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Iris Ceramica Group's 'The Humans Behind' Showcases Ceramic Narratives at Milan Design Week 2026

architecture-design · 2026-04-19

During Milan Design Week 2026, Iris Ceramica Group presents 'The Humans Behind,' an installation at its ICG Gallery on Via Santa Margherita 4 in Milan, Italy. The exhibition interprets the Fuorisalone theme 'Be the Project' by transforming ceramic materials into personal narratives, inviting visitors to see the creators' traces. A highlight is the 'Reloaded' project by Diesel Living with Iris Ceramica, marking the partnership's tenth anniversary. Under creative director Glenn Martens in collaboration with Controvento, the showcase blends Diesel's pop energy with advanced technical know-how. Two immersive moodboards feature pieces like Distressed Rug, inspired by antique Persian carpets, and Acid Majolica, drawing from Portuguese tradition. Iris Ceramica's 'Design Your Slabs' technology enables total customization for unique compositions. The dialogue extends to Sapienstone haute couture surfaces, including large slabs like Travessa, Muschelkalk, and Breccia Rosa 4D, which embody a refined, natural aesthetic. A live podcast series with guests from fashion, design, and haute cuisine explores the human dimension of creativity. The installation encourages treating ceramics as a form of expression, merging disruptive fashion attitudes with material innovation.

Key facts

  • Iris Ceramica Group's installation 'The Humans Behind' runs during Milan Design Week 2026
  • The event is held at ICG Gallery, Via Santa Margherita 4, Milan, Italy
  • It features the 'Reloaded' project by Diesel Living with Iris Ceramica, celebrating ten years of collaboration
  • Creative direction is led by Glenn Martens in collaboration with Controvento
  • Pieces include Distressed Rug inspired by Persian carpets and Acid Majolica from Portuguese tradition
  • Iris Ceramica's 'Design Your Slabs' technology allows for full customization
  • Sapienstone haute couture surfaces showcase slabs like Travessa, Muschelkalk, and Breccia Rosa 4D
  • A live podcast series includes guests from fashion, design, and haute cuisine

Entities

Artists

  • Glenn Martens
  • Davide Oldani
  • Anna Lazzaron

Institutions

  • Iris Ceramica Group
  • Diesel Living
  • Controvento
  • designboom
  • Diesel Living with Iris Ceramica
  • Sapienstone
  • Fondazione Iris Ceramica Group
  • Save the Children
  • Anffas
  • Olmo
  • D'O
  • designwanted.com

Locations

  • Milan
  • Italy
  • Via Santa Margherita 4
  • Barcelona
  • Spain

Sources