he annual Milan furniture shows are the most important event on every furniture designer, buyer and interior decorator’s calendar. But up until recently the heroes of this event tended to be male.

Then along came Patricia Urquiola. The Spanish-born designer had actually set herself up in Milan quite some time ago. In 1989 she completed her architectural studies under the guidance of design legend, Achille Castiglioni. By 2001 she had been able to start her own studio.
Now the most successful design companies are all queuing up outside her door. Why? Because in the midst of all these strong forms and simple shapes she manages to inject just the right amount of feminine.
Upon being asked to create an indoor hammock, she ended up with Antobodi, for Moroso, a simple form covered in what looks like fabric petals. And her armchair, Smock, reminds mostly of a favorite fashion accessory, the hand bag.
Having said all that though, it’s also true that Urquiola never ventures into kitschy terrain – her designs are always elegant and comfortable.