Wabi Sabi.

The Japanese principle of the Wabi-Sabi has a centuries-long tradition. Beauty does not come from uniformity or perfection. It's a kind of harsh, mature simplicity that makes things beautiful: a rusted tea kettle, a moss-covered stone. Wabi-Sabi was ubiquitous in Milan, especially in terms of accessories...

Finding beauty in every aspect of imperfection is the wonderful concept of Wabi-Sabi. Irregular ceramic surfaces, hand-braided cords, burned tiles - these details were as common in Milan as plants. Why this is, is obvious.

"To recognise the aesthetics of an object in its most natural and raw form is very different from Jonathan Ivy's APPLE design," notes Harald Klüh, "Wabi-Sabi is, so to speak, the counterpoint to the cool perfection of the digital age." Today, almost everything is designed on the computer. Binary orderliness is ubiquitous. Humans, however, are not perfect machines. They become human through their inconsistencies, their small faults and quirks. This also finds its expression in design - and can be combined perfectly with clear-cut minimalism.

GAN

ERNESTOMEDA

Old braiding techniques are highly modern again. Irregularities and asymmetry are highly desired properties that reflect the character of traditional crafts.

Wabi-Sabi is an aesthetic concept that turns our understanding of near-unattainable beauty into the opposite. It emphasises
natural beauty, accepts mistakes and prefers materials that are organic and transitory.

Whether wood, paper, textiles or stone - the materials usually remain untreated and keep their most natural form. The texture of the surfaces remains rough, uneven, random and varied. "This is what makes the special charm of this Japanese design philosophy," adds Harald Klüh, "that we find ourselves in the designs. They reflect our own natural imperfection."

Stefan Ambrozus
Designer

ABIMIS not only designed the surfaces of the furniture in line with Wabi-Sabi principles but also the interior of its exhibition stand.

Wabi-Sabi could be found almost everywhere in Milan. In product design, in accessories, in interior design or in exhibition construction, Harald Klüh believes that he can recognise "an unmistakable solidarity for more naturalness".

Is Wabi-Sabi a logical progression or is it a return? "Both," Harald Klüh is sure about that. "Playful diversity offers a great opportunity to combine traditional and new design principles and create something new. The Wabi-Sabi trend is no coincidence if living is to become more comfortable, natural and sustainable."

Bringing natural disorder into a reproducible order - that's design in the sense of Wabi-Sabi.

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Wabi Sabi.

Wabi Sabi.

"Wabi-Sabi incorporates nature, environment and time into the understanding of aesthetics."

Milan Design Week 2022 Trend Monitor.