What Not to Miss at This Year’s 63rd Edition of Salone del Mobile and Milan Design Week
A look at the emerging designers and artist collaborations delivering thought-provoking and playful work across the city.
It is difficult to single out what not to miss at this year’s 63rd edition of Salone del Mobile when nearly every exhibit feels like a master class in creativity. That’s the beauty of this design week until April 13—there’s inspiration at every turn. Leave room to discover some of the most memorable experiences that come from wandering into a hidden courtyard or an unexpected installation as the entire city becomes a living showroom as a part of Milan Design Week. And while there are plenty of heavyweights on centre stage—such as Cassina, B&B Italia, Flos, Poltrona Frau, and Minotti—who set the tone for global trends, we cannot overlook the independent studios, emerging designers, and artist collaborations delivering the most thought-provoking and playful work.
Salone del Mobile Exhibitions (Fiera Milano Rho Fairgrounds)
La Dolce Attesa by Paolo Sorrentino
La Dolce Attesa by Paolo Sorrentino
A beautifully moody installation by the award-winning filmmaker that mixes cinematic storytelling with design—it’s like stepping into a scene from one of his films featuring objects and atmosphere. (Watch his Academy Award winner The Great Beauty to get an idea of how prolific his visually stunning movies are).
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Photo by Ludovica Mangini
After viewing the grand brands of this enormous show, it can be refreshing to see where the next generation of design talent shines. With over 700 young creatives and 20 design schools from around the world, SaloneSatellite is a must-see for a glimpse into the future of design. Fresh ideas, bold concepts, and plenty of surprises.
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Photo by Diego Ravier
Euroluce is back with over 300 international brands showing off the best in lighting design and tech. Artemide teamed up with big names such as Herzog & de Meuron and BIG, while the Canadian brand A-N-D drew plenty of buzz with its beautifully styled vignettes featuring its new luminaire series: Contour, Pace, and Tier.
Fuorisalone Events (Across Milan)
Loewe Teapots
Loewe introduces Loewe Teapots, featuring 25 interpretations of the teapot by international artists. This collection showcases a range of designs, from classic ceramic to unconventional forms, reflecting the intimate ceremony associated with tea.
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Photo by Hartmut Nagele
JS . Thonet – A Personal Interpretation by Jil Sander
Jil Sander unveils her inaugural furniture collection in collaboration with the historic German manufacturer Thonet to reimagine Marcel Breuer’s iconic 1928 S 64 chair, blending her signature minimalist aesthetic with Thonet’s legacy of craftsmanship.
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Gucci’s exhibition at the Cloisters of San Simpliciano reflects its role as a cultural ambassador of Italian creativity. Curated by architect Ippolito Pestellini Laparelli, the show explores the legacy and symbolism of bamboo through works by seven global artists focused on sustainability and cultural depth.
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Zanotta Fedrigo by Vincent Van Duysen
In its newly revamped flagship store, Zanotta is showing off its latest pieces created with designers like Vincent Van Duysen, Pierre Charpin, Francesca Lanzavecchia, Muller Van Severen, Calvi Brambilla, and Zaven alongside reeditions of some of its most iconic classics. Canadian designer Christian Woo, whose woodwork retained its classic lines and forms, surprised us all with delicious pops of colour.
Cultural & Historical Exhibitions:
Alcova
Alcova is one of the most exciting stops during Milan Design Week, known for turning forgotten historic spaces into immersive design experiences. Started by Valentina Ciuffi and Joseph Grima, it brings together emerging and established designers in unexpected settings. This year, it takes over four locations in Varedo, north of Milan—such as the beautiful Villa Borsani and the old Snia factory—blending contemporary design with rich architecture and a bit (a lot) of overgrown charm. Alcova isn’t just about what’s on display; it’s also about how design interacts with its surroundings, creating an atmosphere that’s thoughtful, inspiring, and totally unlike a traditional showroom.
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Saint Laurent – Charlotte Perriand
Saint Laurent collected the designs of Perriand—a trailblazing French architect—throughout his life, and as a testament to his admiration, this exhibition showcases four rare furniture designs that previously existed only as sketches or prototypes. (This faithfully recreated collection will be available to order in a limited edition.)
