At Salone del Mobile, remasterings of shape, form, function and light introduce themselves to the world from the design capital. While, this year, some spoke softly, many were loud and fantastical, showing undeniable curl personae: from subtle bends to sinuous loops bordering on the recalcitrant. Organic silhouettes mirroring the geometries of the natural world were also at play, full of important narratives about creating designs with environmentally and ethically minded consciences. The finalists for the inaugural Ro Plastic Prize, whose entries – including an infinitely recyclable chair – were presented at design doyenne and gallerist Rossana Orlandi’s exhibition, pushed these critical conversations further.
Elsewhere, strong graphic elements, almost illustration-like in form, made for striking installations, showing that a winning design formula might just be rooted in arts and crafts –…