Looking Back at 2024: Celebrating Global Design Highlights in Hospitality, Design, and Branding
As we approached 2025 and begun forecasting the trends that will shape the design world, it feels right to pause and celebrate the remarkable achievements and collaborations of 2024. This past year has been a testament to the power of design to transform spaces, connect people, and tell compelling stories. Here are some of the most inspiring moments at the crossroads of hospitality, design, & branding.
Photo credit: Simone Casconi, The Complainers
Milan Design Week: A Playground for Creative Expression
Milan Design Week continues to be a beacon for innovation, and 2024 was no exception. This year, hospitality and branding collided in unique and immersive ways, creating unforgettable experiences.
Bar Unikko by Marimekko and Apartamento Magazine A standout highlight was the Bar Unikko takeover, where Finnish design powerhouse Marimekko joined forces with Apartamento Magazine. The result? A vibrant, design-forward bar concept that brought Marimekko’s iconic Unikko pattern to life in a multisensory environment. Guests were enveloped in bold colors and textures, celebrating both the playful spirit of Marimekko and the editorial edge of Apartamento.
Photo credit: Sean Davidson
Scarosso and @wmbrownproject at Bar Basso Bar Basso, a Milanese institution, played host to an exciting capsule launch by Scarosso and Matt Hranek’s WM Brown project. This collaboration blended Italian craftsmanship with classic American style, resulting in footwear and accessories that exuded timeless sophistication. The event seamlessly integrated branding, design, and hospitality, leaving an indelible mark on Milan Design Week.
Photo credit: Simone Casconi, The Complainers
Caffè Rimowa and La Marzocco Collaboration Another headline-grabbing moment was Caffè Rimowa, a pop-up café created by the luxury luggage brand Rimowa to celebrate their limited-edition coffee maker collaboration with La Marzocco. The fusion of sleek design, exceptional coffee, and Rimowa’s travel ethos created a buzz-worthy destination, embodying the brand’s commitment to excellence.
Photo credit: Capsule.global
London Design Festival: Yinka Ilori’s Playful Pop-Up
During London Design Festival, Yinka Ilori brought his signature vibrant aesthetic to The Hoxton, Shoreditch, with a pop-up shop showcasing objects that blur the line between art and functionality. The space was a joyous celebration of color, culture, and craftsmanship, offering visitors an intimate connection to Ilori’s world. From bold furniture to smaller collectible pieces, the shop captured the essence of Ilori’s ability to create happiness through design.
Photo credit: Yi Objects
EquipHotel Paris: Teklan x Radici Carpet’s “Newstalgia” Collection
In Paris, the hospitality-focused EquipHotel show hosted the launch of the “Newstalgia” collection by Swedish designer Teklan in collaboration with Radici Carpet. This collection reimagined retro-inspired patterns through a contemporary lens, emphasizing sustainability and durability. The partnership showcased how thoughtful design can enhance the guest experience while embracing the principles of slow design.
Photo credit: Maria Teresa Furnari
Ithra Tanween Exhibition: Fail Forward with Isola Design
At Ithra’s Tanween exhibition in Saudi Arabia, the theme “Fail Forward” set the stage for a showcase of innovative designs that embraced experimentation and growth. As part of the exhibition, MasCreations presented their stunning collection of lamps, blending functional design with artistic expression. The collaboration with Isola Design underscored the region’s growing influence on the global design stage, offering a platform for creators to share their unique narratives with an international audience.
Photo credit: Isola Design
These moments from 2024 remind us that design is not just about creating beautiful objects or spaces; it’s about crafting experiences that resonate on a deeper level. As we look ahead to 2025, let’s carry forward the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and storytelling that defined this year. Here’s to another year of pushing boundaries and creating magic through design.