Gessi Concept Lab in Milan
Apr 16 2014 · 0 comments · BlogTour Milan, Design Elements ·0
The moment I stepped foot into the Gessi Concept Lab in the center of the Fashion District in Milano I felt I was in for the experience of BlogTourMilan. Gessi made a purposeful choice to locate their showroom in this area of the city. Gessi has positioned itself as fashion forward and elegant ~ a perfect fit for the Fashion District!
The Gessi Concept Lab is located in a former movie theater. The Concept Lab is actually subterranean, the excavation and renovation of the space took over two years to complete. Replete with “cascades and pools and astonishing underground vertical gardens”, the Gessi Concept Lab gives the feeling of being in a secret garden of sorts.
Another interesting note, the Gessi Concept Lab is open to the public, so anyone is free to come in and explore and find inspiration for creating exceptional interiors.
We entered through a curved, lacquered, shiny, dark and reflective hall into a space with a “step and repeat” photo op featuring two motor scooters (where you step into an area, have your photo taken, and the next person repeats the process) ~ so much fun.
Kelly and Joann of Kandrac & Kole
As I descended the stairs into a reception area, the lower part of the reception desk caught my eye as it was sparkling with gold. Upon closer examination I saw that the shimmering glow was actually shining from plumbing pipes that were installed at varying lengths with various dimensions, it was absolute genius! Who knew that plumbing could look so glamorous?
Gessi takes great pride in the fact that their fittings are solid brass and not cast, and handmade with superior craftsmanship.
Continuing on, our guide told us that Gessi is a 20 year-old company. It is “Italy’s largest producer of high quality, original design bath faucets, sinks, accessories and shower systems”. The tour was a total sensory experience. As we descended to yet another level, we entered what felt like a rainforest to me. I heard water splashing and felt humidity. The area was seductively dark, the floor was wooden planks and the path was defined by glass panels that were waist high.
As we traversed this area, high high above us, without warning, various shower systems would be remotely activated and we would see sprays of water in different pressures with droplets of water in large and small sizes. And to top it all off the cascades were colors that changed!
Oh my, just when I thought I had seen enough, I glanced down to where the water was collecting to see a low, wide release of water through a 6” faucet that would easily massage a foot or a sore neck…ahhhhh.
The tour continued with so much design and so many inspiring displays. The flagship store is like walking into several vignettes with cultural influences from around the world ~ a true design Wonderland…
Morroccan inspired bathroom at Gessi Milano | photo by Gessi
Bali inspired bathroom at Gessi Milano | photo by Gessi
Japan inspired bathroom at Gessi Milano | photo by Gessi
Mediterranean inspired bathroom at Gessi Milano | photo by Gessi
New York loft inspired bathroom at Gessi Milano | photo by Gessi
Russian inspired bathroom design at Gessi Milano | photo by Gessi
Scandinavian inspired bathroom design at Gessi Milano | photo by Gessi
Here are a few of my favorite details…
Now this is a fashion display
I adore this drop down faucet
Sleek and sexy pedestal sink by Gessi
You can only imagine what I could do with this wallcovering…ahhhh
Gessi also makes beautifully crafted sinks and faucets for the Kitchen…
According to Managing Director Lucca Poletto, “Gessi products spring from creative freedom and a passion for objects liberated from prescribed functions and reinvention for new uses.” To me, Gessi products perfectly epitomize elegance, sexiness and fine Italian craftsmanship! The “talent” at Gessi is pretty easy on the eyes as well!
‘Gessi’s Girl’ ~ in the tub with Luca
Stay tuned for another Gessi post featuring their amazing new Eleganza line ~ to die for!
Ciao for now!
xo,
Pamela
BlogTour Milan was made possible by our generous sponsors: BLANCO America, Gessi, Clever Storage by Kesseboehmer, Dekton by Cosentino, the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and Modenus. All opinions expressed are my own.
All photos by Pamela Copeman or used with permission from Gessi unless otherwise noted
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