I came across the John Lennon wall in Prague when I was staying in Mala Strana taking my father to see his family. I was so taken by the baroque buildings on my way to Kampa Park that the site of this wall was a strong contrast to the nearby French embassy. During the 80’s after his death and before 1989, students would put graffiti up each night and it became a symbol of free speech. Since pop music as actually banned, he was even more of a hero at that time. Even now, it has a very powerful effect.

After being appointed by The Flower Council of Holland to promote the use of flowers and plants to the design community, Camron organised an event in Milan to tie in with Salone de Mobile. Five influential designers were each invited to create a floral livery for Fiat’s iconic 500s. From Studio Job, whose design incorporated white chrysanthemums and black coachroaches, to internationally renowned designer Karim Rashid, whose Fiat featured flowers in his trademark pink. Fredrikson Stallard, Studio Arne Quinze and Arik Levy also created dramatic designs which definitely stopped the traffic. Not so much vroom vroom then, as bloom bloom….

For this year’s Salone de Mobile, Armani/Casa created a modern Art Déco loft space at the Armani/Teatro to launch the new furniture and lifestyle collection. Camron was asked to invite the UK press to an exclusive press conference in the presence of Mr. Armani when the inspiration and thoughts behind the new collection were announced followed by a Q&A and walk through of the collection. The new pieces will be available at the London New Bond Street store from September. For further information visit also the new website.

After 3 years of intensive preparation, Meta’s first collection included pieces from Asymptote, BarberOsgerby, Tord Boontje, Matali Crasset and Wales & Wales. The new company is part of Mallett, one of the world’s pre-eminent antique houses in the world and was created in conjunction with Louise-Anne Comeau and Geoffrey Monge who acted as creative consultants. The installation in Milan was curated by Jules Wright, creator and director of The Wapping Project. Meta was THE talking point of Milan this year with the Fig Leaf cabinet done by Tord Boontje mesmerising thousands who came to the installation in Zona Tortona, as they appreciated the 616 individually hand- painted enamel leaves.

Camron will be in Milan and we are working with Swarovski, Meta, Bisazza, B&B Italia, Armani, Bernhardt and Cosmit where we are in the Press Office representing the UK. We have produced our own Camron Top 10 list, but heading this up is the Peter Greenaway installation which will debut on Tuesday, April 15th for press and open to the public from the 16th. It takes place at the Sala delle Cariatidi, Palazzo Reale and people will go through in groups of 20. It promises to be one of the most memorable installations during Salone this year – don’t miss it.