The Innovation Group will be in Milan at Salone del Mobile, a highlight of the global design calendar.

The Innovation Group is heading to Milan to cover arguably the most important event on the design calendar, Salone del Mobile. In its 55^th edition, the event will feature an eclectic and global group of designers showcasing new works, from a kinetic light installation to innovative room concepts.

We have rounded up a preview of what will be in store for Milan’s design week, which kicks off on April 12.

Forest of Light by Sou Fujimoto for COS
Cinema Arti, Via Pietro Mascagni, 8

Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto partners with global fashion house COS and takes over a former cinema to create the Forest of Light installation. Fujimoto fills the space with pulsating spotlights that capture and react to visitors’ movements. “The spotlight becomes an interface which connects fashion, space and forest as a form of architecture,” says Fujimoto.

Makers & Bakers by Airbnb and Ambra Medda
Ristorante Marta, Via Matteo Bandello, 14

Sharing economy heavyweight Airbnb hosts Makers & Bakers, an installation that explores the sensory experience and rituals around a meal. Curated by Ambra Medda, Makers & Bakers have invited 25 designers to showcase products related to community dining.

No Sex by Atelier Biagetti
Piazza Arcole 4

“In an age where libido is a business and is sold everywhere, the absence of it is considered a medical condition.” This is the foundation of No Sex, a clinic designed to help visitors find the right sexual balance. The clinic tackles a modern issue, which goes to show that a design fair is about broader, cultural issues, too.

Atelier Swarovski Home
Via Cusani 5, Brera

Austrian crystal company, Swarovski, debuts its luxury home accessories brand, Atelier Swarovski Home at Salone del Mobile. The collection is in collaboration with designers including Daniel Libeskind, Ron Arad and Tord Boontje. Swarovski’s signature crystal is the lead material used, and is juxtaposed with marble, metals and resin.

Rooms: Novel Living Concepts
Triennale Design Museum, Viale Emilio Alemagna, 6

11 Italian architects explore “novel living concepts,” each taking ownership of a room. Interpretations include Carlo Ratti Associati’s “Pin Room,” which is a modular room that can be configured and reconfigured through hand gestures.

Manga Chairs by Nendo
Basilica Minore di San Simpliciano

Japanese design company Nendo adds abstract cartoon motions and characteristics to 50 monochrome chairs made from polished stainless steel. The Manga chair series borrows elements from manga comics to visualize sound or action. For example, one chair will have a speech bubble, and another will have multiple horizontal lines depicting motion.

Others to watch out for

Wallpaper* Handmade series exhibiting at Via San Gregorio’s Arcade will showcase works from furniture and fashion to food and accessories.

Multiple fashion designers are collaborating with product designers for Milan design week. This includes Paul Smith collaborating with Gufram; Tory Burch partnering with London’s studio Glithero; and Nike teaming up with 10 designers for its “The Nature of Motion” exhibition, exploring natural movement.

Throughout Salone del Mobile Milano, we will be posting daily updates as we uncover the latest design trends, experiential activations, and brand participation. Check here and also follow our Instagram feed.