Chiaroscuro. Fim Umbrellas & Coro Italia

Fim Umbrellas and Coro Italia return to the Biblioteca Umanistica dell’Incoronata with Chiaroscuro, an installation designed by 967arch, the companies' Art Director, and featuring an exclusive collaboration with Etro Home Textile.

The installation is a collective project that highlights the power of collaboration, demonstrating how partnerships between companies, designers, and professionals are key to conveying a brand’s vision and its artistic, cultural, and ethical references.

Among the various collaborations, the most significant is the partnership between Fim and Etro Home Textile, born from Fim’s desire to dress its umbrellas with the iconic fabrics of the Milanese brand. Two new umbrellas, specially crafted with Etro's iconic fabric Arnica, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, will be showcased on either side of the entrance to the Biblioteca.

The narrative of open-air spaces could not overlook the presence of nature. To best enhance this element, the Art Director entrusted the landscape design to Silvia Ghirelli.

Another key feature of the installation will be the Terraferma collection, designed by 967arch for Coro Italia, which will take centre stage in Coro’s setup within the Sala degli Archi. This collection—comprising tables, chairs, sofas, and low tables—is distinguished by its gentle lines, an immediate sense of comfort, and an innovative approach to metal, Coro’s signature material. Here, metal is shaped with an unexpected softness and fluidity, redefining its aesthetic.

The small cloister at the end of the exhibition route is a space imbued with an atmosphere of tranquillity and silence, seemingly suspended in time. This almost surreal sensation will be further enhanced by the presence of a single umbrella at its centre, crafted with Etro fabrics. The company’ fabrics will also be used for the umbrellas on the terrace overlooking the cloister, where a patchwork design has been created using three different textiles from the collection.

Art will also play a significant role in the installation, thanks to the close partnership with Galleria Giovanni Bonelli (Milan-Pietrasanta), which will curate a selection of artworks to engage in dialogue with the design on display.

Finally, the collaboration that Fim and Coro have been cultivating for several years with journalist Giorgio Tartaro will once again take shape at this edition of Milano Design Week through a series of interviews with Italian architects, designers and artists exploring the theme of outdoor design.

Exhibition Design: 967arch
Landscape Design: Silvia Ghirelli
Graphic Design: Studio FM milano

With the special contribution of Galleria Giovanni Bonelli (Milan – Pietrasanta)