10 innovative artworks from Gen D Vol.02 supported by Dolce & Gabbana at Milan Design Week

"...At Milan Design Week 2024, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, the dynamic duo behind Dolce&Gabbana, supported emerging designers in furniture design in the Gen D (Generation Designers) project for the second time..."

The opportunity was extended to designers from all corners of the globe, with Federica Sala serving as the curator to handpick all 11 noteworthy designers. Selected designers had the chance to participate in workshops to study the craftsmanship techniques in the Italian style, fostering creative exchanges between designers and artisans. This exchange preceded the creation of all 10 pieces that still carry the DNA of Dolce&Gabbana.

Gen D Vol.2 is a project akin to a cultural bridge, connecting standout designers from various countries with the longstanding expertise and craftsmanship skills deeply rooted in the 'Made in Italy' tradition. It offers each designer the opportunity to freely create their works, merging traditions, craftsmanship, and the enduring knowledge of Italy with the individual cultures of each designer.

The designers selected for this project began their projects by selecting materials or techniques as they wished to create their creations. The team took them to various regions across Italy to explore the realms of ceramics and mosaic glass, as well as to meet with expert artisans specialising in glassblowing, metal coating, metal forging, or woodworking, and the distinctive interior artistry of Dolce&Gabbana. The result is all 10 pieces created by the 11 designers.

 Dynamic Tensions by Thabisa Mjo

The designers from South Africa presented their work under the name "Dynamic Tensions," showcasing chairs crafted using weaving techniques that blend the craftsmanship of South Africa and Italy. Under the concept of bridging gentle femininity with masculine aesthetics, she believes that humans are not limited to any particular type and imbued this belief into their uniquely distinctive chair designs in two variations. One design embodies simplicity, while the other stands out with vibrant colours inspired by the patterns of Africa.

Wonderland by Mingyu Xu

This designer from China is another talent who blends craftsmanship from their homeland with Italian craftsmanship. He sees the connection between the two countries through similar patterns, hence choosing to use materials like bamboo, symbolic of their homeland, mixed with Venetian glassblowing artistry. This fusion creates art pieces named 'Wonderland,' inviting ones who see to enjoy and dream of contemporary artworks.

Chest of Flames by Hannah Lim

Drawing inspiration from ancient chests and seating thrones in the Italian tradition, which often incorporate narratives of their owners into their designs, Hannah sparked her design ideas by blending Dolce&Gabbana's distinctive style with rebellion and strength conveyed through the symbol of fire, as fire holds various narratives from ancient tales, such as the Chinese cultural association with dragons, which she incorporated into the patterns on the chests. Additionally, she utilised the shape of Mount Etna, a volcano in Sicily, within her designs.

A Journey by Jie Wu

Derived from the belief in symbols bringing luck and the fusion of Italian and Chinese cultures, designers find inspiration. She blends positive symbols from China, like lotus flowers, bronze vessels, and traditional Chinese knotting, with sculptures of Sicily's pine cones. The resulting artworks are elegant and reflect the essence of both cultures.

Ceramic Nacre by Byungsub Kim

The ancient Italian art of Mosaic, reminiscent of Korea's ancient wood inlay art, has inspired this Korean designer to create artworks under the concept of linking the past with the future. Using digital design to create mosaic patterns, he blends the essence of Korea's wood inlay art, crafting large-scale masterpieces that are both contemporary in form and pattern. These works reflect the fusion of traditional heritage with modernity, emptiness with balance, art, and design.

Arcadia by Laurids Gallée

From the iconic scenes in the film 'La Dolce Vita,' renowned during the 50s and 60s, this designer from Austria found inspiration to create luxurious Viennese wood furniture. He crafted large-sized work desks with unconventional shapes, meticulously decorated by skilled artisans. Adorned with oil paintings reflecting the cultural richness of Italy in architecture, cuisine, and nature, these pieces encapsulate the essence of Italian culture.

Mare Nostrum Fantasia by MESTIZ (Daniel Valero)

This Mexican designer has created artworks using vibrant colours from his homeland, presented as sculptures using various handmade materials to design furniture that breaks away from traditional patterns. Drawing inspiration from Fellini's dreams and pre-hispanic-style furniture, the poetry narrating life along the Italian coastline, evolved into the design of a beachside table adorned with red mosaic tiles. Textile-style wrapping around lamps resembling beach umbrellas installed at the centre of the table completes the Texan-inspired design.

Me Terre Or by Touche-Touche

The work designed by two designers, Carolin Giezner and Théo Demans from Atelier Zavantem in Brussels, draws inspiration from hiking in Sicily. The unique natural features evoke thoughts of the cycle of life and death, which continuously transforms our world becoming the inspiration of their art piece. By combining various materials, and focusing on textures that distinctly resemble nature. Sculptures shaped like stones hide a heating system operated by stone buttons installed on one side of the artwork. They're also designed to rotate the stone buttons to control the flow of water, which gradually trickles into the carved whirlpool. It's artwork that can interact with people, linking the cycle of life with the sculptures in a captivating way.

Whatever is at hand by Riccardo Cenedella

From Dolce&Gabbana's jewellery designs and the Alta Sartoria collection showcased in Marzamemi, Riccardo found inspiration to design chandelier lamps crafted from scraps of bronze blended with fragments of Murano glass. Under the concept of utilising leftover materials from various industries to create new design pieces, it not only promotes sustainable design but also encourages people to think more critically about their consumption choices.

Amlima Nu Wɔ Fɛ (My Magical Home) by Ella Bulley

The spiritual connection, the breathtaking landscapes of Ghana, and the mineral resources of Volta Land and Ga Mashie ignite the imagination of the young designer. She blends various materials, including stones, glass, and gold from her homeland, Ghana, to craft lamps with enchanting colours. Each design seamlessly merges charming hues, inviting observers into a world of dreams and wonder.

Source: Dolce&Gabbana

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