Rossana Orlandi.
What a woman.
It was earlier this year that
I travelled to Milan to attended
the annual Salone del Mobile
on behalf of the magazine,
and ultimately had
a wonderful time with Rossana.

Now there's so much to say
about this woman — 
such a modern patron of design
— but the essence of her nature
and presence is that she lives
and breathes her work naturally
(everything that is Spazio Orlandi),
and particularly rejoices
in the spirit of Milan during spring.
Spending a few hours together,
quite chipper
to be done with the show,
she was all about pouring wine
and chatting up a storm.
While she's known to shy away
from the camera,
I couldn't help myself and asked:
"Could I take your portrait, Rossana?"

We kept on talking
about the state of design,
the calling and great timing
for a place like Australia,
the beauty of, yes, a little clutter,
and the strongest characteristics
of real craftsmanship
that still hold firm in contemporary
design. It was enchanting,
but most of all, real.
In an industry that can often seem
saturated with noise and hype,
particularly at a time like this,
Rossana brought a wonderful
close to my trip.

Thank you Rossana.

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