Where Tradition Meets Modernity in Exemplary Design
Blue Green Works' Luminous Craftsmanship: A New Vision for Murano Glass
Peter B. Staples, the visionary behind Blue Green Works, embarked on a collaborative journey with a renowned Murano glass factory, signaling a pivotal moment for his brand. Known for his minimalist approach to design, Staples sought to imbue his new collection with a fresh burst of energy and expressive power. The allure of Murano glass, with its inherent shimmer and vibrant hues, presented an irresistible opportunity to explore new creative territories beyond his signature distillation of forms.
The "Garden" Collection: Weaving Nature's Elegance into Light
The outcome of this artistic partnership is the "Garden" collection, a series of seven lighting fixtures that seamlessly intertwine ancient glassmaking traditions with Blue Green Works' sleek, industrial aesthetic. Staples focused on two iconic Venetian motifs—the leaf and the feather—transforming them into reflective embellishments. Each element is meticulously hand-formed by master artisans, elevating these individual components from mere symbols to stand-alone works of art, as Staples pondered whether their inherent beauty was sufficient on its own.
Ephemeral Illumination: Capturing Emotion in Glass
Staples ingeniously integrates these delicate archetypes into more streamlined lamp bases and shades from his existing Blue Green Works range. The effect is one of breathtaking ephemerality, as seen in a horizontal ceiling fixture where vitreous foliage appears to dance in an unseen breeze, or a conical pendant adorned with six luminous plumes, reminiscent of an ikebana arrangement. This collection also holds deep personal resonance for Staples, serving as a poignant tribute to his late mother and her passion for gardening, with the designer aiming to create something so beautiful it could stir profound emotion.
Fornasetti's Fantastical Imagery: From Canvas to Carpet
Barnaba Fornasetti, current artistic director of the celebrated Milanese atelier, recalls his father Piero's philosophy that every creation was a small theatrical stage. Piero's most iconic muse, Italian soprano Lina Cavalieri, whose captivating gaze has graced countless objects since the 1950s, now finds her distinctive red lips adorning luxurious rugs and tapestries in a groundbreaking collaboration with CC-Tapis. This collection, unveiled during Milan Design Week, expands the Fornasetti universe to include floors, featuring other archival motifs like butterflies, ancient ruins, sinuous serpents, and even playful carpet beaters. Through intricate hand-knotting, weaving, and embroidery, the surrealistic imagery gains an unprecedented level of tactile detail, transforming each rug into a jewel for the floor, as described by CC-Tapis creative director Daniele Lora.
Reinterpreting Midcentury Genius: Paul László's Legacy Revived
Though not a household name, Paul László, once dubbed "the Rich Man's Architect" by Time in 1952, left an indelible mark on design, notably with his work on the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel. Now, AD100 talent Pierre Yovanovitch breathes new life into László's legacy, reissuing ten of his designs through the revitalized French brand, Ecart. Among the collection is the ash-and-rattan Arcadia chair and ottoman, a captivating piece first crafted in 1950, showcasing László's enduring modernist vision reimagined for contemporary appeal.
The Carlton, Milan: A Symphony of Italian Grandeur
In the vibrant heart of Milan's Quadrilatero della Moda, a former historic landmark, once the residence of architect Carlo Amati, has been transformed into The Carlton. This latest masterpiece from Rocco Forte Hotels is an immersive celebration of Italian splendor. Just a stone's throw from the renowned Teatro alla Scala, the hotel offers a different kind of performance, captivating guests with its showstopping display of Italian glamour, blending historical reverence with contemporary luxury.
Milanese Elegance: Crafting the Hotel's Impeccable Interiors
Designed through a collaborative effort by architects Philip Vergeylen and Paolo Moschino, alongside Rocco Forte's own Olga Polizzi, The Carlton's interiors are a vibrant tapestry of dolce vita spirit. Across 71 rooms and suites, each space is a unique fusion of Milanese sophistication and Art Deco influences. Bathrooms gleam with masterful stonework, while beds captivate with ornate nailhead trim, echoing exuberant architectural details. Robust yet refined color palettes, featuring crimson, deep Mediterranean blue, and sage, complement dynamic wall textures, classical moldings, and antiqued mirrors, ensuring the artisan's touch is evident in every detail, from feather-shaped glass sconces to intricate plaster ceiling fixtures.
A Culinary and Wellness Destination: The Carlton's Offerings
Beyond its exquisite accommodations, The Carlton has rapidly become a magnet for both guests and locals, drawn to its Irene Forte Spa and two distinguished restaurants helmed by Chef Fulvio Pierangelini. Cafe Floretta, a greenhouse-like, glass-domed space, offers a serene setting for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea. For an intimate evening, Spiga invites diners into a cocoon of leather paneling, celebrating local ingredients with culinary passion. The Carlton Bar, a dazzling watering hole beneath a constellation of ceiling lights, promises an aperitivo or nightcap, leaving an unforgettable impression that twinkles in the memory.
William White's ABCD Tables: Playful Functionality in Design
The creation of the ABCD tables by designer-turned-shopkeeper Will Cooper, founder of William White, stemmed from a simple cocktail-hour idea and a visit to Hancock Shaker Village. Inspired by the Shaker aesthetic of primary colors and simple furniture forms, Cooper sought to distill his designs into elementary, childlike shapes, reminiscent of building blocks. This vibrant quartet of petite tables, each featuring distinct geometries, is crafted from milk-painted poplar, the same material used for the Mona Lisa, and designed to hold a drink, a book, or a snack. Each table also includes a stainless-steel tube for a candle or floral stem, embodying Cooper's philosophy of creating friendly, useful, and restrained pieces that are both light and movable.