To imagine Milan in the summer means vibrant conversations far from fizzling out, clinks of glasses of Spritz during the nightly happy hours, and the whirring sounds of roll-up shutters germinating the city as shops open, all while wearing face masks and drenched under the scorching, humid weather. With the arrival of September, the influx of designers, creatives, and culture enthusiasts into the city amplifies the buzz of energy already hovering in the air. Here at Mood Milano, STIR shows the spirit that captures and enamours the vigour of Milan as the city re-introduces Milan Design Week 2021, also dubbed Supersalone, from September 5 to 10.

10 mins watch

A collision of themes speaks of this year’s designs, either drawn from the newfound lifestyle people dabbled into during the facets of the pandemic or the hopeful outlook of the designers and creatives unraveled through their creations. For instance, slow living visits Green Wise’s exhibit of Hakoniwa - a little garden of well-being. The variety of plants that nestle in potteries plus the gravel stones that crunch in every footstep encourage everyone to slow down and appreciate the surroundings, the given life, and the languid pace, three tones that match the solemn workstation and workspaces Manerba envisions for their Kokoro collection.

03 mins watch

Aside from one's wellness, artistry intertwines with the recent collections of the studios and brands include an intimate look into the marble craft with Bisazza's new series of Marmo that owes its influences to geometry and tradition of multi-coloured stone flooring.

05 mins watch

Salvatori's Zodiac Signs-inspired marble accompanies The Village, an exploration of home through the collaboration with designers across the globe such as Patricia Urquiola, Vincent Van Duysen, Elisa Ossino, Kengo Kuma, Rodolfo Dordoni, John Pawson, and Yabu Pushelberg.

13 mins watch

When Rossignoli, a storied bicycle shop in Milan, hangs and displays their present entourage of bicycles in their store to repurpose the space, it no longer reflects its preparation for the design week, but offers the residents and visitors a symbol of retreat - one that invites them to embrace escapism on wheels, passing every design and art booth, stall, and shop around the city.

02 mins watch

As the folded maps of the design week unfold, STIR walks through the streets to quiz the designers, brands, and studios on the spirit of Milan in its design-driven re-opening.

06 mins watch

Click here to read all about STIR at Supersalone, a STIR series on the best of exhibits, moods, studios, events and folks to look out for at Milan Design Week 2021.