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 in person. 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 at this time of year, spring. Spending a few hours with the legend herself, and quite chipper to be done with the show, she was all about pouring wine and chatting up a storm. While she's been known to shy away from the camera, I couldn't help myself and asked if I could take her portrait.

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 cluttered with noise and hype all around, particularly at a time like this, Rossana brought a wonderful close to my trip. Thank you Rossana.