The Dots hit Milan once again

Publications

After a period of uncertainty about it’s existence, The Dots teamed-up with Elle Decoration to bring us our guide to Dutch design in Milan.

By Cassandra Pizzey /asdf 05-04-2012

During the Salone del Mobile, guides to the FuoriSalone, Zona Lambrate and Zona Tortona can get a little overwhelming. Luckily, The Dots aims to bring all that is Dutch together in its overview of Dutch design in Milan.

This will be the fourth edition of The Dots after two successful Milan editions and the first guide to the London Design Festival last summer.

In previous years The Dots and Tuttobene were an initiative of the ministry of Economics which focusses heavily on the promotion of Dutch design outside The Netherlands. “Unfortunately, funding stopped and we needed to find a way to finance the magazine”, says Luc Deleau of The Dots. “We approached Elle Decoration and the double-issue was born.”

Each magazine has an equal share and worked independently from one another. In addition to the guide, interviews with designers such as Joep van Lieshout, Boijmans van Beuningen director Sjarel Ex, 40 years of Dutch Design in Milan and much more are featured in The Dots.

“The Dots treats established designers and design students as equals, giving them an even share in our overview”, says Deleau. “Unknown designers can really profit from being in the magazine alongside big and established names.”

He continues: “We noticed there is a real need for such a comprehensive publication. Both designers, visitors and even the Dutch consulate in Milan have expressed their appreciation for The Dots.”

Although the actual guide to Dutch design is a little different from previous years – no fold-out map or images – it still offers a complete overview of what’s on offer and where to find it. “We do see the magazine as a kind of yearbook of Dutch design”, adds Deleau.

And the future plans? “It would be great to have a publication for each of the big fairs and events, we already have Milan and London, who knows what will follow.”

The Dots/Elle Decoration is available in stores in The Netherlands and will be distributed for free during the Salone del Mobile in Milan (17-22 April 2012).