Hey guys, how are you? I was not able to go to Design Week in Milan this year (boooooo) which meant that I had to use Instagram to follow my friends virtually all last week to see Milan through their eyes. I had total FOMO the whole time, but I felt a bit like I was there which was great - thank god for Instagram and blogs. Anyway, for the past few years, I normally pull together my Milan reviews on decor8 but since I can’t this year, I decided to pull in the big guns… blogger queen Agata Dimmich from Passionshake. She’s here today to show 5 brands that caught her eye from Design Week in collaboration with our client, DDN magazine, as part of the Blog Safari Tour that she went on, and will detail more below. Let’s get started.

Holly: Hey there Agata, thanks for stopping in today. So, tell us about yourself for those who don’t you already, and why do you enjoy Milan design week each year?

Agata: I’m working in the design field as a stylist, blogger and I develop concepts for brands, among other creative projects, which means I’m living a creative life everyday. This also creates a need for me to be on the prowl for inspiration and new ideas constantly - to stay fresh and even to be a step ahead, for my clients. One of the best ways to do that is to explore the latest concepts in design, learn about the new trends, try to spot the trends to come, and to meet current and future clients at Milan Design Week. I have to say, each year I'm blown away by seeing brands come up with spaces that are full of imagination, contrast and unexpected combinations. Just wow! It is the most important week for interior design, in my opinion.

Holly: Tell us about the Salone del Mobile (at the fairgrounds) - what is it and what do you love about this fair?

Agata: Milan is a fantastic place for design because most of the world's best known brands with a long tradition exhibit here. I love that Salone del Mobile is not "just" a fair anymore. In the past years it became the creative hub for all design enthusiasts, where like-minded professionals have a chance to network and meet, where the most innovative concepts are being discussed and shared.

Holly: Tell us about this blog tour from DDN - what is it?

Agata: A great initiative of DDN magazine is to invite a group of international bloggers and organize guided tours through Salone del Mobile each year. They call it the 'Blog Safari' and together with the bloggers, the magazine visits iconic italian brands. It's very exclusive giving us (the selected bloggers) the chance to talk directly to the designers and hear the stories behind their new collections. A real treat for design-enthusiasts like us!

The bloggers this year were: (top row, left to right): DDN Blog (Rebecca), Interiors Design Blog (Ula), DDN Founder - Francesca, (bottom row, left to right): That Scandinavian Feeling (Ingrid), Italian Bark (Elisabetta) Passionshake (Agata), Trendstefan (Stefan).

Holly: Which brands did you see during Blog Safari this year?

Agata: This year we visited:

• Poliform

• Flou

• Boffi and De Padova

• Nardi Outdoor

• Kartell

Holly: Please tell us what bloggers do on the Blog Safari and how long it takes, etc.

Agata: As design bloggers we enjoy scouting the fairs to explore latest trends and collections. Blog Safari is a perfect place to do that in style. We interview designers and share favourite finds with our followers after the fair, but even during the fair through live videos on Instagram, Insta Stories, and Instagram photos. Different bloggers lend a unique point of view adding variety of what is currently trending. It takes about 4-5 hours including lunch in the VIP Red Lounge.

Holly: Which brand or brands that you visited most reflects your personal style?

Agata: That’s a hard choice but if I had to pick just one I think it would be Boffi and DePadova this year. The showroom was gorgeously designed, celebrating functionality and simplicity from floor to ceiling which resulted in minimal chic which very much reflects my personal style as you might know.

Holly: Is there anything you'd LOVE to own that you saw on this tour?

Agata: Oh yes, so many things! The round armchairs from Poliform, the lava coffee table from Flou, table and bed frames from Boffi and DePadova, the modular garden furniture from Nardi and of course the first AI chair from Kartell, just to name a few!

So, now it’s time to see what you saw, what you loved, and why. Let’s go. First up….

POLIFORM

Poliform: I loved the fluid, soft forms and materials because they gave a sense of perfect relaxation and provided a sanctuary. There was no harsh angles or vibrant colors. Poliform presented not only furniture but a way of living.

FLOU

Flou: The lighting and the new system Leonardo really caught my eye this year. Lighting is what defines spaces and sets the mood, marking the transition from an intimate, peaceful atmosphere to a more vibrant one.

BOFFI + DE PADOVA

Boffi & De Padova: I really liked the Erei day bed and sense of harmony across the showroom overall. Soft, sculptural features and a perfectly minimal chaise lounge which represents harmonious design.

NARDI

Nardi: What was so nice about Nardi was to see the outdoor furniture in pretty pastel shades. The colors are eye-catching and playful just like the overall system itself. The furniture is modular - a big trend at the moment so it was designed in a way to be very easily moved around and transformed to fit every situation – garden party, apertitvo with friends, relaxed moments alone… It will only take few seconds to adjust the set to customize your outdoor “experience”. More and more, people want customizable options with design to fit their lifestyle.

KARTELL

Kartell: The very visual, styled spaces at “Kartell Windows” really stood out for me. KARTELL WINDOWS” is a project that transformed the stand into a walk through experience with 22 windows, each showed products displayed that mixed historical pieces with new additions. Each window gave us great ideas for our own home.

Thank you Agata for your summary on decor8 about your blog tour with DDN Magazine. Please check out Agata’s other post on her own blog about this same tour, only it spotlights the top 5 trends that she saw while on the blog safari.

Have a great day, everyone and thank you so much Agata for stopping by!

Love,

Holly

(Photography: Agata Dimmich)

Editor’s Note: This post is co-sponsored by DDN Magazine in connection with Passionshake. All photos, thoughts and the overall review is based on the reportage of Agata Dimmich. Everything shown was her my choice, and everything stated was based on her personal experience. Thank you for supporting the brands and partners who collaborate with decor8 to bring interesting, truthful content to this blog.