Union County Review

Industrial Design Students Exhibit Work at Prestigious Design Show in Milan

Kean industrial design students exhibited their work before an international audience of more than 350,000 people this month after being selected to take part in the prestigious Salone del Mobile design show in Milan.

The nine students from Kean’s Michael Graves College (MGC), who have spent the semester studying abroad in Rome, also had the opportunity to work with and learn from leading designers from the renowned Italian design firm Alessi and collaborate with graduate students from ISIA Roma College of Design in Rome.

"Working with Alessi, the students were challenged to create 'Next Gen Essentials,' or household items that Gen Z and other younger people would desire. Our students got experience working on a global scale and exhibited their concepts at the biggest design show in the world, which is highly selective," said Assistant Professor Efe Kutuk.

"Alessi is one of the historic brands in product design, and their willingness to collaborate with Kean students speaks volumes about the value of the program," said MGC Dean David Mohney.

"Alessi is one of the historic brands in product design, and their willingness to collaborate with Kean students speaks volumes about the value of the program," Mohney said.

"Many connections and friendships were made," added Rose Gonnella, associate dean of Michael Graves College.

Senior industrial design major Carlos Cruz, of Keasbey, was one of the students who worked with Alessi and took part in the exhibition in Milan. He envisioned and created "Koma," a yarn-holder that allows users to crochet at home or on the go.

"This was an amazing way to kick off a career as a soon-to-be-graduate, especially with all the connections made," Cruz said.

Senior industrial design major Ryan Rojo, of Clifton, designed "Bino," a pet product. The "jewelry for dogs," connects to a leash, envisioned as a product “for the newer generation of people who travel with their pets."

The students' work will also be exhibited in New York City in May at WantedDesign's Schools Showcase, at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), held May 19-21 during NYC Design Week.

For more information, visit the ICFF website.