Milanese design week ignites: casa milana's new collection and a nyc-inspired shift
April’s warmth is transforming Brera, Milan – and Design Week promises a frenetic energy, a palpable shift reminiscent of New York’s intensity, according to Gabriella Campagna, one half of the creative studio Casa Milana.
A new york state of mind in the heart of italy
From their limestone studio overlooking Via Palermo, designer Mario Milana and Campagna are unveiling a capsule collection of rugs by Beni, elegant drinking vessels by Laguna~B, and a series of furniture pieces that embody their core philosophy: a seamless blend of functionality and playful conviviality. Casa Milana’s first shelving system, designed for complete rearrangement, is a key component of this offering – a deliberate move away from rigid, fixed solutions.
The couple’s journey began with a deliberate departure from the relentless pace of New York City, seeking the relaxed rhythms of Italy. “We traded around-the-clock energy for a slower pace,” Campagna explains, recalling their relocation five years ago. “The quality of life and the family-friendly environment were key, but proximity to the artisans we collaborate with was equally vital.”
This connection fuels their creative process, allowing for hands-on exploration of materials and a continuous evolution of their designs. “To develop something truly meaningful, you need that in-person time,” Milana emphasizes. “It’s about the genuine connection with the artisan.”
Casa Milana’s pieces – from the Giro dining table with its rotating discs to the Vertebra chair, a flexible design inspired by a snake’s vertebra – consistently prioritize user experience. The Velum table, with its oxidized iron and brass detailing, exemplifies the studio’s commitment to tactile beauty. And the Madre de Agua glassware collection, featuring removable vessels and a subtle maternal aesthetic, showcases a thoughtful approach to everyday objects.
The collaboration with Beni began serendipitously at a Design Week gathering hosted by Casa Milana – a rare oasis of calm amidst the surrounding chaos. Robert Wright, co-founder of Beni, noted the studio’s ability to translate the raw materiality of terrazzo into soft, flowing rugs, aptly named Unione. This collection draws inspiration from the terrazzo floors of the couple’s apartment, mirroring a shared meditation practice that informs their daily rituals and is reflected in the elevated pile height of their Aho Meditation Mats, designed with custom wooden bases.
“We wanted to capture the essence of our home, our way of life,” Milana reflects. “It’s a minimal gesture, but one that feels deeply connected to our aesthetic and atmosphere.”
The arrival of the new furniture, including the redesigned Vertebra chair and innovative shelving system, Frequenza, solidifies Casa Milana’s position as a significant force within the Milanese design scene. Ultimately, Casa Milana’s success lies in its dedication to craftsmanship, a commitment to fostering genuine connections, and a distinctly human approach to design – a refreshing counterpoint to the increasingly algorithmic world of contemporary aesthetics.