Jil Sander's 'Reference Library' exhibition at Milan Design Week is a unique and thought-provoking project that showcases the brand's creative director, Simone Bellotti's, vision. The exhibition features a collection of books selected by 60 international creatives, including writers, designers, and artists, who share their personal interpretations and reasons behind their choices. This project aims to create a dialogue and real exchange, highlighting the sources of inspiration that have influenced and shaped the approach of these creatives.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the exhibition is the use of white gloves, which cheekily point to the sacredness of the moment and invite the audience to be present and handle books with care. The gloves will be for each reader to keep, serving as a souvenir of time well spent.
Bellotti's personal contribution to the exhibition is the selection of Italo Calvino's 'The Baron in the Trees', a novel that narrates the adventures of Cosimo, who climbs into the trees to spend the rest of his life observing the world with more clarity than those living below. This book stands as a metaphor for independence and personal perspective.
The exhibition also aims to spark similar conversations IRL, emphasizing the analogic aspect of it all and the importance of real research and dialogue. Bellotti believes that today's reality has become extraordinary, and even the things we have always seen as normal feel extraordinary now.
Overall, Jil Sander's 'Reference Library' exhibition is a fascinating and thought-provoking project that showcases the brand's commitment to creativity and innovation. It is a testament to the power of personal interpretation and the importance of creating a dialogue and real exchange among creatives.
