'The Gift of Colour' at Milano Design Week

On Wednesday 22 April, The Gift of Colour by PastForward brought together designers, makers and cultural voices in a setting centered on material, knowledge and exchange in Milano.

Organised by Claudia Buccellato, the evening created space for dialogue around colour, craftsmanship and the wider role of design in society. ROOTS has been part of this network since 2024, connecting to a broader community engaged in material research, education and social impact.

A highlight of the program was the presentation by Claudy Jongstra, who shared her work with natural dyes, local ecosystems and the communities connected to them. Her practice emphasizes the relationship between material, education and social context, showing how design can contribute beyond aesthetics.

Within this context, a special moment unfolded as top model Chiara Scelsi appeared wearing a kimono by Claudy's textile label LOADS Collection and Marcos Luengo—bringing the narrative of natural colour and textile craftsmanship to life.

Supported by the Municipality of Milano, the event underscored the importance of knowledge-sharing, community and the social relevance of design today.

The kimono is currently on display at ROOTS Exhibition Milano 2026 as part of Sleeping Beauty, a Symbiotic Symphony, where it connects to a broader narrative around plant-based processes and the relationship between design and nature.

ROOTS Exhibition is open from 20–26 April at Masterly – the Dutch in Milano, Palazzo Giureconsulti.

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