In true Design Central fashion, Milan began with a Campari Seltz at the iconic Italian bar, CAMPARINO. We were captivated by the original detailing and mosaics created by artist Angelo d’Andrea. It was fantastic to see the 1915 interior preserved in its original state.

CAMPARINO, mosaic details.

Next, we headed to the opening night of CRESCENDO to support our dear friends from The Rug Company — a stunning collaboration with Kelly Wearstler. It was a joy to witness the design process firsthand — those watercolours were absolutely breathtaking! 

The iconic Bar Basso, a historic Milanese cocktail bar -  hosted the Crescendo wrap party.

We braved the crowds at Salone del Mobile, with a particular focus on lighting. Yet it was on the outskirts where we found our true inspiration—where the energy and creativity felt undeniably more unique and authentic.

L’Appartamento, presented by Artemest at Palazzo Donizetti, featured six design studios transforming unique spaces within the historic palazzo. We were especially excited to see what the immensely talented Simone Haag envisioned for the foyer— her creativity never disappoints!

L’Appartamento with Simone Haag

Osanna Visconti, celebrated for her sculptural bronze works, showcased a captivating selection at her atelier, where traditional craftsmanship met contemporary design. Her pieces were also prominently featured in Nilufar Depot’s 'Repertorio' exhibition during Milan Design Week 2025—an expertly curated display highlighting the depth and texture of her artisanal approach within a broader narrative of Italian design heritage.

Osanna Visconti bronze works

Milan Design Week 2025 saw the city’s iconic fashion houses pushing creative boundaries through design-led exhibitions.

Gucci presented a bamboo-themed installation curated and designed by 2050+ and its founder, Ippolito Pestellini Laparelli. The exhibition celebrated the House’s enduring legacy with bamboo, reimagining this emblematic material through a contemporary lens.

Gucci | Bamboo Encounters

Hermès showcased its latest home collection in a serene, almost otherworldly space designed by Charlotte Macaux Perelman—architect and artistic director of Hermès Maison—alongside Alexis Fabry. The new pieces were revealed in suspended, translucent boxes that cast vibrant halos of colour onto the floor, creating a poetic interplay between form and light.

Hermès

Loewe unveiled Loewe Teapots, an imaginative exhibition of 25 teapots crafted by leading designers including David Chipperfield, Patricia Urquiola, and Wang Shu. The collection ranged from playful, animal-shaped vessels and pots with expressive faces to Chipperfield’s sleek cobalt-blue creation, highlighting the brand’s love for craft and whimsy.

Loewe | Teapots

Saint Laurent paid tribute to the visionary designer Charlotte Perriand, presenting a selection of her archival furniture sketches—an elegant nod to her influence on modern design.

Saint Laurent

Rounding out the week, Louis Vuitton presented its whimsical Objets Nomades collection, further cementing the dynamic intersection of fashion and design. The entire week stood as a testament to the imaginative power and collaborative spirit that define Milan Design Week.

Louis Vuitton | Objets Nomades

Among the many standout installations, Alchemica by Patricia Urquiola offered an immersive and thought-provoking experience, blending material experimentation with poetic design language.

Alchemica by Patricia Urquiola

Appartamento Spagnolo, curated by the Calvi Brambilla Architecture Studio, reimagined domestic space with a refined and conceptual approach, showcasing Spanish design in a bold new light. And if our eyes didn’t deceive us, we may have also spotted work by Studio Lucy McMillan — an exciting discovery ;)

Our greatest daily inspiration came from Milan’s elegant entranceways and masterful use of stone — effortless style and timeless traditions radiating from every detail!

Entranceways of Milan