Gucci Memoria
With “Gucci Memoria,” curated by Demna, the cloisters of a monastery—Chiostri di San Simpliciano—came to life with a Flora motif-inspired garden. Affixed to the walls of the historic space were key moments from the brand’s development, depicted in textile form—including the early days of founder Guccio Gucci.
Responsive Nature
“Responsive Nature,” an installation by Milan-based architect and interior designer Elisa Ossino for Italian luxury furniture brand Molteni&C, used six immersive landscapes as an exploration of nature’s transformative power. Within the installation, hosted in the courtyard and grounds of Via Senato 14, guests were invited to explore the lush moments, which enveloped Molteni&C’s 2026 outdoor collection, curated by Vincent Van Duysen.
The Flamingo Estate Bathhouse by Kohler
American heritage manufacturing company Kohler collaborated with L.A.-based lifestyle and wellness brand Flamingo Estate on a courtyard sanctuary with seven species of wildflowers and baths for bees alongside a sculptural installation titled “The Bathhouse.” “We need care around the human, but we also need to take care of the Earth,” Michael Seum, VP of Global Design at Kohler, tells Surface. “When you arrive [to the installation], you see the pollination flowers, and you see insects, and you think about the role of nature in sustainable thinking—then you see our restorative temple to bathing.” Seum describes the partnership as a sanctuary for nurturing and nourishment—and draws similarities between the bee-bath vision of Richard Christiansen, founder of Flamingo Estate, and Kohler’s copper tub.
The Private Lives of Objects
Set into the private plaza of Chiostro Sant’Angelo, Italian design brand Flexform’s “The Private Lives of Objects” asked attendees to ponder furniture pieces as repositories for memory. In setting its new outdoor collection amidst the exclusive space’s flora, the brand allowed for a sense of wonder and discovery.
In Conversation With
“In Conversation With,” Byredo’s immersive collaboration with French artist and designer Jean-Guillaume Mathiaut, set pieces crafted from fallen oak within the gardens of a 15th-century cloister named Chiostro Cappucci. Mathiaut crafted each of the limited-edition sculptural seats specifically for Byredo—and finished one set in black Japanese ink
ARKET Laila Gohar Carousel
Chef and artist Laila Gohar updated an antique fairground carousel from the 1700s with large-scale fruits and vegetables. Installed in Giardino delle Arti, the functioning artwork welcomed passers-through to step on for a ride. The visually stunning installation—perhaps the most discussed outdoor exhibition this Milan Design Week—acted as an announcement for Gohar’s first ready-to-wear collection, in collaboration with Swedish lifestyle brand Arket.
Forum Florum
In “Forum Florum: Herbarium of the Present,” Warsaw-based Marcin Rusak Studio crafted botanical-infused design pieces through material exploration—mesmeric gardens paused in time. Within SIAM (Society for the Encouragement of Arts and Crafts), the exhibition demonstrated the architectural capability of Rusak’s floral pieces, translating glass laminate panels into tables and a cabinet.
