When Italian style met Icelandic volcano chaos

In April something rather remarkable happened. For everyone involved in the furniture industry April brings with it the biggest event of the year – the Salone Del Mobile. But April this year also saw the world's airports grind to a halt because of the Icelandic volcano.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th May 2010, 15:24 BST
Updated 6th May 2010, 15:24 BST

The show started as normal on the Wednesday, only for everyone to be told on the Thursday that all flights were cancelled – but we'll come to that later. First what of this glorious exhibition? Certainly a show to remember. It's always a huge bun fight at the metro and then the gates to be first in. So my sneaky plan was to get hold of an exhibitors' pass from one of our friendly suppliers, so I got in early and avoided the masses.

My first stop is always the Italian leather suppliers to see what new designs they have, how they have moved them on from the Cologne fair in January and, if nothing else, just calling in for a chat (they like to chat) and coffee. There were some great new products, including sharp corner groups and sumptuous leathers.

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I also visited the classic halls which were, as usual, peddling a mixture of high gloss and gold and excruciatingly poor taste fabrics to the Middle Eastern and Russian markets. Definitely not products for our consumption.

Day two was noticeably busier with a lively mix of architects, students, designers and a catwalk of Italian furniture. Much of it wholly non-commercial but great to see the Italians showboat their wares. Usual suspects here were Kartell with many new designs from Philippe Starck, Moroso with striking designs from Patricia Urquiola, Edra and their "quirky" storage cabinets and Vitra with their four different takes on one sofa group. With all the Italians trying to throw Chinese photographers off their stands every minute, it was sometimes like a scene out of Gladiator. Late Thursday was spent in Milan City at design districts Tortona and Via Durini where young designers mixed it with the bigger fashion houses.

By Friday all focus was very much on how to get home, with rumours spreading like wildfire. But expect to see some exciting new products and trends headed to your local store soon.

Check out our Facebook page for more pictures and to find out exactly how we got home! www.barkerand stonehouse. co.uk

YP MAG 8/5/10