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I'm not sure at what point I realized that the Salone (my first time visiting Milan) and its ever-expanding universe of satellite shows would include way more awesome stuff than anyone could possibly expect to see in a weeks' time—probably during day two, if I had to guess—but suffice it to say that this might be the best problem that a design writer could have.

Case in point, Tuttobene's " The New Glint of Things," a group exhibition in Milan's Tortona District, was jam-packed with blog-worthy work by over two dozen designers.

'The New Glint of Things / De Glans der Dingen' refers back to the title of a 1983 publication on design, in which the glint of the moment was found within specific products and design objects. In Tuttobene's 2012 Milan presentation, design, once again, forms the glint in which solutions and alternative prospects can be discovered. The exhibition, therefore, creates a historial link between two moments of crisis, whilst emphasizing the distinctive power of design.

Within the exhibition, all the individual designs stem from innovative concepts which are based on newly-found combinations of materials and techniques. Hence, the collection of works provides a primarily positive notion and hones in on the numerous possibilites that design can offer in the current turbulent time.

"Stack" by Skrivo

"Courtesy Table" by Marleen Jansen

"Courtesy Table" by Marleen Jansen

"Concrete Textile Furniture" by Doreen Westphal

"Composition Light" by Miya Kondo

"Twisted" by Erwin Zwiers

"Twisted" by Erwin Zwiers

Rianne Koens's previously-seen "Oturakast"

"Knappe Buttons" by Tjimkjede Boer

"À la Recherche" by Atelier Schelling & Borsboom

"Synkraft Stool" by Christian Kayser

"Synkraft Stool" in action...

"Happy Tree Friend" by Marco Iannicelli

Marco Iannicelli

"Open Minded" by Jolanda van Goor

David Derksen's previously-seen "Copper Lights"

We also saw Derksen's "Transience Mirror," a collaboration with Lex Pott, at "Transnatural."

"Swell" by Earnest (Rachel Griffin)

"Slow Cooker" by Maarten Baptist

"Magical Drip" by Maarten Baptist

Studio Appetit

"Spring Lamp" by Studio Toer

Tessa Koot

"Cradle Noah" by Joost van Veldhuizen

"Curator Cabinets" by Studio Thier & Van Daalen

Tuttobene believes that design has a strong influence in making changes, not only visual changes, but also in a cultural or social way. The environmental and social consequences of many items that we produce cannot be neglected. But we are consumers too and are seduced by beautiful objects. Therefore Tuttobene's mission is to contribute to a better world, by increasing awareness of socially sustainability through innovative and challenging design.

We encourage designers to design with passion for the users, with respect for the environment, and empathy for their emotional and social qualities. For Tuttobene, sustainable design means "Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs"...

Tuttobene looks for design that is striking and shows traces of the story that it bears.

» Check out all of our
Salone Milan 2012 coverage