Milan 2016: American designer and architect David Rockwell has created a collection of furniture for Stellar Works, one of a host of Chinese brands due to exhibit during Milan design week (+ slideshow).

Rockwell, founder of architecture and design firm Rockwell Group, based his range on the multifunctional racks for hanging clothes, named valets.

The collection is produced by Stellar Works, which launched as a design brand in Hong Kong in 2011 and is part of a growing trend for Asia-based brands looking to cater for both eastern and western markets.

Architects Neri&Hu, who also give creative direction to Stellar Works, and Andre Fu are among others that have recently set up design brands with a similar focus. The number of Chinese brands exhibiting in Milan next week looks set to be one of the key trends emerging from this year's event.
Rockwell used a variety of techniques and materials to create the items in his Valet range.
"The concept for Valet grew out of our needs as designers," said Rockwell. "The collection merges expressive materials, craftsmanship, functionality, and elements of surprise to activate transitional spaces in residential and hospitality environments."

Each of the 14 pieces that make up the collection are constructed from high-quality materials, including black steel, brushed brass and cognac-coloured saddle leather.
The black steel frame of each piece is influenced by traditional valets.

"Reinterpreting the valet f...