Milanese Market

The phrase "Italian design" suggests the minimalism that Armani brings to apparel, the sleekness that Pinan Farina brings to automobiles, and the whimsy and cleverness that an array of designers bring to the Alessi line of housewares. But it also includes the gaudy and the everyday. These myriad faces of Italian design were on display at the Macef Spring 2001 show in Milan. In fact, the challenge for many Macef visitors was finding what interested them in the jumble of more than 20 old buildings that make up the Milan fairgrounds.

The organizers did their best to create as much order as possible. There were halls dedicated to nine different product categories, and many of them, such as the gold, silver, and jewelry halls, were successful in making shopping relatively easy. The seeker of decorative accessories faced a greater challenge. For example, in one hall a well designed booth displaying attractive Asian- and African-inspired lamps, trays, and baskets made from natural materials was located two booths away from one displaying dish detergent. Trend spotting required diligent scouting, as islets of interesting product were afloat in a sea of everyday stuff.

One small area that did pull it all together was the third and fourth floors of Hall Four. There, Italian and other craftspeople, offering mostly minimalist designs, displayed pottery, glassware, lamps, sculptural candles, and textiles. The booths were large and the ambience serene. Visitors should definitely head to Hall Four first to get an idea of the good design in decorative accessories available at Macef.

The trends in decorative accessories were similar to those seen at most trade shows. Wicker, rattan, and bamboo were prevalent. Oversized clear glass vases were as popular at Macef as elsewhere. One French vendor, Bleu Nature, presented lamps, picture and mirror frames, and accent furniture pieces made from driftwood. The Asian influence was visible on two fronts. On the one hand, many Western designs incorporated the Asian aesthetic of simplicity. On the other, a number of vendors were selling antique and reproduction furniture and accessories imported from Asia, much of it very ornate. Africa also continued to influence interior design. Masks, wood carvings, and baskets from a variety of African nations were displayed on their own or with a mix of Asian and Western accessories.

However, Macef does have an edge over most trade shows: its halls dedicated to silver, gold, jewelry, and Murano glass. More than 40 glass manufacturers, members of the trade organization Consorzio Promovetro Murano, created dazzling displays of glass items ranging from paperweights to vases, from lamp shades to candleholders, from multicolored dragons to leaping swordfish. There were styles suitable for all tastes, from the sublime to The Sopranos. Silver and gold artisans presented an array of tabletop and other products in traditional and contemporary styles. Their superior craftsmanship showed in many ways, especially in treatments in which they draped silver as if it were fabric.

Two live workshop demonstrations held during Macef highlighted the crafts of Sardinia. Ceramic makers at their wheels and fabric weavers at their looms plied their centuries-old techniques. Many of their finished products were displayed.

While the Macef organizers will have to contend with the shortcomings of the Milan fairgrounds for the next few years, help is on the way. The fairground owner, Fiera Milano International, has announced plans to build new facilities on the outskirts of Milan, closer to the Malpensa airport, by 2004.

The autumn Macef show is scheduled to take place September 7–10, 2001.