Drawing on the vision of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana to support young designers and immerse them in the beauty of Italy, the second edition of Gen D – Designer Generation is set to make its mark. Eleven designers under 40, handpicked from various countries by the project curator Federica Sala, will converge at Via Broggi 19, Milan, to celebrate cultural diversity through the universal language of design. With a rich tapestry of experiences and influences, they’ll craft a vibrant mosaic of styles and perspectives that transcends continents and traditions.
10 Projects. 11 Designers.
South African designer Thabisa Mjo and Chinese designer Mingyu Xu, with their creations Wonderland and Dynamic Tension respectively, skillfully fuse their cultural roots with Italian craftsmanship, transcending geographical boundaries. Meanwhile, Mexican designer Mestiz, through Mare Nostrum Fantasia, captures the vibrant colours and essence of the Mexican spirit.
Thabisa Mjo
Mingyu Xu
Mestiz
The Chinese designer Jie Wu, with her creation A Journey, adeptly reinterprets the traditions of her homeland, aiming to convey happiness through colours, textures, shapes, and storytelling. Meanwhile, South Korean designer Byungsub Kim revisits the traditional mother-of-pearl inlay craftsmanship of his country with Ceramic Nacre.
Jie Wu
Byungsub Kim
Austrian visionary Lauris Gallée brings forth his work Arcadia, infused with a subtle vein of irony, offering a fresh take on woodworking. Meanwhile, the dynamic artist duo Touche-Touche, comprising Carolin Giezner and Théo Demans, boldly presents Me Terre Or, an avant-garde project that challenges conventions and forges novel spaces for human interaction.
Hannah Lim, a designer hailing from both British and Singaporean heritage, draws inspiration from her diverse cultural lineage. Lim’s creation, Chest of Flames, artfully melds elements from the UK and Singapore, resulting in a fusion of styles and influences that captivates the imagination.
Lauris Gallée
Touche-Touche
Hannah Lim
Ella Bulley, a Ghanaian designer based in both London and Accra, explores the spiritual connection with the Ghanaian landscape through her work Amlima Nu Wɔ Fɛ (My Magical Home). By blending natural elements that harmonise with each other, she delves into the essence of her homeland’s scenery.
Meanwhile, Turin-based designer Riccardo Cenedella centres his design research around reclaimed materials, as seen in his work Whatever is at hand. Cenedella’s focus on utilizing recovered materials underscores his commitment to sustainability and innovation in design.
Ella Bulley
Riccardo Cenedella
Once again this year, designers had the chance to delve into the time-honoured Italian craft techniques, unlocking the secrets that distinguish Made in Italy. This journey brimmed with cultural exchange and inspiration, culminating in the creation of extraordinary works that encapsulate the very essence of design, blending energy, artisanal skill, and innovation.
