Unfortunately, Milan Design Week has come to an end… And every year Milan Design Week presents us with new, exciting & fresh ideas from designers all over the world.
The unveiling of ‘Stone Age Folk’ by Spanish designer Jaime Hayon received an amazing amount of attention. People flowed through exhibition, left in awe of this fantastical & whimsical Caesarstone universe inspired by flora, fauna and folklore from different cultures.
As we entered the stunning neo-classical Palazzo Serbelloni, we we’re welcomed with Hayon’s signature tribal mask, outstanding clown-face cabinet & smaller scale dining tables featuring animated characters. We we’re first introduced to these quirky characters in the first instalment of ‘Stone Age Folk’ revealed earlier in February at IDS Toronto 2017.
Moving onto the Palazzo’s Ballroom, we we’re welcomed by the monumental, architectural pavilion which references the famous Crystal Palace built in Hyde Park, London for the Great Exhibition of 1851, combining over 48 Caesarstone colours with metal and stained glass. The pure stature of this structure was unbelievable, meticulously handcrafted, employing high-end stone marquetry & stained glass window techniques, all implanted into the metal frame of the pavilion as a precious jewel within Hayon’s whimsical Caesarstone universe. Each handcrafted and uniquely designed piece transforms the material, typically used for kitchen and bathroom surfaces into a highly decorative and precious material used as a fantastical component in creating Hayon’s world.
“A combination of art, design and architecture, this kaleidoscopic installation will be something that visitors have never seen before. There is a strong element of surprise in the visible contrast between the Napoleonic, marble-made palace and this beautiful pavilion, made with 21st century Caesarstone’s surfaces. Visitors entering this fantasy world will see the Caesarstone material perform in a way that incites new levels of creativity and have an amazing visual image of its ‘arty’ and luxurious qualities. I hope, with this very graphic and folkloric installation, to put a smile on people’s faces and compel them to think that they are in Milan for the furniture fair, but they have just seen a ‘funtastico’ world.”
Jaime Hayon, Designer
Jaime Hayon imbued the space with his eccentric spirit & artistry to create a kaleidoscopic fantasy world made of different Caesarstone surfaces, formed & shaped in creative ways. This fantasy world is inspired by the natural environment, the animal kingdom, and folklore of different cultures, ranging from Hungarian myths to African tribal influences. These references, along with Hayon’s signature playfulness, curiosity and unique creativity make for a fresh and visionary take on Caesarstone surfaces.