For the second year, Alcova, the fair focused on emerging designers that runs in tandem with Salone del Mobile, has set up shop at multiple venues in Varedo, Italy—about 15 kilometers north of Milan. This year, in addition to the 1940s modern Villa Borsani and the beautifully crumbling Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, Alcova has added a stunning abandoned factory and disused greenhouses.

All of the sites offer unconventional yet fitting backdrops for the experimental works on display. Touring the press preview with photographer Olga Mai, we were struck by the range of textures, materials, and ideas—from glazed lava and reappropriated wood to deeply conceptual and more socially charged installations.

While this was my first in-person visit, I sensed a slight tonal shift from years past. If you enter this edition of the fair thinking you’ll encounter only the weirdest of the weird, you’ll be surprised to discover plenty of minimalist (though forward-thinking) designs sprinkled throughout the showcase. Still, it’s pretty clear—at Alcova, creative risk certainly takes center stage.

Below, you’ll find a few of what we found to be this year’s highlights. By transforming spaces—whether revered or forgotten—into moments of radical expression, each of them offers a delightful and thought-provoking experience. They remind us that many of today’s most exciting designs are made, and shown, on the fringe.

Foggy aluminum seamlessly meets beautiful cuts of stone for a meditative effect. It makes sense that the pieces are placed on a terrace—these sorts of designs feel perfectly suited for outdoors. That said, I wouldn’t mind placing one in my apartment." layout="wide" credit="Add credit" photoUserId=""/>

, a presentation by the country, its tourism board, and various local design studios, invites visitors to explore its cultural heritage through material presentations. This large textile “pyramid” is by Idonika with architecture by Amarillo Studio, fabrics by Casa Edel, and immersive sound by Near Sound. It is inspired by Mayan architecture and is presented alongside local goods and designed objects." layout="" credit="Add credit" photoUserId=""/>

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