The showroom will serves as a 'museum' space in which to showcase the company’s 47-year history, alongside temporary exhibitions. Photography: Santi Caleca
Founded in 1968 by Enrico Astori, Antonia Astori and Adelaide Acerbi, the brand has chosen to inaugrate the showroom with an exhibition of pieces from its earlier days. Entitled ‘Early Years’, the show explores bold Driade designs produced in the 1960s, 70s and 80s
Architect Antonia Astori created the 'Oikos' bookcase in 1972: a functional and flexible modular design reconciling furniture and architecture
The 'Sof Sof' chair was designed for Driade by Enzo Mari in 1972, and draws inspiration from supermarket trolleys
The 'Capitello' table by Enzo Mari is another example of architectural research applied to design
'Sacher' chair, by Ettore Sottsass, 1981
The Milan showroom includes a permanent display of the brand's vast collection with pieces by the likes of Carlo Colombo, Fredrikson Stallard and Toyo Ito
The showroom acts a blank canvas for Driade's experimental, playful designs. Photography: Enza Tamborra
'Cronotopo', by Nanda Vigo, 1963
Lella and Massimo Vignelli are among the designers who contributed to Driade's early developments. The 'Ara' table is part of a Mackintosh- and Wright-inspired collection from the 1970s
The 'Duecavalli' armchair by design trio Studio De Pas, D'Urbino, Lomazzi in 1969 is inspired by the Citroën 2CV, a popular car in Italy (also nicknamed 'duecavalli')
keywords:Driade, David Chipperfield, design, store, Milan, showroom, furniture