Boosting what by now is a widespread impression – namely that outdoor furnishings are an integral and inseparable part of interior design – HD Expo, the fair of the hospitality industry and its universe of design, underlines the rise of open-air solutions while examining the latest trends.
Ample space was set aside for a sizeable group of international exhibitors, including many exponents of Made in Italy. Numerous new developments that made their official debut at the Salone del Mobile in Milan in April find another international showcase in Las Vegas, where they narrate a new expressive thrust, new production techniques and new materials. All to ensure maximum comfort and elegance, transformed from indoor decor to a setting ‘en plein air.’
Essential, original elegance is precisely the theme of the Timeless collection by Gandia Blasco, designed by its president José A. Gandía-Blasco Canales and the architect Borja García with an eye on the architectural rationalism of the 20th century; composed of six modular sofas for a wide range of combinations and compositions – together with cots, chairs, ottomans, stools, high tables and benches – the collection combines refined and strong materials, clean lines and neutral colors, for a ‘timeless’ formal result.
Equally varied and mutable in its interpretations is the system created by Raffaello Galiotto for Nardi: Komodo. The designer has taken inspiration from nature and the rounded, connected formations of the branches of plants, generating a stable reticular structure on which to attach backs on all sides, with padded cushions.
The dialogue with nature is also immediate in the Panama collection (designed by Ludovica+Roberto Palomba) from Talenti, featuring abundant forms with an organic profile, where the weaves – crossed by the sun’s rays – create shadows suggesting the typical movement of palms in sea breezes. The family is composed of chairs, lounge chairs, sunbeds, ottomans and settees.
The theme of weaving seems to be spreading through the outdoor panorama, creating a fil rouge linking many of the new offerings. It is a focus for Patricia Urquiola, translated into the Anatra collection by Janus et Cie, “the result of my desire to play and experiment with the possibilities of weaving, a distinctive technique of the company,” the designer says. With this type of workmanship (applied to seating, together with aluminium structures) Urquiola seeks the perfect balance between lightness and durability.
Monica Armani has also made use of handwoven cord to set the distinctive tone of the Emma seating for Varaschin, particularly evident in the bergère model.
Finally, weaving also finds its way into the creations of Fermob, this time in the crafting of metal. The result is the reinterpretation of a classic, Lorette (designed by Frédéric Sofia): the monogram of a flower becomes the emblem of the collection.
The American company Tuuci is an authoritative player in the outdoor universe, and a constant presence at HD Expo, exploring the potential of parasols for maximum enjoyment of totally relaxing outdoor spaces, also in the evening. And in fact the company’s new offerings include the Ambia built-in LED lights for its Ocean Master MAX and Plantation MAX collections.
