Portinari recently presented its award-winning (DTA: 15th March) Carmen collection, designed by Alessandro Mendini, at the International Furniture Show in Milan.  Having wowed visitors to Revestir earlier this year, where it was awarded Best in Show, Carmen also caught the eye of the designerati in Milan.  Developed in a special diamond format, the vibrant colours, and the subtle relief that emphasises the geometry, reflect Mendini’s interest in the masks worn by Harlequin, the medieval puppet famous for his multi-coloured garments.  The range was named in honour of the Brazilian artist Carmen Miranda, someone with whom Mendini is often compared because of his artistic irreverence.