Labò by The Design Blender

Now in its third edition, LABÒ continues its research in collectible design and art within the former industrial spaces of Fondazione Rodolfo Ferrari and SPA - Società Prodotti Antibiotici, located in the Barona District on the outskirts of Milan.

From Sunday, 6 April to Friday, 11 April 2025, the venue at via Biella 6 will host a fresh selection of international designers, artists, and companies, carefully curated by The Design Blender, the duo composed of Elsa Lemarignier and François Leblanc di Cicilia. Labò explores the role of design as a driving force of transformation and research, intertwining method and intuition, rigour and experimentation. The theme of the 2025 edition, “Crafting tomorrow, Rising ideas”, celebrates design’s ability to generate unexpected connections, offer new perspectives, and open up creative exploration.
“This third edition of LABÒ is a celebration of design as an act of transformation. We want to explore the power of creativity in generating impact and shaping a better future.”, explains The Design Blender.

This year’s vision is brought to life through a renewed collaboration with Paris-based studio Undo-Redo, led by Nicola Aguzzi, who translates the event’s concept into a site-specific installation at Labò.
Designed in partnership with Vimar1991 - an Italian company acquired by Chanel in 2020 as manufacturing excellence to be preserved and enhanced for the creation of the finest yarns used in the iconic tweeds - the installation, Perpetuum Mobile, reimagines textile machinery as a hypnotic artwork. By transforming the machines that wind yarn into hanks, the piece explores the fine line between industrial production and artistic expression.

Furthermore, the key partnership continues with EDIT Napoli curators Domitilla Dardi and Emilia Petruccelli. This collaboration unites two realities sharing the same mission: to promote contemporary design through an innovative and multidisciplinary vision. 

The selection of exhibitors for this project's third edition stands out for its international scope, bringing together outstanding figures in the contemporary design landscape. For the second consecutive year, leading international institutions that represent excellence in education, production, and the promotion of craftsmanship and design will take part in the exhibition. Among them, Ateliers de Paris (BDMMA) and Le JAD - Jardin des Métiers d’Art et du Design will contribute as incubators of creativity and innovation, supporting young designers, artisans, and artists.

Demonstrating the strong connection between design and French cultural heritage, Mobilier National, a historic institution of the French Republic dedicated to preserving and promoting artisanal savoir-faire, will participate in LABÒ with a selection of projects and collaborations that merge tradition and contemporary design.
Alongside these French institutions, the Royal Danish Academy - one of the most prestigious research and education institutes in the fields of design and architecture - will present the Star Homes Project, further reinforcing LABÒ’s role as an international hub for dialogue between institutions, creatives, and businesses.

With over 35 participants, LABÒ confirms itself as a hub of exchange and experimentation, where design thrives on cross-disciplinary influences and diverse perspectives. A living laboratory capable of connecting creatives, companies, and the public, offering new insights into the culture of design and its evolving narratives.