Stepping into Milan’s Teatro Lirico theatre, there was little indication of what to expect from Staging Modernity—the 60th anniversary exhibition of Cassina’s Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand collection, led by Milan-based research studio FormaFantasma. What began as a display of furniture and model animals unfolded into a performance directed by Fabio Cherstich across multiple stages.
This struck the first note of Milan Design Week 2025—a week where immersive exhibitions and experiential design defined the conversation. Design commentators Karen McCartney and David Harrison crystallise this in their 65-page report, covering the most memorable palazzos, private apartments, installations and showrooms.
The entire issue brings the people behind these pieces and shows to the fore. To coincide with new collections for Luxence Luxury Living and a decade of collaboration with Marta Sala Éditions, Karen sat down with Rome-based architecture studio Lazzarini Pickering Architetti, exploring how architecture and furniture are inseparable in their practice. Meanwhile, David spoke to British designer Benjamin Hubert about the need for design discourse to engage with both emotional resonance and environmental responsibility.
We also caught up with interior decorator and stylist Simone Haag—the first Australian invited to be part of Artemest’s L’Appartamento for the Italian decor brand’s 10th anniversary—inside the historic Palazzo Donizetti. Other exclusive interviews in this issue include Paris-based Studio KO founders Karl Fournier and Olivier Marty on the centrality of handicraft in their work; New York designer Eny Lee Parker on translating clay into textile design; and Australian lighting designer Ross Gardam on light as both medium and metaphor.
Manifesting the city’s enduring design legacy, we visit four Milanese homes, including Palazzo Bonacossa, where architect Vincenzo De Cotiis has orchestrated an ambitious heritage intervention.
As this was the year of Euroluce at Salone del Mobile.Milano, we’ve saved our lighting edit for our June issue—live next month. Ciao for now!
– Sophie Lewis, editor
