A special treat was present at the heart of Zona Tortona for the third time.  The participation by HEAD, Haute Ecole D'Art Et De Design in Geneva, led by French designer Matali Crasset (image above) and Alexandra Midal (professor of theory & history of design at Ecal (Switzerland) and School of Fine Arts of Toulouse (FR), former directress of Frac Haute-Normandie, now an independent curator of exhibitions) created a dynamic environment designed by the school's students. The exhibition, Dip in Space, offers a new approach to the creation of a space. We usually see products and objects that are defined by its function roaming the entire city of Milan. Dip in Space breaks that mold and fully immerses its viewers into a multi-sensorial experience in the design process.

The space was divided into two worlds: first, the glowing red magma (wax) represents the mind of the designer at its peak in the creative process, while the second invites visitors to experiment with the magma to create their own inventions. By dipping supports into wax-filled containers, they created unique objects that together mold a collective works in progress. This organic, always transforming and democratic pursuit demonstrates the plasticity and participatory element that design inculcates. The exhibition acts as a sensorial oasis where inventiveness, collaboration and individuality is celebrated. In this occasion, experience comes before function creating a discourse on some of the contemporary issues design phases today.

As an extension to the exhibition, HEAD - Geneve + Melissa, presented their newest three shoe designs created specially for the Brazilian label by three students of the Fashion, Accessory and Jewelry Design section of the university. The students exploratory and risk taking process caused a buzz in its presentation in Rio de Janeiro earlier this year and now it made its way to Milan where it took part of the exhibition to complete this remarkable experience for the students and the design community.  

Melissa's Creative Director, Edsun Matsuo wanted to blend the technical expertise of Melissa and raw creativity of the students. The collection of entries were so creative that Melissa selected three of the best prototypes to be produced in Brazil. The winning entries by students Julie Simon, Marine Stampfli and Morgane Ribeyrolles, highlight the avant-gardist creativity of Fashion Design at Head, Geneve. Be on the look out as they are being marketed right now across the globe.