Surrounded by the dark marble and gorgeous lighting of MASSIMODECARLO, CULTURED gathered an influx of travelers and design lovers to toast Colin King, the magazine’s new design editor-at-large, against the glittering backdrop of Milan Design Week. King brings his experience as a stylist and artistic director to his new column Quick Study, which premiered earlier this week with a conversation featuring Rosanna Orlandi, Italy’s “signora of design.” Through this series, King will shed light on the state of the industry, tracking trends within the space and interviewing fellow designers.
The dancer-turned-interior designer has been on quite the run, releasing his monograph Arranging Things and his first collection with West Elm last year. “Quick Study feels a little like my own dinner party,” wrote King in his letter introducing the column to readers. “A meeting of minds where new friendships are sparked, frank conversations unfold, and industry norms are examined and critiqued.”
The same can be said of last night’s festivities: Guests gathered for drinks hosted by Editor-in-Chief Sarah Harrelson and provided by Ruffino Wines, the legacy Italian winery serving Tuscany's finest Chianti. Along with stirring conversation, attendees were treated to an exclusive experience of John Armleder’s latest exhibition “On ne fait pas ça,” which combines the Swiss artist’s sense of humor with his penchant for kitsch.
Architects Alexander Gorlin and Joe DiNapoli came out to represent the industry. Interior designers Robert Stilin, Julie Hillman, and Athena Calderone joined the evening celebration. Dry Farm Wines founder Todd White, Future Perfect founder David Alhadeff, and creative strategist Olivia Lopez rounded out the design-minded set.
The title, which directly translates from French to "we don't do that," embraces Armleder's zest for life and spontaneity, both of which were on full display for partygoers. His colorful painting Zig Zag, 2022, provided a cartoon-like wallpaper with what looked to be hand-drawn views of the Italian countryside. Armleder’s glass and mirror work Parts for piece, 2024, was installed on the floor, bouncing the muted colors of Blue Bowl, 2023, up to the viewer.
It was the chic, eclectic setting necessary to welcome a new editor into the CULTURED fold. King, for one, could not be more excited. As he wrote: “I hope you, dear reader, will also take a seat at my table and join the conversation.”
