British designer Tom Dixon is no stranger to the unconventional. This year he turns heads with another bold move – opening a European base that's not merely a showroom, but a restaurant, too.
After last year's absence, Dixon returned to Milan Design Week with the launch of The Manzoni, a 100-seat restaurant in the heart of the Italian city. Launched on an invite-only basis during Milan Design Week, the restaurant will re-open on a permanent basis in May, serving lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
The interior, of course, is designed by Tom Dixon and completely kitted out with the brand's pieces. Rather than simply admiring the products from a distance, guests can experience them while enjoying a meal.
You can expect to see the brand's latest collections, too. There's Fat, a range of upholstered chairs that hugs the body and fills the main dining room; the ethereal Opal lights, which gather above the dining tables in clusters of translucent globes and are created from the brand's own custom materials; and Spring, a collection of pendant lights made from ribbons of stainless steel.
The space features three areas, each with their own distinct design: The Dining Room, The Bar, and The Jungle – the shop area. The Jungle, as its name might suggest, is filled with verdant plants and plenty of metallic touches, while The Bar features granite counters, Verona marble serving boards, and wall art from Paper Factor.
Tom Dixon is known for his origins as a self-taught designer who worked with salvaged materials until he rose to fame with his eponymous furniture and lightning brand.
Photography courtesy of Tom Dixon
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