designjunction

Connecting British design

During the 50^th edition of the Milan Furniture Fair held last month, the British Consulate General Milan and UK Trade & investment (UKTI), the government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global market, organized designjunction, an event featuring the UK’s most exclusive furniture, lighting and accessory brands.

Designjunction was held at the Zegna Showroom, situated in the heart of Zona Tortona in Via Savona 56/A. The striking architecture of Zegna’s headquarters, with its high ceilings and imposing entrance, hosted an impressive collection of established UK brands such as Modus, Beau McClellan, Channels, Benchmark, Innermost, Rolls&Hill, Anything, Plus Stone, Anglepoise, Wedgewood, Race and Melin Tregwynt.

The installation was created by the company Modus in cooperation with Kawamura Ganjavan and Velcro, evoking the theme of nature by recreating a cluster of branches that separated the exposition space.

Under the supervision of Michael Sodeau, renowned British art director, the ten participating companies displayed their newest collections, from stunning lighting installations to temporary pop-up shows and innovative displays across the entire space.

Amongst the highlights at the show, Modus presented some of its most recent creations by Michael Sodeau, Monica Forster, PearsonLloyd, Kistly Whyte and Claesson Koivisto Rune. Anglepoise premiered the new LED version of Kenneth Grange’s famous TypeC lamp. Race presented the latest versions of the internationally renowned chairs originally created by Ernest Race. Innermost exhibited Fillet lamp, by their designer Geeio Yuien, alongside other inspiring works by Corrina Warm, RBW, Jarod Lim and Micheal Sodeau. For the first time in Milan, Channels presented its modern wooden furniture by Samuel Chan. Melin Tregwyint displayed woollen textiles in which Welsh tradition merged with contemporary design. Wedgewood presented two new collections by Jasper Conran.

Once again, British design reaffirmed its special relationship with Milan, and it also showed great sensitivity by organizing a temporary shop selling branded design products, with proceeds donated for helping Japan.