For our third edition of The Milan Edit, Ciaran Steele shares the collections that stood out to him and the observations that stayed with him long after Milan Design Week.
ISSUE THREE | With Ciaran Steele
I’ve been fortunate enough to attend Milan Design Week many times over the past twenty years, and the way the city comes to life each April never ceases to amaze me.
One of the biggest changes I’ve witnessed has been the shift back into Milan itself. While the fair remains an incredible showcase, more brands are choosing to present their collections from their flagship showrooms in Brera. For me, that’s created the best of both worlds. You can experience the energy of the exhibition halls, then return to the elegance and atmosphere that is uniquely Milan.
Some of the most memorable conversations don’t happen on the exhibition floor. They happen afterwards, on the metro back into the city or around the table in one of Milan’s many trattorias. Those moments, shared with colleagues, clients and our Italian partners, are just as much a part of Milan Design Week as the collections themselves.
02 | A DIALOGUE OF MATERIALS
Louise Collection | Flexform
“The Louise Collection, designed by Patrick Norguet for Flexform, particularly stood out to me for its beautiful combination of materials. The warmth of handcrafted cowhide sits effortlessly alongside the elegance of back-painted glass, while sculptural circular forms create a refined balance between solidity and lightness.
To me, Louise feels like a subtle nod to classic Flexform—reflecting the brand’s enduring philosophy of understated elegance, exceptional craftsmanship and timeless materials. Across the collection, the thoughtful pairing of materials brings a quiet sense of luxury to contemporary interiors while remaining unmistakably true to the Flexform language.”
02 | BEAUTY IN SIMPLICITY
Teia Dining Chair | Bonaldo
“The Teia Dining Chair, designed by Gino Carollo for Bonaldo, stood out for its effortless simplicity. Its clean, fully upholstered form reveals a distinctive sculptural quality from every angle, but it’s the rear profile—where the legs flow seamlessly into the backrest—that really captured my attention.
Soft, inviting and incredibly versatile, Teia balances comfort with sophisticated design. It’s equally at home in contemporary dining spaces or refined hospitality interiors, proving that true beauty often lies in the finest details.”
03 | CRAFT WITH A PREVIOUS LIFE
Aqua Collection | Riva 1920
“The Aqua Collection, designed by LCM MARIN Design Studio for @riva1920official, is a refined expression of sculptural simplicity and exceptional craftsmanship. Turned timber cylinders become both structure and ornament, transforming functional storage into a striking architectural statement.
Subtle metal accents introduce a contemporary contrast, while the modular bookshelf and sideboard balance visual lightness with everyday practicality. Aqua beautifully reflects Riva 1920’s ability to celebrate the natural character of timber through timeless, innovative design.”