Join Our Designers at Milan Design Week
Chasing Trends and New Perspectives
At STUDIO 9, staying ahead means stepping out into the world – and this time, the destination was Milan. Three of our designers, Ann-Brit, Jonas, and Clara, recently embarked on an inspirational journey to the international capital of art, fashion, and design. Their mission? To scout new trends, fuel creativity, and bring insights back to our clients.
What made Milan the perfect destination for trend scouting?
Ann-Brit: Milan offers a unique mix of art and design. The city itself becomes a curated experience – you find new forms, colour palettes, materials, and detailed craftsmanship that simply can't be captured through a screen. Every corner offers something unexpected and inspiring. Pop-up exhibitions, collaborations between brands, and showcases from international art schools make the city a living trend laboratory.
Clara: Digital research is limited by your own search habits and abilities. In Milan, you stumble into things you didn’t know you needed to see – surprises that no algorithm could have predicted.
What trends stood out the most during your trip?
Clara: Performance and immersive experiences dominated the scene. Everything was about interaction – from light installations to spaces where you could touch, hear, and even smell the design. Materials like metal, stone, glass, and ceramics were often blended in new, contrasting ways.
Ann-Brit: Another key trend was how brands staged their products. It wasn't just about showing a product; it was about creating an environment that enhanced it. Carpets defined spaces, lighting shaped moods – every detail was part of a larger story. It’s a mindset that aligns perfectly with how we work at STUDIO 9, crafting complete brand experiences for retail environments and supplying full trim solutions that elevate the entire product experience.
Were there any standout exhibitions or collaborations that left a mark?
Jonas: Absolutely – curated collective exhibitions were a highlight. It was exciting to see designers working together to create multi-sensory experiences. Georg Jensen’s installation particularly stood out with its playful and elegant interaction of light, metal, and form. They had a pop-up Italian café serving gelato and coffee in their dinnerware.
How do you bring this inspiration back to client projects?
Ann-Brit: This trip energised our creativity and sharpened our sense of how important staging and environment are in retail. Whether it's designing a new inspirational collection or working on a concrete request from a client, we’re translating these insights into spaces that don’t just display products – they make people feel connected to them by creating memorable moments. It not only attracts customers, but also retain them for longer periods of time.
Jonas: It also strengthens our role as trusted advisors. We can filter global trends or be inspired by raw materials and interpret them into commercial, functional concepts tailored to our clients’ needs. The trip was just the first drop of a growing wave of creativity and new ideas that we’re excited to bring into our future projects.
What’s a piece of advice you’d give to someone looking to stay ahead of trends in our industry?
Clara: Stay curious and critical. It’s all about balancing an open mind to new ideas with a healthy scepticism. Don’t just be impressed by a big name – ask yourself what the design actually achieves. What purpose does it serve? At STUDIO 9, we focus on helping our clients navigate trends with insight and intention.
Here’s a closer look at the images capturing some of the textures, materials, moods, and moments that made this trip unforgettable.
