Milan Design Week, originally known as ‘Salone Del Mobile’ since its inception in 1961, has evolved into the premier global furniture and design festival. Each year, it attracts approximately half a million visitors from around the world, serving as a wellspring of inspiration for designers, architects, and industry professionals alike. The event spans an entire week, with various districts in Milan hosting exhibitions and installations across different design categories.
Last year, the Isola Design Festival continued its participation in Milan Design Week 2023 with the theme “Nothing Happens if Nothing Happens,” focusing on the concept of regeneration. This theme underscores the critical need to address the environmental impacts of human activities, posing questions about the future of our planet and challenging designers to create without further harming Earth. The festival aims to cultivate a hub for innovative, sustainable, and circular designs, drawing participants like Kevala x Sara Howard.
The highlight of the festival was the “Circular Ceramics” collection, introduced by Kevala and Sara Howard. This fourteen-piece collection is crafted by hand using locally sourced materials that would otherwise be destined for landfills. The ceramics come in two distinct color variations, incorporating between 70% to 100% recycled waste. This approach not only promotes a new paradigm of consumption but also champions sustainability by reducing environmental impact and conserving natural resources, all while maintaining a high standard of design excellence.
The sustainable ethos and innovative design of “Circular Ceramics” garnered international acclaim, culminating in Kevala and Sara Howard receiving the prestigious Isola Design Award for best tableware design. This recognition is more than a personal achievement; it signifies a collective step towards a future where design and sustainability coalesce harmoniously. As we continue to face global challenges, initiatives like those showcased at Milan Design Week play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable and responsible future for generations to come.
