Every April, the design world turns its eyes to Milan. As designers, collectors and cultural influencers gather for the annual display of Salone del Mobile and the city-wide installations that accompany it, Milan Design Week becomes a stage for ideas that contribute to the future of interiors. For those not attending the events of the courtyards and historic palazzos in person, some moments deserve a closer look.
A highlight this year is “Speak Back”, an immersive installation by Sophie Ashby and Sister by Studio Ashby, presented at Alcova Milano inside the reminiscent setting of Casa delle Suore.
Designed as a richly layered living room, the installation unfolds as a quiet invitation to pause. Visitors step into a space that celebrates design not just as decoration, but also as a form of conversation between objects, materials and the people who live with them.
At the heart of the presentation is a new collection of furniture, lighting and textiles from Sister by Studio Ashby. In its sculptural approach, the pieces explore a balance of form and feeling – where bold shapes, touchable finishes and expressive colour come together in a setting designed for reflection and everyday joy.
A living room that feels both intimate and expressive
The installation includes new designs together with pieces from Sister’s existing collection, creating what feels like a carefully curated home in an exhibition environment. A kaleidoscopic rug pulls together the room, while sculptural lighting projects a warm glow through coated textures and soft paddings.
Adding another layer to the space is a specially commissioned artwork by London-based artist Katarina Lalic. Her creations of the space introduce bursts of colour and movement, amplifying the emotional unique tone of the installation, resulting in a setting that feels intentionally tame – a reminder that design’s true power lies not only in aesthetics, but in the way it encourages overall connection.
Our favourite pieces from the collection
While the installation reads as an integrated collection, several designs stand out as particularly compelling expressions of Ashby’s design language.
The Ivo Sofa and Armchair
With generous dimensions and sculptural arm rests, the Ivo seating pieces exude comfort. Designed to hold their shape without commotion, they strike that elusive balance between structure and softness – the kind of seating that invites comfortable conversations.
The Potto Armchair and Footstool
Named after the primate nicknamed “softly-softly”, the Potto chair is an ode to slowing down. Rounded and enveloping, it's made for comfort, while the matching footstool echoes its curved silhouette.
The Anouk Table
Inspired by the organic form of magnolia blossoms, this dimensional table features a hand-crafted relief base and a delicate finial detail. Each piece begins as a hand-sketched design before being carved in wax and cast in metal, ensuring subtle variations between the pieces.
The Grace Table
As one of the most poetic designs in the collection, the Grace Table takes prompts from jewellery and botanical influences. Beneath the tabletop, details mirror seed pods and abstract florals, lending the piece a sense of subtle movement.
The Gem Rug
Hand-knotted in India using New Zealand wool and bamboo silk, this richly coloured rug brings coral-inspired tones of gold and cinnamon into the installation, grounding the space with creative pattern and depth.
Design that invites conversation
“Speak Back” also marks a milestone for Sister by Studio Ashby: the brand’s first international showcase in Milan.
For Ashby, the concept centres around the idea that furniture should respond to its surroundings and its users, creating an ongoing connection between people and place. It’s a philosophy reflected in the installation’s intimate layout and in the character of the handcrafted pieces themselves.
In a week often defined by performance, the installation stands out for its confidence, proving that attentive design doesn’t need to be too loud to be noticed.
For those watching Milan Design Week from afar, this is one showcase worth bookmarking.
Credits
Images: Supplied by Studio Ashby (Instagram @studioashby @sisterbystudioashby)
Photography: Arthur Comley, Milo Hutchings
