The ever creative Ventura Lambrate district opened its doors today in Milan with a variety of aspiring and established designers. One of the more interesting, was the work from Dutch designer Jolan van der Weil (whose work you may recognise from us writing about it previously). Every day at 4pm, he presents a live presentation that shows exactly how his products are made. His special machine allows each product to be shaped in accordance to the position of magnets and the force of gravity. It really is completely remarkable to watch - and about as close as one gets to experiencing a mad scientist (or in this case designer) at work.

Visit Jolan at Ventura Lambrate from April 17th to the 22nd.

Patrycja Domanska and Felix Domanska have turned to the world of camping for inspiration for their new lamp Gus. Recalling the shape of classic gas lamps, the lamp consists of a cylindrical base with its cone top and is available in two colours: powder coated blue and white.

To view more of the design studio's products go here.

Maison Martin Margiela has impressed us once again. This time, with their collaboration with manufacturer Cerruti Baleri. Together, they've recreated a showroom in Milan with their four different housing models, featuring trompe l'oeil (trick of the eye) prints on their Luigina chair and Luigi XV sofa. The entire flat has been furnished by Maison Martin Margiela. Stepping away from their usual monochromatic tones, Margiela still retains the same sense of quirkiness imparted throughout their own store interiors. The flat features a bed with a skewed headboard, and furniture pieces that would feel at home in Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland.

Influenced by the Bauhaus movement, this minimalist chair takes its design back to “skin and bones". Taut leather stretches over the steel framework, whilst the visible framework exposes the functionality of the chair which includes an adjustable headrest that can be raised and lowered for ultimate comfort. 

Walter Knoll is available locally from here.

The eye catching Twaya table’s form imitates the folds and draping of a tablecloth, constructed in solid wood using traditional wood turning techniques that involves numerous hours of finishing by talented artisans. 

Following on from their great tradition of picking up the works from talented young designers comes the Serpentine chair by French designer Éléonore Nalet. The soft padded fabric is woven through the steel framework creating a honeycomb like pattern. It's another great addition to Ligne Roset's ever expanding collection.

Ligne Roset is available locally from here.

This  brass patina finished cube reveals itself to be a bookcase in which to hide your precious tomes, or it can simply be left closed and used as an impressive accent to any room.  

De Castelli is available locally from here.

Arper has addressed our need for a soft spot outdoors to rest our weary bodies. Their Pix poufs are now available to accommodate outdoor spaces. Designed to withstand the elements (even New Zealand's climate) the poufs are also mould resistant, ensuring they keep in almost perfect condition year round. Launched as part of the Salone del Mobile, we'll wait in anticipation for them to arrive on our shores back home.

Available locally from here.

Presented for the first time for ClassiCon at the Salone del Mobile, this delicate and decorative table designed by Sebastian Herkner caught our eye instantly. The Bell Table made entirely of hand-blown glass, has a sleek curved shape that mimics the silhouette of a bell. Serving its purpose as both a sculptural and decorative piece, as well as a functional piece of furniture, the elegant table features a brass top that is contrasted against the transparency of a glass base. Keeping a firm foot in the virtues of hand-craftsmanship, each of these distinctive tables are handmade, meaning that small imperfections in the glass are not flaws but rather desirable characteristics rendering each piece unique. 

ClassiCon is available locally from here.

Established & Sons has progressed the design of their Folio shelving unit (first displayed at Milan design week 2011) to incorporate a striking woven textile as the main facade of this design for Salone del Mobile 2012. The aim of the shelving system is to hide objects just by simply moving the fabric across like a curtain. Based on original sketches of jacquard tapestry, designers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec scanned, enlarged and then manipulated their fabric sketches to create a sense of intended irregularity on the textured fabric design. The shelves, made from colour stained oak, provide enough space to host a variety of small coveted items.

Established & Sons is available locally from here.