With undeniable excitement, I ventured to Capsule Plaza, an alternative showcase featuring an array of brands and special collaborations with various designers. Capsule prides itself on being a hybrid platform, and this event was indeed an excellent juxtaposition of offbeat, high-quality commercial presentations during the Milan Design Week 2023.
The brands followed an alternative approach, sharing the stories behind their products, which made for a truly captivating experience. Running concurrently with the event, Capsule hosted a pop-up to celebrate the release of its second issue. Capsule Magazine is an undeniably stylish and enticing publication. From the cover to the intricate details of its tangible form, the magazine boldly proclaims its uniqueness. Issued annually in the format of a notebook, it creates an atmosphere of exclusivity and desire.
Held within the vast expanse of Spazio Maiocchi, I was immersed in an array of designer brands that never fail to spark my fascination or, as I sometimes prefer to call it, my fixation. This term more accurately captures the intensity of my emotions towards these creative endeavors.
New Tendency, accompanied by Grau, was skillfully arranged by Paul Cournet into a welcoming lounge space that greeted me immediately upon entering. The installation showcased the brands' top products while adhering to the precision of geometric lines, creating an engaging visual experience.
Tacchini has joined forces once more with Formafantasma, embarking on a journey towards sustainability. Their innovative project presents a nature-centric manufacturing process that emphasizes the circularity of materials. Four iconic Tacchini designs - Le Mura, Costela, Five to Nine, and Lina - have had their upholstery reimagined from the inside out. Drawing inspiration from traditional mattress production techniques, the collaboration replaces industrial foam with surplus sheep wool, showcasing a commitment to environmental consciousness.
Upon entering the courtyard, I was instantly met with Softscope, an eye-catching pyramid-shaped outdoor monolith that functions as both a conversation pit and a public stage. This remarkable piece was brought to life through a collaboration between XL EXTRALIGHT® and Panter & Tourron Studio.
Typically used by footwear manufacturers as a lightweight outsole for clogs or shoes, the soft and spongey material is produced using bio and circular feedstock from recycled organic waste. By combining material expertise with cutting-edge design, Softscope highlights the boundless potential for innovation in the realm of art and design.
My last "wow" moment was undoubtedly experienced in Sabine Marcelis' captivating Cobalt Room, designed for the La Prairie skincare company. Marcelis masterfully wove the brand's signature color into her striking, minimalist forms, creating a space that effortlessly blurred the lines between reality and a world of pure imagination.
