breathtaking in person. And attracted over 8000 visitors per day! So just a few then...
The saying no rest for the wicked couldn't be more true when in Milan for design week, as once the sun sets, it's time for the evening parties! It's actually best to keep going, if you sit down for too long you might not get back up.
First up, fizz and canapés at
to celebrate their partnership with Iris Apfel. I do love a bit of glassware and amber (and pink!) is at the top of my list. The fluted curved vase from the Mist collection by Tamer Nakisci is part of the Apfel collection (below, middle), and of course a browse around the shop was in order and I fell quite hard for these letter glasses, and the coloured pots with brass lids were stunning.
On to the
party for a Caipirinha whilst looking at their latest offerings - I adore that circle of light!
happened to be in the same courtyard so it would have been rude not to check that out too. Both were beautiful as you can see.
And finally after dinner we went to the legendary and too cool for Instagram Bar Basso to experience what can only be described as mayhem. Huge crowds of people inside and out and to get a drink you must first queue to order and pay and the cashier, then you need to queue at the bar with your receipt to get your drink. There is much polite (and actually some not so polite) pushing in the sardine style space. Great people watching and EJP also introduced me to the Spagliato (meaning 'messed up' or 'mistaken'). Legend has it it was created at Bar Basso when a beautiful woman distracted the bar tender while he was making a Negroni and he added sparkling wine instead of gin. Believe me, they're good! I can't say that I'll be rushing back to Bar Basso, but I do get it. I think my days of wanting to be at the coolest bar in town are over - especially when the whole of Milan is there too.
Trend Alerts:
Dusty Muted Blues & Mint / Velvet / Round mirrors / Terracotta & Tan / Burgundy / Textured & 3D Wall Coverings / Marble & Granite / Patterned & Colour Blocked Carpet / Ridged Fluted Walls / Blush Pinks & Nudes / Coloured Glass / Brushed & Polished Brass / Curtains / Venetian Plaster / Concrete Wall Finishes / Curved Furniture
Tips & Tricks:
Always take your phone with you to the loo! Not only might it be highly instagrammable, but you'll be able to call for help if you get stuck in a cubicle. Ahem, not mentioning any names The Manzoni.
Papermoon is a Milan institution - proper old school food and service - absolutely divine! And there's the fine dining Papermoon Giordano just around the corner for a more intimate meal.
Pacifico was doing a lunch special which was a mini salad and main for €15 euros.
Bar Basso is the place to be, but go at night during Milan Design Week only if you're not adverse to very close personal contact with strangers and large crowds. And be prepared to queue twice - once at the cashier to pay and again at the bar.
Oh, pack some plasters!
Steps: 26,307 (that's better!)
All images copyright Bianca Hall except where noted. Please be a good human and make sure you credit and link / tag me if you use them.
Come back tomorrow for my Day Three Diary instalment!