XL Extralight and Nichetto unveil stone-like Airstone tote at Milan design week

At Milan design week 2026, Italian brand XL Extralight debuted the Airstone tote bag, created in collaboration with design studio Nichetto. The bag is made from a sustainable variation of XL Extralight's material, containing at least 51% post-industrial waste. Despite its light weight, the material mimics the appearance of heavy stone. The design process began with hand-carving a solid stone block, then using subtractive techniques to sculpt an organic form. The stone was 3D-scanned, and the data informed a precise model in XL Extralight. The partnership explores the juxtaposition of materiality and form, blending traditional craft with technology. Carlo Vecchiola, foam design product manager at XL Extralight, said they aimed to evoke weight through an extremely lightweight material. The bag is available in three color variations, displayed at Spazio BIG in Milan's 5Vie design district. The Airstone installation functions as an exhibition, educational display, and boutique, featuring hard foam seating, metal podiums, and grey rocks with acid yellow accents. Luca Nichetto, founder of Nichetto, described the bag as an exercise in perception that challenges expectations of lightness. The limited-edition bag is exclusively for purchase at the pop-up store during the event.