Trees that embody architecture, design, and the Spirit of Christmas
MilanoDesignXmas continues to redefine the holiday season, blending tradition with contemporary design to offer a bold and inspiring perspective on festive celebrations.
The holiday spirit in Milan takes on a creative twist with MilanoDesignXmas, an innovative project curated by TOWANT. This initiative invites companies and architecture studios to reinvent the essence of Christmas with fresh, imaginative designs. This year, the Tabu showroom led the way, collaborating with Joseph di Pasquale Architects, MA2A, and MMA Projects to create three unique and inspiring interpretations of the Christmas tree.
The event celebrates the partnership between brands and architects, transforming corporate values into artistic expressions. From conceptual development to the selection of materials, colors, and forms, each creation reflects the vision and identity of its collaborators. MilanoDesignXmas continues to redefine the holiday season, blending tradition with contemporary design to offer a bold and inspiring perspective on festive celebrations.
Tabu: the creative brief
“The concept behind the project was simple: provide a few clear inputs, with one essential directive—complete creative freedom, without any constraints or limits. Additionally, we aimed to offer full technical and promotional support, serving as a reliable partner for the studios’ creations. Casa Tabu has always been a hub for architects and designers, and this initiative was dedicated to them. For us, it was crucial that the trees encapsulate architecture, design, craftsmanship, and the spirit of Christmas, all expressed through our wood. The three studios approached the task with remarkable creativity, delivering results that amazed us with their originality. While each tree was inspired by the classic Christmas tradition, they told unique stories through entirely unconventional interpretations.“
Tabu is a pioneering Italian company specializing in the production and dyeing of wood veneers. Known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, Tabu provides architects and designers with premium materials that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern design, enabling the creation of inspiring and forward-thinking projects.
Joseph di Pasquale Architects
“This year, our Christmas tree, created for TOWANT’s MilanoDesignXmas initiative, is more than just a festive symbol; it’s a manifesto of the creativity and dynamism that drive every project we undertake. Inspired by the northern wind that sweeps through forests and cities, transforming autumn into winter and ushering in the magic of Christmas, our tree tells a story of change—a force that overwhelms us, sparks renewed spirit, and fuels curiosity and desire to discover what lies ahead.” says the studio.
MA2A
“Bruna celebrates nature and the methodology of Bruno Munari. We personally shaped TABU veneers to recreate the stylized form of a fir tree, the quintessential symbol of Christmas. This project reflects our passion for natural materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and the ability to fully immerse ourselves in every phase of a project, from concept to completion.” the studio’s words on how the approached the project.
MMA Projects
“The concept reimagines traditional Christmas ornaments as decorative rings in six sizes, crafted with laser-cut TABU veneers and paired for durability at MMA Projects’ studio. The color palette, carefully selected at TABU, reflects the brand’s elegance and quality. A standout feature is the iconic topper made from 14 illuminated Campari Soda bottles, adding a unique touch and celebrating the sponsor. The tree’s structure, composed of eco-friendly materials like paper and TABU veneers, is modular for easy disassembly, transport, and reuse, minimizing environmental impact. This collaboration between MMA Projects and TABU balances craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability, delivering a refined and original take on the Christmas tree.” explains the studio.
