Phil Cuttance, a 28-year-old furniture designer based in Auckland, has become one of the few New Zealanders ever to be selected to exhibit in the annual Salone Satellite show this year, April 18-23, in Milan, Italy.

The event is the international design community's premier showcase of work by the best emerging designers from around the world.Phil Cuttance, a 28-year-old furniture designer based in Auckland, has become one of the few New Zealanders ever to be selected to exhibit in the annual Salone Satellite show this year, April 18-23, in Milan, Italy.

The event is the international design community's premier showcase of work by the best emerging designers from around the world.Cuttance's portfolio of original design pieces will be displayed as part of a select collection of young designers exhibiting their work in the show, which is staged alongside the world's most prestigious design fair: the Salone Internazionale del Mobile.

Over six days, the world's foremost design media, leading design companies and several hundred thousand design industry punters descend on both the Salone Satellite and the Salone Internazionale del Mobile shows. (In 2006 more than 220,000 visitors attended the Salone Internazionale del Mobile).

"This is an unparalleled chance to present my work and proudly represent New Zealand design," says Cuttance.

In 2006, Cuttance had the opportunity to visit the show with a Massey University exhibition and displayed one piece of furniture which was received extraordinarily well, featured in international design publications such as Italy's DDN magazine and Collezioni. Italian and French retailers expressed interest in the product, as did several Italian manufacturers.

Cuttance is thrilled to now be showcasing an entirely solo exhibition of a whole new stable of ideas. "The honour of being a representative of New Zealand design at such an
internationally prestigious event is overwhelming."

Cuttance's main focus now is attracting sponsors and support; he needs to raise $10,000 before the show in April.

"Travelling to and exhibiting in Milan is not a cheap exercise but the chance to man a solo stand at this show simply can't to be turned down - it's a break hundreds of young designers around the world dream of, and an invaluable opportunity to represent New Zealand creativity to the world."

30/1/07

Image: Inkblot Table by Phil Cuttance.