A CURATED GLIMPSE

 

 Milan once again affirmed its status as the beating heart of the design world as Design Week 2025 swept through the city with unmatched energy, elegance, and innovation. From immersive brand experiences and architectural masterpieces to thought-provoking material explorations, the week was a curated journey through the future of living. We gathered, shared and got inspired by the normality of design. 

 

Here are the standout moments and installations that defined this year's edition.

 

One of the most talked-about exhibits at Fuorisalone, L’Appartamento Spagnolo transformed the historic Palazzo Castiglioni into a vivid homage to Spanish creativity. Curated by Calvi Brambilla, the installation beautifully contrasted the Liberty-style interiors with contemporary Spanish design. Each room was dedicated to a different natural symbol, brought to life through color, texture, and storytelling. The Peacock Room—with its pastel palette and whimsical wallpaper—stood as the centerpiece, marrying art, architecture, and emotion.

 

 

3. Rossana Orlandi: The Curated Eye

 

As ever, the gallery of Rossana Orlandi stood out as a vibrant epicenter of innovation and discovery during this year's design events. Renowned for championing emerging designers and pioneering sustainable practices, her space once again delivered an inspiring array of forward-thinking work. From intricate artworks crafted from recycled plastics to sculptural lighting pieces that reimagined the possibilities of form and function, every installation reflected a deep commitment to both material experimentation and aesthetic impact. 

 

Serving as both a launchpad and a litmus test, the gallery offered a compelling glimpse into the evolving landscape of collectible and environmentally conscious design.

 

 

 

Fitness pioneer Technogym debuted an insightful exhibition at this year’s Milan Design Week, spotlighting the evolution of wellness design through the ages. Titled The Art of Wellness, the immersive showcase—brought to life in collaboration with Dezeen—invited visitors on a historical journey through the development of fitness and sports equipment, beginning with ancient civilizations and culminating in today’s cutting-edge innovations.

Among the standout pieces was the cavallina, an ancient Roman training apparatus resembling a modern vaulting horse. Originally used to simulate the act of mounting a horse, the cavallina exemplifies how fitness tools were deeply rooted in both physical preparation and cultural context. The exhibition traced its transformation over time—from its role in medieval military training to its 19th-century redesign as the gymnastic vaulting horse we know today—highlighting how design has continually evolved to reflect shifting notions of health, function, and human performance.

 

 

 

In a thoughtful exploration of the modern domestic sanctuary, Cosentino partnered with two visionary creatives to present a pair of installations that reimagined the ritual of bathing through a lens of sensory richness and quiet sophistication. The exhibition featured Enchanting Transitions by Los Angeles-based designer Cesar Giraldo and Bathing Chamber by Argentinean textile designer Cecilia García Galofre—each offering a distinct, immersive perspective on personal wellness and design.

 

Rooted in the ethos of "quiet luxury," Enchanting Transitions placed Dekton by Cosentino at the heart of its design narrative. Known for its carbon-neutral composition and ultra-compact performance, Dekton brought both tactile richness and visual harmony to the space. Soft, mineral-inspired hues—like the chalky elegance of Albarium and the dramatic veining of Kelya—were expressed across sculptural bathtubs, monolithic countertops, and seamless, flowing floors. Together, these elements created a calming, unified environment that celebrated the art of daily rituals with elegance, intention, and material integrity.

 

Across the city at the Rossana Orlandi Gallery, Cecilia, founder of Konqrit, unveiled Bathing Chamber—her unique interpretation of the bathroom as a contemplative space. Created in collaboration with Cosentino and Canteras del Mundo, the installation explored the poetic contrast of black and white through a tie-dye-inspired visual language, reimagining the ritual of bathing with striking material expression.

 

Two fashion giants made their presence felt with architectural installations that blurred the lines between fashion, art, and interior design.

