dispatch from milan!

sophie donelson of city magazine is in italy for the milan furniture fair right now and was kind enough to share some of her observations with d*s. here are her up to the minute notes from the show so far:

"It's day one of the Milan fair— it stopped raining just in time for tonight's parties (Swarovski! Wallpaper! Edra! Bisazza!). There are 2,500 exhibitors at the fair and just as many off-site events. It's design mania all around town—Interni's HeavyLight exhibit has placed crazy lights—like a massive lucite chandelier—in half a dozen of the city's gates and arches. Garibaldi/Moscova area has giant furniture, a chair and bookshelf, in the middle of a pedestrian artery. Inside the fairgrounds, a brand new location, armies Italian businessmen suited-up in all black and doing deals on super-vibrant chairs and sofas—it's quite a scene. Here are some of today's goods: Modular/customizable cabinetry from Sangiorgio — good news, they're coming to ICFF. Giant light-up vases (?) from VG Newtrend. Not sure what these are or where they're from—it was lost in translation, but I did score a CD of hi-res. The Moroso booth was hoppin', Massive Attack's Unfinished Sympathy was playing, and hundred of the banners scrolled up and down in between all the furniture. Look at everyone dressed in black. Lots of product was jewel toned or gem-inspired—the mirror/objet is a 1972 re-edition from Gufram (they're part of the Cassina/Cappellini/Poltrona Frau/Thonet juggernaut). The tables are by the Campana brothers for Edra. Gee whiz, what's Karim up to these days? Glad you asked! The designerati may be sick of him, but manufacturers sure as hell aren't. The standing lamp is for Oasis (coming to Mercer St. this year) and the stools and umbrella stands and garbage cans (yes, it has come to this) are from Casamania for Freiza. A riff on this spring's lace trend: a pair of of laser-cut steel seats by Louise Campbell for Zanotta."

sophie will have more to say about milan when she hits the indie shows, so stay tuned for some up to the minute notes from city's sophie donelson. thanks, soph!