The undisputed highlight of the Kartell stand at Saloni Milano 2009 was the cat and mouse game with the special forces Kartell had hired to prevent visitors taking photographs.
Despite the Kartell stand taking up an area half the size of Lombardy, the highly trained troops proved particularly efficient and we, for example, were forced to camp out overnight in a disused fox hole just to get a quick snap shot of the Dr NOs.

Judging by the pre-Saloni press, this year is going to be even more fun.

They’re turning out the lights and employing the forces of the Dark Side to stop photographers!!

"Welcome Black 2010" Philippe Starck and Kartell in Milan

“Welcome Black 2010″ is the motto of Kartell’s Saloni show and the invitation promises a dark landscape full of sorcery and demonic goodness.
Or it does if you interpret it as we do.

Aside from fighting Jedis and terrifying young children, Kartell will launch new products by, among others, Tokujin Yoshioka, Philippe Starck and Eugeni Quitllet, Piero Lissoni and Ferruccio Laviani.

We’ll be taking the night vision goggles and you can read our impressions of Kartell’s new products in our (smow) in Milan coverage from April 14th.

Invisible Chair by Ttokujin Yoshioka for Kartell

Ghost Buster by Philippe Starck and Eugeni Quitllet for Kartell

One of the principle advantages of trade fairs such as Salone or ICFF is the unrivalled access to producers, products and for all designers.

Whereas furniture producers like to strut around, boldly announcing news of their latest coups; designers are generally typified by a preference for quiet isolated studios, and a reluctance to leave their natural habitat.

At trade fairs, however, the designers appear, blinking and staring into the spotlight. And are generally remarkably friendly and docile.

One of the more interesting discussions we experienced in Milan was with french designer Philippe Starck. One of the more prolific characters in the design world, Starck has created products for companies as diverse as Puma and Microsoft, designed the interior of Eurostar trains and even created a wind turbine. However despite his wide canvas, Starck is probably most closely associated with Italian designer furniture producer Kartell: Products such as Dr No, Prince Aha and Mr. Impossible already being established design classics.  At Salone in Milan Starck spoke at great length about his work and his relationship with Kartell; below is small snippet where Starck discusses plastic and democratic design. (A quick editorial note - the video was shot by one of the newcomers to the (smow)blog team, who, in their youthful excitement, forgot to note who was asking the questions. Apologies to the colleague concerned, and if we identify you we will of course credit you)

The full video with Philippe Starck, and indeed all videos, can be viewed in the official (smow)blog youtube channel.

Vitra Panton Chair at CeBIT

Last week the (smow)team made their annual pilgrimage to the CeBIT communications and IT trade fair in Hannover – not as exhibitor but as curious visitors and passionate techies. And while we looked for ways to improve our on-line service and to offer even more features, we found our attention being continually attracted – and occasionally astounded – by the furniture behind and around the stands. And over the course of the visit we had plenty of time and opportunity to draw up a list of our personal CeBIT winners. And losers.
And sadly the losers appeared to be in the majority. Despite the obvious thought, effort and cost that went into many of the stands, by our estimate around 75% of the exhibitors relied on standard “Exhibition Stools” for the seating. Which we simply cannot understand.

But then maybe that is why these beauty’s so readily caught our attention:

Vitra Tom Vac (Ron Arad) at CeBIT

- The Panton Chair from Vitra (Design: Verner Panton, 1999) - The world famous plastic cantilever chair is instantly recognizable through its expressive and user-friendly form. For all exhibition stands with a high quality and style Verner Pantons chair is perfect; and with a choice of five striking colors is applicable to all color schemes.
- The Tom Vac from Vitra (Design: Ron Arad, 1999) - The Tom Vac (seat shell form batch-dyed polypropylene) offers top-quality sitting comfort and can be easily and quickly stacked. For exhibition stands or presentation areas looking for flexible seating solutions and seats that can be neatly stored when not required Tom Vac is ideal.

Ero|S| by Philippe Starck (Kartell) at CeBIT

- The Ero|S| from Kartell (Design: Philippe Starck) – With its egg-shaped seat, Phillipe Starcks Ero|S| offers first class comfort combined with fantastic style. With a choice of three attention grabbing bases and eight seat colors Ero|S| gives any stand an individual note that visitors can’t ignore.

Our conclusion: The majority of the CeBIT exhibitors could earn themselves “plus points” – and maybe even extra business – if they invested just a little more thought into their stand furnisher.
For example:

System USM Haller

Dr No by Phillipe Starck (Kartell)

Tom Vac and Alcove Highback (both Vitra)

Naturally we at smow are always ready and willing to offer advice and answer questions regarding furniture for your trade fair and exhibition stand.