THE SCALE OF MILAN

While walking the halls of the Milan furniture fair, Robert and I discovered a huge array of beautiful product – but we also realized that scale was everything. It really was impressive seeing the size of the "booths" (if you can call them that) of some the big brands. Above are just a few pictures that I took and the one that really made the biggest impact (with a great sense of playfulness) was Kartell. Kartell's space was massive with various built-up structures and signage that paid reference to advertising from a bygone era. Of course the graphic designer in me was thrilled to see the dimensional typography all creatively assembled – very cool!

MILAN DESIGN WEEK: RINA MENARDI

Yesterday, Robert and I took the trip out to the fair grounds where the Salone was in full swing. It was our first time to the show and it was quite overwhelming approaching the entrance (among thousands of people) to the vast complex of buildings. We decided to head straight for a familiar face – Rina Menardi in hall 16. To our delight, Rina has introduced some stunning new designs and colours to her collection. Above are just a few pictures of the beautiful pieces that we instantly placed an order for. In our first stop at the show, both Robert and I knew our trip to Milan was an immediate success.

The rest of the day was spent viewing impressive displays by some of the most important brands in the industry – It was truly inspiring. More to come...

MILAN: ROSANNA ORLANDI

Our first full day in Milan for Salone del Mobile was spent walking the streets viewing showrooms and special exhibitions within the city itself including a Wallpaper installation at Brioni, Skitsch and B&B Italia. The highlight was without a doubt the designers assembled by Rossana Orlandi at her concept store in the south west of the city centre. Spazio Rossana Orlandi is a multi-level, multi-room complex of buildings and outdoor spaces that are worth the trip to Milan in itself. On view where designs by Jamie Hayon, Bocci, Muuto and Jasper Morrison, just to name a few.

Tonight is the Bacarat party and whatever else we can squeeze in. Tomorrow is day one of the show...

NADIA PIGNATONE'S ACCESSORIES NOW AT PROVIDE

We are just days away before Robert and I leave for Milan to attend the 2011 Salone del Mobile. We are very excited to see the show and what great timing as we are introducing a new accessories collection from Italian artist and designer Nadia Pignatone. Nadia will be showcasing her beautiful work at Moroso's stand in Milan and we will be sure to stop by. Above are some images of our order in Nadia's studio just before it was shipped to us here in Vancouver. Come into Provide to see these unique pieces for yourself – each is wheel-thrown porcelain and decorated with graphic cutouts of rare, vintage kimonos. Absolutely stunning!

LIMITED EDITION COLLECTION FROM HEATH CERAMICS

Heath Ceramics has just introduced their new limited edition seasonal collection and we at Provide are anxious to place our order. Inspired by warm-weather hues, the 2011 Summer Seasonal collection focuses on two yellow glazes, one glossy and one matte. As well, a soft white is mixed in on sides of serving platters, cups and vases that reminds one of sandy shorelines. The Spun Vase (bottom) is made in a limited quantity of 150 where the top layer of the glaze is stripped away with an etching tool to reveal the glaze beneath.