Jil Sander’s ‘Reference Library’ Brings Visionaries’ Books to Milan Design Week
A curated collection of 60 books invites deliberate reflection.
Summary
- Jil Sander and Apartamento will present Reference Library at Milan Design Week
- The installation 60 curated books from contributors such as Simone Bellotti, Ronan Bouroullec, Jasper Morrison, Lykke Li, Celine Song and Hans Ulrich Obrist
- The space will open from April 20 – 24, 2026
At the upcoming Milan Design Week, Jil Sander and Apartamento will present Reference Library, an installation that stages a quiet rebellion against digital skimming by inviting visitors into a space of deliberate reflection. The installation features a collection of 60 books curated by a global circle of visionaries – including prominent architects, filmmakers and writers – each representing the personal references that have fundamentally shaped their creative trajectories.
The curated library includes contributions from an eclectic group of cultural leaders, including Jil Sander creative director Simone Bellotti, alongside influential figures such as Ronan Bouroullec, Jasper Morrison and Hans Ulrich Obrist. Other notable participants include musician Lykke Li, filmmaker Celine Song and artists Rirkrit Tiravanija and Faye Toogood. By bringing together these diverse perspectives, Reference Library offers an intimate look into the foundational texts that continue to inspire some of the most significant voices in contemporary design and art.
The physical space, designed by the Milanese practice Studio Utte, is engineered to foster an atmosphere of deliberate reflection. The interior utilizes mirrored walls and chrome lecterns to display the selected titles, creating a stark, focused environment for study. To emphasize the sanctity of the physical book in an era of instant access, the exhibition has been designed as a specific ritual. Entry is strictly limited to 60 hourly slots, and visitors are required to wear white gloves provided at the entrance to handle the delicate collection.
Reference Library will take place at the Jil Sander showroom at the annual Milan Design Week, from April 20 – 24, 2026.
