Core77

Friday in Milan: The offsite events in the Triennale and Zona Tortona were filled to capacity. Home to Material Connexion Milan, the Triennale showcased a variety of innovative materials and concepts. A dramatic, textured staircase served as centerpiece to the experience.

Zona Tortona captured elements of both high and low design. Expected, but always delightful, was the decadent Swarovski exhibit. From old favorite Yves Behar to newcomer Jaime Hayon, the creations continue to seduce visitors.

Further down the road, Dutch designers partnered with Marmoleum, the heart of Forbo's range of floor covering products. This material is made from linseed oil, natural rosins, wood flour, and pigment and jute. Created with all natural materials it claims to have no adverse health affects in production or installation. The exhibit emphasized the lifecycle of the product by showcasing giant bins of the material at different stages of production. A nice change from shiny products and over-styled gadgets.

After a coffee break and pannini, Friday night fun began as Zona Tortona came alive. Piper Heidsieck elegantly supported Jaime Hayon's "Je t'aime" opening for his collection of work with Artquitect, b.d., and Metalarte, while Marcel Wanders partyed late into the night next door. All rendez-vous'd in the wee hours at the Surface magazine event held in the new NHOW hotel. Even Karim Rashid made an appearance. Dressed in...? No, not pink. This time it was all white. A perfect canvas for laser light shows and paparazzi bling. Some things never change.