The award-winning Suchi Reddy, visionary founder of the comprehensive and forward-thinking Reddymade design firm, revels in the humanistic anthem of “form follows feeling.” Dedicated to investigating the crossroads of neuroscience and the arts within her deeply resonant artistic and architectural practice, Reddy leads a parade of cultural, educational, and residential endeavors—just to name a few—for a brighter and more equitable future for all. Here, the decision pioneer shares with Whitewall her latest participation in this year’s Milan Design Week, must-see presentations, and the best spot for vegan delights.
Portrait of Suchi Reddy, © Chloe Horseman.
WHITEWALL: Can you tell us about what you’re participating in for design week in Milan?
SUCHI REDDY: I am doing a panel with Dezeen for Design Hotels on the subject of Neuroaesthetics, and why our environs and aesthetic experiences are so important.
WW: As a designer, of what importance is Milan Design Week for you each year?
SR: It’s a great event for inspiration, enjoying springtime, and seeing so much creative energy!
WW: What exhibitions/presentations are you looking forward to visiting?
SR: I am always excited to see the stellar shows at the Triennale, and the collection of groundbreaking designers at Alcova, as well as the inventive, beautiful Hermès show.
Where to Dine in Milan
WW: Do you have any favorite Milan restaurants for design week? Any favorite orders?
SR: The garden restaurant at the Four Seasons, Zelo, is a favorite of mine. Their seasonal zucchini flower dish with vegan tartare is too die for!
Suchi Reddy’s Milan Must-Do List
1. Embark on the Transformative Exhibitions of the Triennale
Casa Lana, © and published by Triennale Milano.
The growth of the Triennale di Milano has been constant and progressive, characterized by productions always of the highest level, with large exhibitions, educational activities, conferences, seminars, workshops, communication events and special initiatives. A success that is the result of an intense design work and a careful programming of activities, articulated according to an editorial line that responds to a broad and expanded vision of contemporaneity.
“I believe we are at a time in society where open and honest communication is not only necessary, but revolutionary. When governments and political systems are no longer a reference point for progress, we look to other places, such as creative institutions, to facilitate that dialogue. Our aim is to change the definition of what it is to be a cultural centre; the Triennale will be a place of reflection and debate, connected with the contemporary culture in a dynamic way that offers new points of view on topics that lie at the very core of our global society.” Stefano Boeri, President — Source
2. Explore Pioneering Design Programs at Alcova
Rich Aybar designs, photo by Piergiorgio Sorgetti, published by ALCOVA.
Alcova is a platform for designers, companies, institutions and researchers investigating the future of living and making. Each year during the world’s largest design event, Milan Design Week, Alcova brings together the people defining design culture today through groundbreaking work on living environments, products, systems, materials and technological innovation. Founded in 2018 by Valentina Ciuffi (Studio Vedèt) and Joseph Grima (Space Caviar), Alcova has become one of the most widely followed projects in the Fuorisalone, regularly attracting over 90.000 visitors.
The seventh edition of Alcova will be set in two of the most extraordinary villas of the Milan metropolitan area: Villa Borsani and Villa Bagatti Valsecchi. Villa Borsani, completed in 1945, is a Modernist architectural masterpiece by Osvaldo Borsani, noted for its lush gardens and distinctive elements like a Lucio Fontana fireplace, and serves as a center for the Archivio Osvaldo Borsani. Built for a noble Milanese family, who used it as a summer retreat to escape the heat of the city and to entertain guests and friends, Villa Bagatti Valsecchi is one the most significant examples of 19th-century villa architecture in the Lombardy region. — Source
3. Hermès Collections for the Home at Milan Design Week
Courtesy of Hermès.
Hermès unveiled its collections for the home alongside timeless heritage pieces themed around the concept of the ground. This theme extends into their product range with the earthtones and colorful geometric motifs that recur throughout their leather goods and textiles. Hermès also highlights its mastery in textiles with subtly shaded blankets and large cashmere bedspreads adorned with graphic lines through weaving, dyeing, tailoring, and embroidery. New designs include the radical yet elegant Diapason d’Hermès lounge chair in leather and hammered aluminum, and ethereal lamps that draw inspiration from equestrian vaulting, complemented by leather baskets and jewelry boxes, and the refined Tressages équestres dinner service. This collection reaffirms Hermès’ commitment to marrying excellence with traditional craftsmanship.
4. Experience a Mastery of Italian Cuisine at the Four Seasons Hotel Milan, Zelo
Published by Zelo, Four Seasons Hotel Milano.
Journey through Italy with wine pairings by our Head Sommelier Lorenza Panzera and team while enjoying our beautiful courtyard. Flooded with light and set with eclectically stylish furniture, Zelo offers both light meals during the day and gourmet dishes at night, showcasing Executive Chef Fabrizio Borraccino’s culinary principles: thoughtful Italian cuisine with meticulously sourced ingredients. Stilla bar is open all day for morning espressos, shifting to pre-dinner aperitivo and a raw bar, and ending with polished cocktails accompanied by daily DJ sets.
Chef Fabrizio enlivens the signature Italian dining experience with the tradition and innovations of his native cuisine. Originally from the Abruzzo region, he studied culinary arts in Pescara where he recalls his first look at the school kitchen during student orientation: “It was love at first sight, and I never looked back.” — Source
