Cool Hunting

It seems furniture isn't the only thing on display during the Milan Furniture Fair. Increasingly, corporate sponsors, associations, and schools use the fair as an opportunity to sell their brands. Interestingly enough, one of the most awe-inspiring installations this week has come not from an Italian mega brand like Moroso or B&B Italia, but from Polimoda, the International Institute of Fashion Design and Marketing, which is based in Florence.

The exhibition is designed not to showcase the work of graduates and presumably catapult new careers, but to serve as a proud banner for the school itself. Situated on the same block as the sprawling Superstudio, in a magnificent warehouse space, "White Carpet for Polimoda" is an exhibition of work from 60 first year students, produced in their very first semester. By lining the students' pieces in single file along the entire length of the space, and sticking to a regimental palette of black, creamy white, and natural tan, the collective work was a profound break from the chaotic design displays throughout the Zona Tortona. It almost made we want to take up fashion. (Click images for detail.)