10 things to do during Milan Design Week 2016

From April 12 to 17 Milan Design Week will be back in town. It's the most important event dedicated to design and contemporary art at European level, which regularly gathers designers, architects, students and enthusiasts from every corner of the globe.

In conjunction with the official Salone del Mobile in Rho, the city of Milan will be invaded again by hundreds of unmissable events, among the ones it can be hard to choose. That's why we decided to help you, drawing up a mini guide that will become your bible in the next days. Take a look here:  

#1 Marni Ballhaus.

After the Flower Market and the Mercado of Paloquemao, Marni returns to animate the Fuori Salone with a special event dedicated to Cumbia, ancient Colombian dance with exotic recalls. The dancers will wear dresses, scarves and accessories created for the occasion by the brand and the location will be set up with a collection of chairs, tables, chaise longues and lamps produced exclusively for the event. From April 14 to 17, from 10 am to 7 pm at Marni Space, via Umbria 42, Milan.  

#2 Seletti Parade + Party in Milan Stock w / Disaronno.

The most itinerant event of the week is the one organised by Seletti, which for the occasion will involve Toilet Paper Magazine, Di Saronno, Gufram, Radio Deejay, Pepsi and Tempo in a parade with floats, music and dancers which will depart from Piazzale Cadorna, cross the district of the 5 Vie and eventually arrive in Piazza Affari, where there will be party open to the public organised by Disaronno to celebrate the launch of their jar collection created in collaboration with Studio Job’s designers. Wednesday, April 13, starting at 7 pm from Piazzale Cadorna. Party at 8.30 in Piazza Affari.

#3 Psychedelic Cactus by Paul Smith.

"One of my favourite exhibitions of all time was Italy: The New Domestic Landscape in 1972 in New York's Museum of Modern Art. Included in the many wonderful things on display were products from Gufram". That’s how the British designer describes his first encounter with the Italian design brand. On the occasion of the Salone del Mobile, Paul Smith finally had the opportunity to put his hand on his object of desire, revisiting the iconic coat hanger designed by Drocco and Mello in the '70s in a lysergic multicoloured version. From April 12 to 17 at Via Manzoni 20, Milano.   

#4 Floristeria - Energetic food, floral drinks and parties.

During the Salone, the Milan’s Ventura District becomes bucolic. Massimo Santi, founder of Al Verde, and David Beltran, founder of Flor, will cover a vast industrial space with flowers, colours, lights and spring fragrances. Within this green oasis you will find food and floral drinks, to enjoy during the numerous events and live sessions that will animate the space. From April 12 to 17, via Sbodio 32, Milano-Lambrate. All details here. 

#5 Nike - "The Nature of Motion".

The sportswear giant is working with 10 talented international designers – including Martino Gamper, Lindsey Adelman and Clara von Zweigbergk – to explore the dynamics of movement, drawing inspiration from the most avant-garde Nike technologies, like the Flyknit fabrics. From April 12 to 17 in via Orobia 15. All the details and daily events here.

#6 Louis Vuitton - Chaise Longue by Marcel Wanders.

The French House continues its journey in the pursuit of its Objets Nomades, refined pieces of furniture characterised by their extreme portability. The latest addition is a chair designed by Dutch designer Marcel Wanders, composed of three independent parts that fit together like a puzzle, giving rise to three different pieces: a chaise longue, an armchair and a pouf. Available in different colours through a Made to Order service and exposed inside the Milan boutique of the brand in via Montenapoleone 2 throughout the event.

#7 Kaleidoscope & Slam Jam present: Epocsodielak.

For this Salone del Mobile Slam Jam has worked with Kaleidoscope, creating an installation of lights and sound curated by German designers Konstantin Grcic and Mirko Borsche. From April 12 to 17 at Kaleodoscoper Project Space, via Macedonio Melloni 33. Opening party on April 13, from 10 pm to 1 am.

#8 Loewe - Marquetry in Leather.

Jonathan Anderson is no stranger to collaborations with art personalities. Inspired by Roger Fry’s work, the Irish designer has launched a collection of six objects made precious by marquetry, leather inserts and decorations taken from the archive prints of the Spanish House. A project which perpetuates the long leather tradition of the brand, exploring new territories. The pieces will be exposed inside Loewe via Montenapoleone 21 store in Milan.

#9 Fendi – L’altra metà del sogno.

During the Fuori Salone the Roman House pays tribute to the visionary work of Guglielmo Ulrich, revisiting a selection of pieces the designer drew in the ‘30s and never made. Two elements will be presented at the stand of Fendi Casa in Rho, three more will be on display inside the Fendi boutique of Via Montenapoleone 3 in Milan for the entire duration of the manifestation.

#10 By Night.

Culture also needs some entertainment. For your design nights we suggest you the events organised by the Elita and Hypermusic collectives. The first will debut with a block party on the Naviglio on Wednesday 13 from 5 to 11 pm, followed by other events you can find here. The second proposes two free events at Teatro Principe of Viale Bligny on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 – all details here.