Dear readers and lovers of great design,

Today I wish to recall two great names from the industry of design: the first is Gio Ponti, and the second is Sambonet, both Made in Italy.

Gio Ponti (1891-1979) was an influential Italian architect and designer, who made significant contributions to the world of design, including flatware. His designs are known for their modernist approach, blending functionality with elegant, minimalist aesthetics.

One of his most famous flatware design is the FLATWARE cutlery, created for the Italian brand Krupp in 1936. It’s design was marked by modernist clean lines, while its smooth lines were practical and comfortable at use.

In the Sixties, the Sambonet family acquired Krupp brand, and continued the production of Flatware until Nineties, interrupting it for some time, and relaunching the production at the end of 2003 until our days, available in stainless steel, but also in silver-plated finish.

Dear Design Lovers,

Every year during the Milan iSaloni Internation Exhibition, we encounter the best producers worldwide and witness the most refreshing news from the industry of design, a platform where designers and brands showcase their latest creations! These news are interpreted as “Trends in interior design”, and are influenced by a variety of factors. Moreover, they evolve in response to cultural, economic, technological, and social changes.

Dear readers,

The 1930s was a decade marked by the Great Depression, and, at the same time, it brought significant advancements in style and design. Let’s take a closer look, see the key trends in fashion and interior design from that era:

• The 1930s fashion emphasized a more elongated, slim silhouette with natural waistlines, often cinched to highlight an hourglass figure.
• Introduced by designer Madeleine Vionnet, the bias cut dress became popular, allowing the fabric to drape and move fluidly, creating a sleek and body-skimming effect.
• Pioneered by designers like Elsa Schiaparelli, shoulder pads were used to create a strong and defined shoulder line.
• Women's daywear was made of tailored suits and dresses with modest hemlines, typically mid-calf length. Moreover, preference was given to practical fabrics like cotton, wool, and rayon, providing durability and comfort.
• Women’s evening wardrobe were mainly glamorous gowns, often made from luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, and velvet. They featured details like beading, sequins, and ruffles. Moreover, the backless evening dress became a sensation, offering a combination of sophistication and allure.
• The accent was made through accessories: Hats were an essential part of the 1930s wardrobe, ranging from cloche hats to wide-brimmed styles. Gloves were worn for both day and evening occasions. Art Deco influences continued with geometric shapes and bold designs in jewelry.

Dear readers,

Today I would like to see with you another interior design style, that is very much appreciated worldwide for its minimalist aesthetics, natural materials, and a special love for imperfect beauty. Moreover, during the last International Exhibition at iSaloni Fair in Milan (16-21th April 2024) we could witness many European producers released special articles and even entire collections for indoors and outdoors in this easy-going design style. So, let’s see from up-close the unique characteristics and why this style it is so popular today.

WABI-SABI is a Japanese aesthetic philosophy that celebrates the beauty of imperfection and authenticity. In interior design, Wabi-Sabi focuses on creating spaces that are simple, uncluttered, and grounded in nature.

Dear Readers,

Liberation Day in Italy, known as "Festa della Liberazione", is celebrated on April 25th each year. This is a big event for all Italians because it commemorates the end of the Nazi occupation during World War II and the fall of Mussolini's Italian Social Republic in 1945. This day is a reminder and serves as a tribute to those who served in the Italian Resistance and reflects on the struggle for freedom and democracy. Moreover, it marks the victory of the Resistance movement, which consisted of Italian partisans who fought against the German forces and their fascist allies. It was the birth of the Italian Republic we have today.

The SLIP dress - a seductively flowing outfit, daring, but incredibly charming, once carefully hidden from prying eyes - today is a desired toilet for many women. It emphasizes a magnificent figure, puts the beauty of the body on a pedestal, and easily breaks a man's heart!

The slip dress, known for its simple yet elegant silhouette, has been a significant part of the fashion history: its first wave of popularity came in the twenties of the last century, when women used to wear a black silk slip dress, palm-length below the knee, combined with fur capes or short fur coats. The next wave arrived in the sixties, when the slip dress was recognized as a must-have silhouette for a woman’s wardrobe. While later, in the nineties, thanks to designers like Calvin Klein and John Galliano for Dior, it came back and was especially noted as a symbol of minimalist fashion.

Dear readers,

Italy's contribution to furniture design and interior decoration is immense, with a tradition that spans from ancient craftsmanship to leading-edge modern design. The "Made in Italy" label is synonymous with quality, creativity, and craftsmanship, reflecting the country’s rich heritage of art and design.

Dear Design Lovers,

The world of interior design is fascinating and rich in styles, shapes, materials, and functionally. Identifying the top 10 most famous interior design objects of all times is not an easy task, it can be subjective and vary depending on criteria like historical significance, cultural impact, design innovation, or popularity.

The origins of the Vatican City have most antique roots dating back to Ancient Rome, and as you may already know, are deeply interconnected with the history of the Catholic Church. According to tradition, St. Peter, one of Jesus Christ's apostles and the first bishop of Rome (making him the first Pope in Catholic church), was martyred and buried in this area around the year 64 AD. Over his tomb, Emperor Constantine the Great constructed the original St. Peter's Basilica in the 4th century.

Brigitte Bardot, known also as B.B. (by her initials) is one of France's most iconic actresses and a global symbol of cinematic and fashion allure from the 1950s and 1960s. Her career was marked by numerous films that highlighted her beauty, charm, and acting talent, contributing significantly to her status as an international sex symbol.