Cinema and photography, two closely connected and complementary worlds, both capable of telling stories, evoking emotions, and capturing fragments of reality through images that reveal the essence of humanity. British director Peter Chelsom, known for his acclaimed films and collaborations with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, has always nurtured a deep passion for photography, an obsession that began in his childhood. An exhibition hosted at MyOwnGallery during MIA Photo Fair BNP Paribas unveils the director’s sharp and ironic gaze, offering the public a journey behind the scenes and into his personal exploration of the “dream role.”
"Dream Role", curated by Beatrice Audrito, presents a selection of photographs taken on the sets of numerous films directed by Chelsom, including Funny Bones, Shall We Dance?, Serendipity, Hector and the Search for Happiness, and many others.
Let’s start with a reflection. 25 years after the birth, starting from Superstudio Più on Via Tortona, of what is now the Milan Design Week spread across the neighborhoods, what has design become in its transformation from a commercial event reserved for architects, designers, creatives, buyers, sellers, manufacturers, real estate professionals, and other “industry insiders”, to a large pop and popular event that now attracts, in addition to the aforementioned, crowds of enthusiasts, explorers, students, curious individuals, and entire families?
In our opinion, Milan Design Week has become not only the most effervescent, most international, most democratic, most sustainability-conscious, and most visionary week of the year, but also the most joyful, intriguing, even playful event, dispensing crumbs of pleasure. Attracting, in addition to furniture, object, and device producers of all sizes in dialogue with AI, it also brings together creatives and brands from outside the sector, from automotive, fashion, food, beauty, and even the works of students and artists... and so on. A broad panorama full of promises, both for the present and for the future. Often directed, without filters, to the consumers who eagerly await it, happy to be part of it.
Happiness. Here’s the key word, which encapsulates hope and beauty. In these dark and uncertain times of post-Covid, wars, economic crises, geopolitical changes, and Trump-era tariffs, it’s something we need, at least a little, at least in our homes, in the outdoor spaces we live in, in our daily gestures.
Happiness – inherent in products, evident in installations – is the challenge we’ve thrown to those wishing to participate in this edition of the Superdesign Show at Superstudio Più in Via Tortona, a historic venue that once again sets trends or at least reflects desires.
Happiness. As our theme of the year. As HAPPINESS, a manifesto identified by the exclusive lettering created by graphic artist Daniele Cima, where each letter is meant as a small work of art. As the common thread of the exhibition path characterized by the bright yellow chosen by art director Giulio Cappellini. As a big thank you to the protagonists of Made in Italy who have been with us over these 25 years and today return to the exhibition of their unforgettable pieces. As the exciting show that makes hearts beat in unison between man and machine, staged once again by Lexus. As the virtual explorations of nature and its dangers through the 4.0 technology of FORUM8. As well-being told by the virtual water experience of Geberit. As the selection of “out of this world” proposals, namely that far-East (China, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand) so rich in ideas that mix tradition with innovation. As the “Happy Objects” that tell stories of unusual creativity and make us smile. As “The Tree of Life,” a textile sculpture on-site by Carla Tolomeo, previously shown at the Mocenigo Museum during the 2024 Venice Biennale, which anticipates the sensual exhibition Voluptas by HUB161, hosted at Fla Museum, exploring the combination of tradition/contemporaneity in the craftsmanship and art of the Bel Paese.
As the fashion spotlights dim, another major week, sponsored by the Municipality of Milan, arrives in town. From March 2 to 8, Milano MuseoCity will involve 149 museums and cultural venues - including public, private, and corporate museums, foundations, and artist archives - to guide the public in discovering an extraordinary Milan. An extensive program of special openings, exhibitions and collaborations, to which our FLA Museum contributes with extended opening hours, guided tours, and a concluding event celebrating the Tortona District.
The museum will remain open with extended hours throughout the week, offering daily guided tours dedicated to the "Fashion R-Evolution" by Flavio Lucchini. Visitors can explore over 650 works set up in 20 themed rooms, showcasing dialogues between art and fashion through large sculptures, bas-reliefs, paintings created with traditional or experimental techniques, digital paintings, graphic works, and small or gigantic totems.
Opening Milan Fashion Week, the incredible Gucci runway show at Superstudio Maxi. A month of preparation, a galactic project, the best collaborators, an announced enchantment. It couldn't have started better than this.
Even though we are used to more spectacular setups that transform the large white 'boxes' of our venues into a different Wonderland every time, I was truly enchanted by the metamorphosis of the vast industrial hall of Superstudio Maxi into a luxurious and incredible Palazzo Gucci. It opened its central arena to its privileged guests after a welcome in the entrance hall, greeted with a glass of champagne.
The Fashion Research Salon, founded in 2000 by the young Massimiliano Bizzi and Brenda Bellei, is one of the most expected events of the Milan Women's Fashion Week. This year, from February 27th to March 1st, it celebrates an important anniversary. From its humble beginnings at the Fair to its success at Superstudio Più, and later at various locations on Via Tortona, it is a success that renews itself each time, always opening new horizons. White this year celebrates 25 years, just like Superstudio Più. And what it shares with it goes beyond just the location.
"White has managed to establish itself as a reference point for contemporary fashion... a journey that has enriched the Milanese fashion scene," said Alessia Cappello, Councilor for Economic Development, Labor Policies, and Fashion of the City of Milan. Just like Superstudio Più has been and continues to be for design.
Footballers, tennis players, music superstars, champions of every discipline, and award winners of all kinds find the perfect stage at Superstudio venues to celebrate their triumphs. The superhero of the year is undoubtedly Jannik Sinner, who, with his victory over Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open, is the only player currently aiming for the Grand Slam (winning all four major titles), an extraordinary feat achieved by only five players in a century of tennis history.
