Whitewall’s recent cover star, designer Kelly Wearstler, shares her Milan must-sees and dos. Whether it’s checking out Alcova—with two gorgeous, historical locations this year—for new talent, or visiting The Triennale for a closer look at design history. Galleries like Nilufar Depot and Dimore Centrale are always on her list, as are Torre and Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone for classic Italian fare. Wearstler tells us that above all, it’s about connecting and sharing ideas with the people of the global design community.
WHITEWALL: What brings you to Milan for Design Week?
KELLY WEARSTLER: For me, Milan Design Week is less about the furniture fair and more about the pop-up activations across the city. Alcova, for instance, is always a rich place to discover work from new talent. I also love to see how some of the fashion brands reinterpret their identity through the hands of an external creative.
Kelly Wearstler, photo by Jacques Burga.
“Salone is about innovation and revolution in design, and design is global,” — Kelly Wearstler
WW: As a designer, of what importance is Milan Design Week for you each year?
KW: Salone is about innovation and revolution in design, and design is global. It’s important that we have a time when people come together from every corner of the world to share ideas and connect.
WW: What exhibitions/presentations are you looking forward to visiting?
KW: The Triennale will be showing an exhibition of Alessandro Mendini’s work. He is a hero of mine, so that’s definitely something I will make time for. I would love to make it to Capsule Plaza. The magazine is fantastic. I appreciate the smart and contemporary approach. Nilufar Depot and Dimore Centrale are always on my calendar for the week. They are consistently good and worth the trip.
Where to Eat in Milan, According to Kelly Wearstler
WW: Do you have any favorite Milan restaurants for design week? Any favorite orders?
KW: I love dining at Torre at the Fondazione Prada, the menu is a bit more experimental and the dishes are generally on the lighter side, which can be nice amidst all of the wonderful pasta you eat throughout the week. For more traditional food, I’ll go to Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone. It’s in the historic Palazzo Bagatti Valsecchi and I love to sit in the courtyard and take in the architecture.
Kelly Wearstler’s Milan Must-Do List
1. Alcova
Alcova, photo by Piergiorgio Sorgetti.
Alcova 2024 will open to the public April 15-21, from 11am to 7pm (with last entry at 6pm) in two extraordinary new locations: Villa Borsani and Villa Bagatti Valsecchi. Entrance to Alcova is free until capacity is reached, and pre-registration is not required. Alcova is a platform for designers, companies, institutions and researchers investigating the future of living and making. 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. —Source
2. Alessandro Mendini at The Triennale
Alessandro Mendini at The Triennale, photo by Delfino Sisto Legnani, DSL Studio.
A wide-ranging retrospective—produced with Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain—on Alessandro Mendini’s work as an architect, designer, and artist. With over 400 works with different formats, materials and subjects from many private and public collections, the exhibition is structured in different thematic sections. The title of the show, Io sono un drago (I am a dragon), is inspired by one of his most emblematic self-portraits, to emphasize his uniqueness in the world of design, architecture and art. —Source
3. Torre at Fondazione Prada
Courtesy of Torre.
“A collage of pre-existing themes and elements,” that’s how architect Rem Koolhaas describes the unexpected space of Torre. The expansive windows opening up to Milan’s skyline, the welcoming tone of the furnishings, and the careful choice of colours create an intriguing contrast between sophistication and intimacy. The bar and restaurant are immersed in an atmosphere inspired by contemporary creation. The presence of works by prominent international artists and designers testifies to the connection with the identity of Fondazione Prada.—Source
4. Andrés Reisinger at Nilufar Depot
Andres Reisinger at Nilufar Depot.
Digital artist and designer Andrés Reisinger unveils “12 Chairs for Meditation,” an experiential exhibition set in the atrium of Nilufar Depot in Viale Lancetti. Reisinger crafts a theatrical narrative encouraging visitors to partake in introspective meditation that creates an experience detached from the constraints of time. Curated by Reisinger and Nilufar founder Nina Yashar, the exhibition unveils a new collection of chairs and a striking site-specific mosaic accompanied by a bespoke musical piece composed by the artist. —Source
