Miguel Milá and his son Gonzalo launch their final collection together
2026-06-10 11:13
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en.Wedoany.com Reported - It will soon be two years since the death of Miguel Milá. The industrial designer passed away in Bilbao in August 2024. Milá worked until the very end, and now one of his final works has been unveiled, a collaboration with his son Gonzalo Milá, also an industrial designer.

This is the Milá X ICÓNICO collection, comprising a door handle and a single or double switch, embodying the design philosophy of both creators based on functionality, proportion, and timelessness.

Gonzalo and Miguel Milá.

The collection is particularly significant as it is one of Miguel Milá's final works. Co-designed with Gonzalo Milá, it offers a new opportunity to rediscover the work of a master who influenced generations.

The project stems from a simple idea, closely tied to their working method: beauty endures when form intelligently responds to function. These pieces arise from reflections on use, proportion, contact, and durability, resulting in objects that integrate into architecture, are understated, natural, and clear in form.

"The details are not the details. They make the design," as Charles and Ray Eames once said.

The door handle consists of a rounded rectangular grip, designed for a comfortable handhold, connected to an extended half-cylinder for easy cleaning. The switch, meanwhile, projects from the wall via a lever with a trapezoidal cross-section, recreating the honesty of classic mechanisms in a simple and direct way. Gonzalo Milá stated they wanted to create two simple, understated components: the door handle uses a mechanism without a base plate, making it cleaner; the switch lever is large enough to be easily found, with rounded edges for a pleasant touch.

The Icónico door handle in Casa Milá.

The product colors are inspired by the interiors of Miguel Milá's home and the ceramic tradition of La Bisbal d'Empordà, employing serene tones that demonstrate color can exist elegantly and naturally without being jarring.

Miguel Milá (1931-2024) was a key benchmark in industrial design and a pioneer of modern Catalan design. He developed a language based on functionality, craftsmanship, and material honesty, creating works of clear and timeless form, earning honors such as the National Design Award (Premio Nacional de Diseño) and the Compasso d’Oro for Lifetime Achievement.

Father and son decide on the final design.

Gonzalo Milá has forged a distinct career, characterized by a design philosophy rooted in construction logic, ergonomics, and silent functionality. He studied at Elisava and began his career at Miguel Milá's studio, collaborating with companies like Santa & Cole, Bover, and Ketal on projects ranging from domestic lighting to urban furniture. His work is noted for its serene refinement and a constant focus on the relationship between the object, the user, and the surrounding environment.

The collection is developed by Icónico, a company specializing in architectural elements. Their product range includes faucets, switches, fittings, showers, drains, and door handles, adhering to a unified design vision. Their collections are characterized by timeless aesthetics, carefully coordinated forms, and a rigorous focus on quality, materials, and user experience.

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