It's the most exciting time of the year again, as the furniture manufacturers are showing their newest products at Salone del Mobile in Milan. Check out our highlights from this year's show below, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest for more photos.
Vitra
Vitra are returning to the roots this year with a re-launch of the Eames Plastic Chairs in fibreglass version. Fibreglass was the material originally used for these chairs back in the 50s, before the manufacturer switched to polypropylene in the 1990s. The new fibreglass version will be available in a different colour palette than the polypropylene one, featuring softer pastel colours.
Jasper Morrison's Plate coffee table is now available in more sizes and finishes. Several different Plate tables can be combined to form a larger coffee table.
The chairs from the Eames Plywood Group are now available with a black frame.
There are also exciting new finishes for some well-known Vitra design classics, such as the Panton chair in a shiny new chrome version.
Knoll
Knoll are celebrating their 80th anniversary this year, and to mark the occasion, they have relaunched a slightly forgotten classic from their archives - the Butterfly chair designed by Argentinian Jorge Ferrari Hardoy, now available with a comfortable moulded felt seat in bright new colours. The Butterfly chair, or the Hardoy chair as it was called by Knoll, is one of the most copied chairs in furniture history, but Knoll still hold the licence for its production.
Another major new launch by Knoll is the KN Collection, a new lounge chairs series designed by Piero Lissoni. The low-back KN01 and the high-back KN02 are elegant chairs, conveying the idea of a light floating structure, both offering a superior level of comfort, and coming with a matching ottoman.
Fritz Hansen
Fritz Hansen have lots of new launches this year, including a new all-wooden chair designed by the Japanese studio Nendo. True to their style, they've focused the design of the N01 Chair on comfort and sustainability, making it a perfect combination of Japanese perfectionism and Danish design traditions. N01 is composed of 23 oak pieces in a mix of solid wood and veneer that are all joined together like a puzzle. The chair is available in three finishes: beech, oak and black coloured oak. You can also add an optional cushion in fabric or leather.
Fritz Hansen have also reached out in the archives to uncover the beautiful Planner coffee table series, designed by the legendary American designer Paul McCobb back in the 1960s. McCobb was one of the influential designers who inspired other famous names, such as Ray Eames and Hans Knoll. He was known for his preference for "no-nonsense" design, where there were no unnecessary elements. The relaunched Planner coffee tables have a structured, yet minimalist look, with a marble top and a powder-coated steel base.
Another recent relaunch by Fritz Hansen is The Pot, an elegant lounge chair designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1959, now also uncovered from the archives. The Planner coffee table can be the perfect companion for this chair, with its thin frame and light structure.
HAY
One of the most aesthetically pleasing exhibitions this year was HAY's collaboration with Sonos and Wework at Palazzo Clerici, one of Milan's most charming neoclassical palaces situated near Brera Design District.
HAY's minimalistic designs played a beautiful contrast with the sumptuous style of the venue, featuring lavish chandeliers, gorgeous paintings, and lots of gold and glitter. Among the new launches are the Silhouette sofa by studio GramFratesi, a new plastic chair by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, and a new tray table.
Wewood
Wewood have introduced a new solid wood desk, called Bridge, inspired by Porto, the Portuguese city that the brand originates from.
The new launches by Wewood include the Soma table, featuring a curved outline and soft edges, and the new dining chair Pala, inspired by nordic simplicity. All made of solid wood, they are perfect examples of the Portuguese joinery craftsmanship.
Kasthall
Most well known for their flat-woven rugs, such as the Goose Eye or Ingrid, Kasthall are not afraid to experiment with different styles, pile heights, and textures. This year's major launch was the Grönska collection by Ilse Crowford.
Foscarini
Foscarini collaborated with Diesel Living to show their futuristic lights in a space-themes setting. Parallel with the fair, they also launched a new collection in their Brera showroom.
Kartell
True to the tradition, Kartell showcased their new product with an impressive stand. One of our personal favourites was Bio, an environmentally friendly chair designed by Philippe Starck.
