As a design-first company, we’re always thinking beyond the material. After all, what’s the point of innovation if it can’t shape-shift into something extraordinary?
In this Q&A, we’re sharing a peek into the inspiration behind our collaboration with Elle Decor and Patricia Urquiola at Salone del Mobile, where we explored the alchemy of design and material innovation in a whole new light.
Q: About this exhibition at Milan Design Week—what was the creative opportunity in working with Banbū®?
A: It was an honor to be featured in Elle Decor’s Alchemica installation and to collaborate with Patricia Urquiola—one of the most respected designers in the world. Together, we created an embroidered Banbū® wall piece that reimagines what sustainable material can be. It brought craft, emotion, and innovation into one moment—and proved that material science belongs in design.
Q: Why did this collaboration matter so much to von Holzhausen?
A: Because it captured the essence of who we are—a brand rooted in the idea that design and science move further together. Collaborating with Patricia’s team allowed us to approach Banbū® through a creative lens where sustainability wasn’t the finish line, but the foundation. It reminded us that innovation should spark feeling, not just function.
Q: What role did color play in this installation?
A: The Chocolate color was developed specifically for this piece—a deep, understated tone that carries both warmth and clarity. It gave the material a timeless quality, grounding the embroidery in something calm and enduring. In a space full of bold statements, this color invited you to slow down and look closer.
Q: What does this moment say about the future of materials?
A: That sustainability doesn’t have to compromise creativity—it can elevate it. Banbū® was born from science, but it’s projects like this that show its soul. Being part of a global exhibition led by a visionary like Patricia reminds us that the future of design isn’t just functional or responsible—it’s emotional, collaborative, and beautifully made.
