MCM’S Disco on Mars transforms Milan’s historic Rotonda del Pellegrini into a multi-layered interplanetary vessel, where Atelier Biagetti blends German heritage with futuristic surrealism to celebrate the luxury Haus’ 50th anniversary through a fusion of robotic technology, collectible objects, and an evolving intergalactic soundscape.
A visionary trajectory toward the Red Planet serves as the conceptual backbone for this third collaboration between MCM and the Milanese studio. Rather than a static display of luxury goods, the installation occupies the circular geometry of the Rotonda as if it were a high-tech spacecraft. Alberto Biagetti and Laura Baldassari have crafted a narrative where the aesthetics of space travel act as a metaphor for creative liberation, utilizing the venue’s historic volume to stage a vertical journey that challenges our linear perception of time.
The expedition begins within The Lab, a ground-floor environment characterized by the mechanical rhythms of a technological landscape. Here, the familiar MCM Visetos monogram is repurposed through upcycling, appearing on objects that blur the line between furniture and science-fiction artifacts. The Orbit pouf, inspired by robotic forms, sits alongside the Mach-1 helmet, creating a space that feels suspended in zero gravity. The sensory experience is grounded by a sound composition that mimics the protocols of a working laboratory, signaling a departure from the earthly streets of Milan.
Navigating the intersection of past and future, the installation highlights how the Bauhaus-inspired lines of the new Alphabet candle collection and the Nymphenburg Diamond Cup resonate with the brand’s Munich origins. These objects function as narrative devices, bridging the gap between 20th-century functionalism and a speculative future. The material palette—ranging from traditional porcelain to silvered monograms—reflects a sophisticated dialogue between artisanal heritage and the cold, sleek surfaces of interplanetary exploration.
Ascending to the first level, the atmosphere shifts from the clinical precision of the lab to the vibrant exuberance of Disco Mars. A roller-skating rink, overseen by a robot DJ powered by ABB technology, serves as the heart of the vessel. The soundscape here evolves into a more human-centric pulse, channeling the energy of the 1970s disco era—the decade of MCM’s birth—into a futuristic arena. It is a calculated short-circuit of eras, where choreographed performances create a playful friction between human movement and robotic precision.
The spatial experience reaches its peak within the Diva Dome, located on the second level beneath the Rotonda’s monumental ceiling. In this restricted-access zone, the installation sheds its playful pop-culture skin to reveal something more ritualistic. A central sculpture, known as the Avatar, stands bathed in soft, ethereal light, acting as the focal point for a series of multisensory interactions. The air here feels heavy with a sense of suspension, pivoting away from the kinetic energy of the floors below toward a state of quiet, focused presence.
Sound as invisible architecture becomes the primary medium in this upper chamber. The operatic voice of Laura Baldassari performs a reimagined version of Bellini’s Casta Diva, processed through a composition by Michele Tadini to sound almost post-human. By treating the human voice as an ancestral technology, the designers bridge the gap between ancient ritual and deep-space communication. This sonic layer defines the physical boundaries of the dome, transforming the stone walls into a portal that feels light years away from the city center.
The integration of limited-edition icons ensures that the narrative remains tethered to the Haus’ commercial identity. Pieces like the Ella Boston and Ottomar Weekender are reimagined in cognac and silver tones, presented as essential gear for this new cosmic frontier. Even the introduction of the Cosmic Star fragrance and the Mars Mask eyewear suggests a holistic approach to future-facing lifestyle, where every sense—scent, sight, and sound—is recruited to support the illusion of an intergalactic voyage.
As Milan Design Week continues to evolve, projects like this demonstrate a move away from traditional product launches toward immersive, narrative-driven storytelling. The collaboration between MCM and Atelier Biagetti succeeds because it does not merely present a collection; it builds a world. By honoring the brand’s fifty-year history through the lens of a speculative future, the installation offers a compelling look at how luxury identity can be maintained while soaring toward the unknown.
MCM’s Disco on Mars by Atelier Biagetti | Where: Rotonda del Pellegrini, Via delle Ore 3, Milan | When: April 21 – 26, 2026 | 10 AM – 6 PM. During your visit, do not miss other fashion-led intersections at Milan Design Week, such as the Issey Miyake and Ensamble Studio installation, the whimsical ARKET Carousel by Laila Gohar, or the technical Nike Air Lab at Dropcity.