 

Unveiled during Fuorisalone 2025 within the serene cloisters of Milan’s historic Chiostri di San Simpliciano, this striking exhibition—curated and designed by the forward-thinking interdisciplinary studio 2050+ and its founder Ippolito Pestellini Laparelli—offered a poetic homage to the House’s enduring relationship with bamboo. Long celebrated as a symbol of strength, flexibility, and craftsmanship, bamboo has remained a central motif throughout the brand’s heritage.

In this latest chapter, the material was reinterpreted through a contemporary lens, as a diverse group of designers contributed their own visionary perspectives. The exhibition unfolded as a dialogue between tradition and innovation, material history and future possibility—showcasing how bamboo continues to inspire new forms, meanings, and applications in the ever-evolving language of design.

For Milan Design Week 2025, Hermès returned to La Pelota with a striking new scenographic concept, conceived by architect and artistic director Charlotte Macaux Perelman in collaboration with Alexis Fabry. Renowned for their ability to distill form and emotion into spatial poetry, the duo has envisioned an ethereal and contemplative setting that invites visitors into an intimate encounter with the brand’s latest creations for the home.

At the heart of the installation were suspended, almost spectral display boxes—pristine in their whiteness, yet alive with subtle luminosity. These seemingly weightless forms cased delicate halos of vibrant color onto the floor below, creating an interplay of light and shadow that is both abstract and deeply emotive. Objects are revealed gradually, not through direct exposure but through their aura—glimpsed first as fleeting impressions, like emotions surfacing from memory.

 

This evocative staging becomes more than a display; it is a meditation on presence, perception, and the emotional resonance of objects. It reflects Hermès’ enduring quest to connect craftsmanship with sensibility—to render the familiar luminous through light, form, and feeling.

 

During Milan Design Week, the Milan home of Giorgetti has been reimagined—transformed into an immersive showcase of innovation, craftsmanship, and creative synergy. 

 

The space came alive with the Giorgetti Maserati Edition Collection, a seamless blend of dynamic design and sartorial precision born from the creative dialogue between two icons of Italian excellence. This narrative environment explores design not just as form, but as experience.

 

Unveiled during Milan Design Week 2025, Modernity Flow is Giuseppe Bavuso’s latest collection for Rimadesio—a refined ensemble of chairs, tables, and armchairs designed to ensure stylistic harmony across interiors. Reflecting the brand’s philosophy of modern elegance, each piece combines meticulous craftsmanship with sophisticated finishes, from hand-sanded wood frames to leather detailing and the new textured Terrae surface.

Anchoring the collection is the sculptural Lambda table, whose fluid lines and rich materiality—offered in marble, wood, or Terrae—embody the seamless, cohesive vision at the core of Modernity Flow.

 

At Milan Design Week 2025, the Boffi|DePadova Group presented its Way of Living philosophy—an integrated vision of contemporary living that unites furniture, lighting, kitchens, bathrooms, and partitions in a seamless, design-led narrative. The showroom on Via Santa Cecilia became a showcase for innovation and synergy, blending industrial precision with artisanal craft and sustainable materials.

 

Highlights included the new De Padova pieces by Elisa Ossino, Naoto Fukasawa, and Omi Tahara, alongside Boffi kitchens designed by Zaha Hadid Design and Piero Lissoni, and ADL’s refined decorative partitions. 

 

At Salone del Mobile 2025, Kettal presented a booth designed as a light, essential, and concept-driven environment—an elegant expression of the brand’s minimalist philosophy. Embracing a subtractive approach, the space eliminated the unnecessary, allowing each piece in the new collection to stand out with clarity and purpose.

 

The layout was composed of house-shaped structures made from semi-transparent fabric, softly illuminated from within to create a serene, ethereal atmosphere. These architectural volumes acted as quiet islands, inviting visitors to slow down, observe, and engage with the subtle details of each design.

True to Kettal’s ethos of craftsmanship, innovation, and refined simplicity, the booth became a contemplative space within the intensity of the fair—an immersive setting that spoke to the emotional and functional depth of each creation.

 

Colombian textile studio VERDI continues to redefine the boundaries of artisanal craftsmanship through contemporary design. Fusing natural fibers with modern materials, VERDI creates handmade textiles that honor tradition while embracing innovation across homeware, fashion, and art.

