The interiors sector has never stopped reinventing itself, and one of its biggest exhibitions is the Milan Furniture Fair, or Salone Internazionale del Mobile di Milano. Last month's 51st edition, under the theme 'Milan, where else?' attracted more than 330,000 visitors from 160 countries.
Dubbed the world's largest event for the furniture industry, with 2,500 exhibitors, this is where fashion giant Hermes showcased its designs in its own pavilion, and French design icon Philippe Starck launched his new series of chairs for Kartell.
One of the most creative products was the Nemo chair by furniture manufacturer Driade, however. 'Like a mask, it simultaneously conceals and reveals its inhabitant,' Driade says. 'It is tall enough to protect the person, and designed to be used outside and inside alike, Nemo has the power to turn any habitat into a theatrical scene, and whoever uses it becomes the protagonist in a story.'
Missoni Home is a riot of colour, moving away from its previous floral incarnations, having teamed up with Swedish flooring company Bolon. Together the two created an innovative collection of digitally woven flooring in graphic designs and flamboyant colours such as hot pink raspberry, vivid turquoise and bright pineapple. There was also a more subdued collection of dustier greens and oranges woven into classic stripes.
Missoni matriarch Rosita Missoni was in Milan, as usual, to celebrate the launch of the brand's latest collection. 'Milan has a creative soul that has to come out,' Missoni says.
Salone spokeswoman Marva Griffin Wilshire says the sector is surviving the financial crisis by reinventing 'enduring pieces', and making pieces smaller, easier to transport and suited to clients who are no longer young and active.