All the signs are there, and have been for some time. With his signature red hair, youth, and humility, it’s no surprise that he was the most applauded and celebrated athlete at the SuperTennis Awards, held on December 4 in the grand hall of Superstudio Maxi.
Despite the presence of other tennis stars like Matteo Berrettini—winner of three titles and a key player in Italy’s Davis Cup victory—Sara Errani, and Jasmine Paolini, who “wrote a page of history” at the Paris Olympics, Sinner stole the spotlight.
Entertaining the award winners with his witty humor was Piero Chiambretti, while the evening was crowned with an unforgettable concert by Antonello Venditti, making it a night to remember.
The great photographer remembered by Gisella Borioli, who, along with Flavio Lucchini, shared a life full of work, adventures, and friendship with him.
I met Oliviero Toscani when I was 21, and he was 24. I was already working at Condé Nast while continuing my studies, and he had recently graduated from the Kunstgewerbeschule in Zurich, where Flavio Lucchini, the great art director of Vogue, had discovered him. We were two young people ready for the incredible life awaiting us. Together with Flavio, who was both my and his mentor, we worked, traveled, challenged conventions, invented, photographed, published. We fell in love, got married, had children—and later, he had other loves and children—always sharing the emotions of life.
We met Agneta with little Olivia and Sabina, he was a witness at our wedding, and later we attended his with Kirsti. He took the first pictures of our newborn daughter Gaia, who, two years later, was playing with his little Rocco. We once gave him a rabbit in exchange for a horse that never arrived. For many years, we were an inseparable trio, then somewhat less so, but we always stayed close.
He was a co-conspirator in all our projects, from the most innovative magazines—Vogue, L’Uomo Vogue, Lei, Donna, Moda, Eva—to the Superstudio, where he was one of our most loyal clients; it was like home to him. An irreplaceable friend, we argued, made up, helped each other, supported one another, but never grew apart. We grew older without aging inside. Together, we encountered legendary figures who shaped the history of art: from Man Ray to Fellini, Picasso to Saint Laurent, Andy Warhol to Robert Rauschenberg, and countless others I can no longer recall. And, of course, all the major players in international fashion. Elio Fiorucci was our fourth musketeer, the one who was first to display and embrace the results of our explorations: cowboy jeans, military fashion, London punk, erotic lingerie, African prints, and Guatemalan folk skirts and blouses. Once, Oliviero wanted Elio to display a real horse in the shop window, but this time, he didn't oblige him.
With just a glance, Oliviero captured the essence of things and immortalized it with a click, breaking the rules and daring the unimaginable. With a laugh, he mocked those who didn’t understand—too bad for them.
Now, Oliviero is gone, and everyone recognizes his genius, even his detractors. Was he a provocateur? Absolutely. He told stories with images and provoked reactions that made people think. How many times did I defend him against those who threw stones of scorn or even hatred at him, unable to grasp his vision!
Illness struck him suddenly and harshly. Now we are all a little more alone—some without a friend, others without an adversary. In my book Gisella. Volevo essere felice (“Gisella: I Wanted to Be Happy”), which I just published, he is always present, unknowingly. I know that in his final days, my book was in his hands and brought him a bit of comfort. Thank you for everything, Oliviero.
Interactions with art have always been a hallmark of Superstudio Più, located on Via Tortona, which has fostered collaboration and integration among different forms of creativity and communication since its inception. During Design Week, this becomes a strength and a mark of excellence, underscoring its uniqueness.
In particular, Superstudio’s museum—the FLA, Flavio Lucchini Art Museum—is a large and unexpected exhibition space dedicated to works by the Group’s founder. These pieces speak of fashion, beauty, creativity, past, and future. During Milan Design Week, the museum transforms into a captivating location, hosting special design projects enhanced by dialogue with the surrounding artworks.
Immerse yourself in the magic of music surrounded by the soft glow of candlelight—a setting where the flickering flames seem to dance in harmony with every note. Add the charm of a festive Christmas atmosphere, and it’s an experience to treasure as the holidays approach.
This year, Superstudio Più becomes part of Fever’s extraordinary multi-sensory musical journey, usually held in the city’s most iconic venues. For three exclusive dates, the festively adorned Lounge room will host this enchanting experience—an hour of pure magic that leaves a lasting impression.
The program features something for everyone, with performances scheduled across different days and times. Accompanied children over 8 are also welcome to join the enchantment. The lineup includes: A Tribute to Queen – Twelve spectacular compositions performed on piano by Giuseppe Califano (Friday, 13th). Famous Movie Soundtracks – The timeless harmonies of Maestro Ennio Morricone brought to life by Luca Rampini on piano (Saturday, 14th), and Christmas Classics – Fifteen unforgettable holiday melodies performed by Luca Morelli on piano (Sunday, 15th). Don’t miss this unforgettable experience.
Book your tickets now: https://feverup.com
Sometimes the past knocks on the door, all at once. This autumn, Milan paid homage to the legends of yesterday. My journey down memory lane began with the exhibition dedicated to Aldo Fallai at Armani/Silos, followed by the Ballo&Ballo show at Castello Sforzesco, the photography exhibition of Ugo Mulas at Palazzo Reale, and Elio Fiorucci at Triennale, culminating in the Franco Moschino exhibition marking 30 years since his passing, held at our MyOwnGallery.
Next year will mark 25 years of Superstudio Più in Via Tortona—a visionary initiative that played a role in reshaping the city through creativity. It has been a journey through fashion, art, and photography, one I was fortunate to partake in, and whose milestones I am pleased to reflect on here.