 

At Salone del Mobile 2025, VERDI unveiled Trasluz—a sculptural textile installation that reimagines the relationship between textiles, light, and architectural space. This modular composition of vertical woven panels plays with transparency and layering, exploring the dialogue between earthy fibers and metallic accents. More than a display, Trasluz was a collective act of creation, brought to life by over 80 Colombian artisans, designers, and collaborators.

Entirely conceived and crafted in Colombia, the installation affirms VERDI’s mission to elevate Colombian craftsmanship on a global stage—blending technical mastery with creative vision to push the limits of textile expression.

 

Set within the newly unveiled Minotti Pavilion, the 2025 Collection was revealed through five immersive scenarios—each embodying a distinct aesthetic and vision of contemporary living. Conceived by Minotti Studio, the exhibition featured a sophisticated layering of materials, textures, and natural elements, crafting an atmosphere rich in emotional and sensory resonance.

Cultural references extended beyond design, as the Pavilion also hosted a curated selection of artworks from Florence’s Tornabuoni Arte, reinforcing the dialogue between furniture, architecture, and fine art.

 

The heart of the presentation was the new 2025 Collection—a synthesis of innovation and continuity. Seating systems by Marcio Kogan / Studio MK27, Giampiero Tagliaferri, Hannes Peer, Nendo, and GamFratesi gave rise to five distinct yet interconnected environments. Each setting reflected Minotti’s signature elegance while offering flexibility for evolving, personalized spaces.

With new indoor and outdoor pieces in perfect harmony, the collection stood as a design manifesto—where every piece tells a story and projects Minotti’s evolving vision for the future.

 

Tucked within a dimly lit Milanese setting, Vibia presented a masterclass in how light can transcend its functional role to become a form of architecture in itself. The brand’s sculptural lighting installations transformed the space into an immersive, almost meditative environment—where shadows danced, volumes shifted, and emotion was shaped by illumination alone. Each piece was more than a source of light; it was a spatial experience, demonstrating how thoughtful lighting design can anchor a room, define its character, and guide the way people feel within it. Through this poetic interplay of form and glow, Vibia reminded visitors that lighting is not an afterthought, but a central element in the art of space-making.

Milan Design Week 2025 was not just a showcase—it was a symphony of ideas, textures, and experiences. From grand installations to intimate product reveals, each brand offered a unique lens on how design can shape the way we live, move, and connect. As always, the city itself became part of the story—its palazzos, courtyards, and streets humming with creativity, conversation, and boundless possibility.

 

Until next year, Milan.

We’re proud to share that our founder, Monica, has been featured in a new interview on the esteemed Designeers website. 

In this thoughtful conversation, Monica opens up about her creative journey, the soul behind C’est ici, and her vision for designing spaces that feel both luxurious and deeply personal. The feature offers an inspiring look into the philosophy that drives her work and the passion that continues to shape our studio’s distinctive voice in the world of interior design.

 

You can find the full article HERE or a snapshot below.

Hope you will enjoy it!

 

Monica's journey from law to luxury interior design is a testament to following one's passion. In 2017, she left her legal career to establish C’est ici Design, driven by a desire to create spaces that resonate emotionally and tell personal stories. Her Colombian heritage deeply influences her aesthetic, infusing her designs with vibrant colors, natural textures, and artisanal craftsmanship that reflect the warmth and richness of her culture.​

 

Monica's philosophy embraces the beauty of imperfection and the unexpected. In her projects, she skillfully combines contrasting materials—such as burgundy and white marble floors with travertine, or raw stone kitchen islands with black metal accents—to create spaces that are both sophisticated and soulful. These designs exemplify her belief that curated contrasts can lead to timeless elegance.​

 

Recognizing a gap in the market for personalized furniture, Monica launched C’est ici Bespoke in 2020. This venture allows her to craft unique pieces that reflect clients' lifestyles and stories, adding depth and individuality to their spaces. Her work in Dubai, a city known for its luxury and innovation, challenges conventional design norms by focusing on experiential luxury and personal identity.​

 

Her dream project—a boutique hotel in the Colombian jungle—would marry raw natural beauty with refined craftsmanship, offering an immersive experience that encapsulates her design ethos. 

