What were they thinking?

There is an overwhelming amount of really cool stuff at the Salone. So much so, that you’re struck when you’re faced with a real head scratcher.

Example one, this, er, computer workstation.

It was at the Max Design Stand, and reminded me of a medieval birthing chair. (Maybe because it was black). Every year, someone comes up with a revolutionary chair design Рlike those “chairs” you were supposed to kneel on instead of sit on – that seem comfortable or useful the first time you use them, but soon find their way to the attic for storage.

Up next, this disco fever oven vent.

Elica actually has some very novel, and nice designs for oven vents – and you have to give them credit for at least trying to do something original. I guess. Maybe not. Maybe what they need is an admonishing.

And finally, Xo L’Oreille qui voit and Phillipe (I must be able to design while I‚Äôm unconscious, I‚Äôm so good) Starck decided to throw another irony barrage at us. This time he had the brilliant thought of replacing the backrest of a perfectly ordinary chair or settee with a panel of cheesy etched or plain plastic.

Voila. As tiresome as this design exercise were the hackneyed descriptors Xo used to characterize the collection: “Luxurious Simplicity”. “Baroque Minimalism”. “Compact Extravaganza”. “Democratic Chic.” “Everyday Extraordinary.”

I’d add “Take the Money and Run”. You may beg to differ, I am sure.