ECC: Milan Report – Part 02

Milan continues to set the tone for design globally — not just as a showcase of new work, but as a pulse check on where the industry is heading.

In Part 02 of our Milan Report, we continue our journey through Salone del Mobile, focusing on the exceptional brands we are proud to represent at ECC. From considered craftsmanship to progressive new collections, this next chapter highlights the depth, detail, and direction behind each brand we work with.

If you missed it, you can catch up on Part 01 here

Henge

Henge used Salone 2026 to make a statement about where the brand is headed — and it's clearly everywhere. Presented at their fully redesigned flagship on Via della Spiga, the collection Ritual Gravity explored the relationship between daily gestures and material permanence, positioning objects not just as functional elements but as anchors within the living environment. The standout debut was Henge Notte, the brand's first bedroom-focused collection — beds, wardrobes and storage systems that extend Henge's material-driven design language into more intimate spaces, with an emphasis on atmosphere, comfort and sculptural presence.

Equally significant was the launch of a first Home Collection developed by Ugo Cacciatori and Yabu Pushelberg, moving into tabletop and hospitality objects including stone plates, sand-cast trays and Murano glassware. There was also a collaboration with UNOX Casa, featuring a bespoke Burnished Titanium finish applied to the Model 1S oven — a sharp convergence of advanced kitchen technology and high-end material design. A brand growing with real intention.

Magis

Magis continued to demonstrate why it remains one of the most forward-thinking voices in contemporary design. The presentation explored the brand’s ongoing interest in playful experimentation balanced with technical precision, unveiling new pieces that push material innovation while staying grounded in everyday usability. From reimagined seating concepts to bold object typologies, the collection reinforced Magis’ ability to bridge industrial production with expressive design thinking. The result was a cohesive yet energetic showcase that felt both recognisably Magis and distinctly forward-looking, signalling a confident step into its next chapter.

Atelier Vierkant

The Belgian ceramics house showed up at Salone 2026 with their most considered presentation yet — a dual-chapter collection called Archae and Petrae, split across two distinct settings in the city. At the Salone del Mobile itself, Archae unfolded within a composed, architectural environment — a tranquil scenography informed by the deconstructed cylindrical form of their DT model, inviting a moment of stillness where form and material could be experienced in their most distilled expression. Then, across town at the Paola Lenti showroom, Petrae offered something altogether different — sculptural, rock-like volumes evoking a quiet narrative of nature gradually reclaiming its ground.

With neutral colours and a primordial presence, these maxi-ceramic creations fit naturally into outdoor spaces, spontaneously merging with the landscape. Fitting perfectly within this year's Salone theme of matter as a generative principle, Atelier Vierkant did what they do better than almost anyone — they made clay feel monumental, ancient, and entirely contemporary all at once. For those of us who believe that the right object can anchor an entire interior, this collection is worth serious attention.

Bocci

Bocci took a distinctly experiential approach with Light as Medium, transforming its Milan apartment on Via Giuseppe Rovani into a sequence of shifting, almost cinematic environments. Rather than presenting lighting as a collection of products, the installation treated light itself as the primary material — something to be shaped, suspended and encounter767584ed. Designed by Omer Arbel and curated by David Alhadeff, each room felt like its own atmospheric study, where glass forms and subtle illumination were composed into fleeting spatial moments that changed as you moved through them. The result was intentionally less about reading the object and more about being inside the work, with reflections, refractions and shadow playing an equal role in the experience.

Royal Botania

Royal Botania arrived at Salone del Mobile 2026 with a presentation that leaned into its signature balance of refinement and outdoor durability — but with a noticeably more architectural edge this year. Set within a calm, almost resort-like environment, the stand focused on material tactility and modular flexibility, showcasing new extensions to key collections alongside refined finishes in teak, ceramic and powder-coated aluminium. Under the direction of founder Kris Van Puyvelde, the brand continues to push outdoor furniture beyond purely functional territory — blurring the line between interior and exterior living.

Sculptural lounge systems, low-slung seating and generous dining settings were arranged to feel immersive rather than display-driven, encouraging a slower, more considered interaction with each piece. It was less about spectacle, more about atmosphere — a confident reminder that true luxury outdoors lies in restraint, comfort, and enduring craftsmanship.

Piet Boon

Studio Piet Boon arrived at Salone 2026 with a presentation that felt like a exhale — calm, considered, and quietly confident. Titled Rounded Stillness, the showcase drew on the muted palette of Giorgio Morandi — cream, sage green, dusty plum and pale grey — to create a layered, tranquil environment where every piece felt intentional. The hero of the collection was the new PAM sofa system, a modular design conceived to be viewed from all sides, with a rounded backrest that flows through into the stitching and cushion transitions.

New additions to the dining and outdoor categories rounded things out — the METTE armchair wrapped comfort in restraint, while the SIEBE outdoor chair and table brought the studio's understated aesthetic outside — and the OLLE collection was extended with organically shaped coffee and side tables, each with subtle irregularities that give them an almost handmade quality. The stand was complemented by partner brands including Deltalight, Serax and Flos Bespoke, with curated artworks woven throughout. Exactly what you'd expect from Piet Boon — nothing superfluous, everything beautifully resolved.

Expormim

A continuation of its deep-rooted craftsmanship, but with a renewed clarity around form and material. Known for its mastery of rattan, the Spanish brand leaned into its heritage without feeling nostalgic, presenting pieces that were lighter, more architectural, and confidently contemporary.

Organic silhouettes and generous proportions defined the collection, with seating that balanced visual softness against precise structure. The weaving — still entirely handcrafted — became a focal point, used not just as texture but as a way to shape volume and lightness within each piece. There was a noticeable refinement in the palette too: warm, sun-washed tones and natural finishes that spoke to Mediterranean living, subtly reinforcing Expormim’s identity without overstating it.

What stood out most was the sense of restraint. Rather than pushing for novelty, Expormim focused on evolution — refining proportions, elevating detailing, and allowing material honesty to lead. The result was a collection that felt timeless yet entirely relevant, sitting comfortably between indoor and outdoor contexts, and reinforcing the brand’s position as a leader in contemporary natural furniture design.

Ritzwell

Ritzwell presented a refined collection that further developed its signature approach to Japanese craftsmanship through a contemporary perspective. The showcase emphasised tactile materiality and precise proportion, introducing new seating and table designs defined by softened geometries, disciplined detailing, and a strong focus on comfort and structure. Leather, timber, and fabric were used with restraint, allowing the integrity of form and construction to take precedence. The result was a composed and highly resolved presentation that reinforced Ritzwell’s ability to create furniture shaped by both meticulous handcraft and architectural clarity.

Van Rossum

Van Rossum presented a collection that deepened its exploration of solid oak as both structure and surface. The showcase focused on material honesty and sculptural clarity, with new tables, seating, and storage pieces defined by bold proportions, softened edges, and an almost monolithic presence. Rather than overworking the material, the designs allowed the natural character of the wood — its grain, weight, and tonal variation — to lead the expression. The result was a series of grounded, architectural objects that reinforced Van Rossum’s commitment to timeless, enduring furniture shaped by craftsmanship and restraint.