Milano Design Week 2025 is set to showcase "Broot - Dialogues from Within," a curated collection of exceptional design pieces that explore the intrinsic connection between traditional Portuguese materials and contemporary craftsmanship. The collection features unique collaborations with renowned design studios and celebrates the rich heritage of Portuguese stones, textiles, and ceramics, seamlessly blending history with modernity.
Studio Anansi: Schist & Acacia Dialogue
One of the standout pieces comes from Studio Anansi, led by Evan Jerry. The "Schist & Acacia Dialogue" collection draws inspiration from the Vale do Côa region in Alto Douro, renowned for its prehistoric rock engravings. 'Each piece speaks for the landscape, while the materials used tell a little about the history of the country,' said Jerry. Schist, a fragile rock derived from clays, and acacia wood, known for its durability, come together to create furniture that highlights both the beauty and resilience of Portuguese materials. Notable pieces include a bench, console, and centrepiece, with details of stone supplied by Silaco and wood sourced from Mercado da Madeira. The collection reflects Studio Anansi's commitment to storytelling through design, incorporating sculptural and architectural elements.
Studio Olivah: Granite & Burel Dialogue
The "Granite & Burel Dialogue" by Studio Olivah celebrates the harsh, beautiful landscape of Serra da Estrela. Drawing inspiration from the effects of glaciation and the region's traditional craftsmanship, the pieces showcase a blend of granite—resilient and durable—and burel, a coarse wool used by shepherds in the region. The side tables, made from yellow Ariz granite, and the centrepieces, combining both materials, exemplify the beauty of these natural resources. 'From the slab of rock to the piece of fabric, everything becomes an object of desire,' says Paula Sica, creative director of the studio. These objects reflect the studio's expertise in transforming natural materials into functional art.
Vítor Reis Cerâmica: Limestone & Clay Dialogue
Vítor Reis Cerâmica's collection, "Limestone & Clay Dialogue," explores the strong connection between the Portuguese people and the land. The pieces, including coffee tables, vases, and platters, combine natural cleaved limestone with sculpted red clay, a testament to the country's rich pottery tradition. Reis explains, 'The pieces reflect an encounter between the two materials, evoking a dance between nature and craft.' These items showcase a blend of modern techniques with timeless traditional pottery methods, demonstrating how the natural world can inform contemporary design.
JMM Design Studio: Marble & Cork Dialogue
João Marcos Moreira's "Marble & Cork Dialogue" is a stunning collection that pays homage to the symbolism of cork oaks in Alentejo. The designs, which include lamps, side tables, and vases, feature Estremoz marble and intricately carved cork. Moreira's work embodies "a journey from primitivism to art déco," capturing the essence of Portugal's natural and cultural heritage. The studio collaborated with Mármores Galrão, Vetor 3, and Granorte to produce these elegant, functional pieces.
Atelier Eneida Tavares: Basalt & Wicker Dialogue
The "Basalt & Wicker Dialogue" collection by Atelier Eneida Tavares draws inspiration from the natural landscape of the Azores. With a focus on basalt stone and woven wicker, the collection includes functional objects such as chairs, centrepieces, and hampers. Tavares explains, 'The pieces depict the natural landscape of the Azores and how basalt can be integrated into various elements of the home.' The collection highlights the studio's mastery of blending contrasting materials to create sustainable, timeless designs.
The Broot - Dialogues from Within collection at Milano Design Week 2025 represents a new era in design, where traditional materials are reinterpreted through contemporary lenses.
More information:
Broot
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www.broot.pt