Salone del Mobile will present a massive footfall of designers showing their work as well as design fans appreciating and reviewing these global creative endeavors during its 60th year. One such studio in participation is Studio ITO. Established by the Japanese designers Setsu and Shinobu, Studio ITO aims at providing creative and opulent solutions for indoor and outdoor furnishing challenges.
This year, the studio returns with its timeless collection of products that add grace to every indoor and outdoor setting. Creatively expressing the cultural inferences from Japan, Setsu and Shinobu with manufacturing partners- Materium, also present the Kodo alarm clock. The word "Kodo", (heartbeat in Japanese) expresses the dynamics of the movement of life. The energy that arises from within the round face, which looks upwards marks a positive time in the future. Made of monobloc white Carrara marble, it is worked with numerical control technology and then finished by hand like a real jewel. The hands are made of laser-cut metal with two types of finish: burnished or 24 carat gold.
Furthermore, the Cocco and Ripples centrepieces by the studio are laser-cut in stainless steel and are presented with a mirror finish. The flat shape of the Cocco centrepiece is then hand folded with interlocking slits on each end of the central part. While Ripples incorporates a flat elliptical shape which is hand folded at certain degrees to create a futuristic artwork.
Next in line is the EN series that studio ITO created in conjunction with Fiam Italia comprising low tables made of coloured glass infusion. EN is a Japanese term that refers to a 'round shape' and also 'fate'. The EN tables have a glass on the top inspired by the camellia dish- which is a Japanese tea ceremony tool. The slightly deep top floor gives you a sense of security as if you are holding something inside the space. The intense colours of the table create an elegant surface, reminiscent of the Japanese lacquer. Although the top is made of glass, it has an intense colour like the Japanese lacquer and an elegant surface design with fused glass.
Furthermore, Setsu and Shinobu created the Flying Atoll art pieces with 100% recycled art glass in collaboration with the artisans of the Soneva Glasscycle laboratory. The motif on the art pieces is the bird's eye view of the Maldives atoll and the movement of marine life. The work will be sold at the Soneva Resort gallery and part of the proceeds will be used to protect the environment of the Maldives atolls.
Inori in Japanese signifies 'pray', and is the key element for Studio ITO's Inori bookshelves. The library portrays the vertical shape of our hands - when you receive, give and thank. These hands act like glass containers, to sustain and protect books and other possessions in an intimately 'sacred' space. The versatility and assembly possibilities allow Inori to be utilised as a showcase, display case, and TV unit.
The Japanese studio will also be showcasing the Karin outdoor collection. Manufactured by the Italian furniture giant, Desiree, Karin is a lightweight, nimble armchair made of sophisticated wooden beam construction. It is a modern chair with the latest structural technology and has been carefully knit using hemp thread by traditional craftsmen to create the traditional look of Japan and Scandinavia on the back, which is then connected from the arm by a single bentwood. Following all of these products, Studio ITO will also be adding their Maji system, Vow sofa and armchairs, the fan mirror, the Duomo sofa, Tsukuroi carpet and the Kiri Cabinet to their unique display at the anticipated Milan Design Week 2022.
STIR takes you on a Milanese sojourn! Experience Salone del Mobile and all the design districts - 5vie, Brera, Fuorisalone, Isola, Zona Tortona, and Durini - with us. STIR’s coverage of Milan Design Week 2022, Meanwhile in Milan showcases the best exhibits, moods, studios, events, and folks to look out for. We are also excited to announce our very own STIR press booth at Salone del Mobile - Hall 5/7 S.14, Fiera Milano RHO.
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