Her approach to design is not just about aesthetics but about creating environments that evoke emotion, foster connection, and celebrate the imperfect beauty of life.

Nestled in the lush mountains just outside Medellín, Colombia, Casa Haras is a stunning architectural masterpiece that pays tribute to the distinctive style of tropical modernism. Its name draws inspiration from the "haras," the horse farms dedicated to breeding the highly coveted Paso Fino horses, a symbol of grace, tradition, and cultural pride in Colombia.

 

This 780-square-meter home is the result of a powerful collaboration between its owner, Colombian interior designer Karlos Perez, and the acclaimed 5Solidos architecture studio. Together, they have crafted a residence that blends the elegance of modern design with the boldness of local heritage, creating a home that is both an intimate sanctuary and a statement of contemporary architectural vision.

What sets Casa Haras apart is its unique duality. The structure has an almost fortress-like presence, commanding the surrounding landscape with its imposing, monumental forms that evoke the raw strength of brutalism. Yet, despite this formidable exterior, the house also exudes an ethereal charm, inviting warmth, light, and an undeniable sense of openness. It’s as though the house itself is a metaphor for the balance between strength and vulnerability, permanence and change.

The architectural language of Casa Haras draws on the natural surroundings of the Colombian mountains, incorporating large, sweeping open spaces, natural materials, and sharp, geometric lines that create both contrast and harmony with the environment. The home’s design encourages a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing the beauty of the natural landscape to merge with the intimate atmosphere of the house.

 

There is something almost mythical about Casa Haras, as if it embodies the timelessness and power of the Paso Fino horse while offering a contemporary, artistic interpretation of its surroundings. 

 

The project captures the essence of both the land and its people, making it not just a residence, but a true expression of Colombian culture and the creative potential of modern architecture.

Last month, Poltrona Frau hosted a heartfelt Suhoor at their Jumeirah showroom in Dubai, bringing together a vibrant community of architects and designers for an evening steeped in meaning, connection, and celebration. 

 

As the city slowed down for Ramadan, the design world came alive with thoughtful conversation and shared purpose—gathered not just to honor tradition, but to reflect on the stories that shape who we are and what we create.

This special evening was made even more poignant by its celebration of Women’s History Month, featuring powerful testimonials from two trailblazing voices in the design industry: our founder and creative director Monica and Mette Degn-Christensen, director of Downtown Design. 

 

In an intimate, open conversation, they shared the paths that led them to the forefront of their fields—stories of vision, resilience, and the drive to make a mark not just through design, but through meaning.

The night unfolded as more than just a Suhoor—it became a thoughtful celebration of the emotional core of design. It reminded us that beyond form and function, design holds the power to evoke memory, spark imagination, and foster a sense of belonging. 

It’s in the quiet details, the tactile materials, and the careful compositions that design becomes not just something we see or use, but something we feel. 

In a world that often moves too fast, this evening offered a pause—a moment to reconnect with the intention and emotion that lies at the heart of every meaningful space.

 

Surrounded by the refined elegance of Poltrona Frau’s collections, each piece speaking a language of craftsmanship and timeless beauty, the community gathered in conversation and contemplation. 

The showroom, bathed in warm light and filled with soft murmurs of exchange, became more than just a display of furniture—it became a space where stories were shared, values affirmed, and creative spirits recharged. 

 

In this setting, the dialogue naturally turned to the ways in which our environments shape us, comfort us, and inspire us—how they hold the capacity to reflect who we are, and who we aspire to become. 

It was a poignant reminder that true design is deeply human, and that at its best, it not only beautifies our surroundings but enriches our lives.

 

True design goes far beyond the objects themselves—it lives in the stories we share and the emotions we carry forward.