Anticipating Proposte Fair 2024
I’m looking forward to Proposte Fair May 2-4. Curious about the show? Here’s a rundown of how I’m planning to get the most out of this event.
A Glimpse into Proposte 2024
Every year, Proposte stands as a pinnacle of high-end home furnishings and textile innovation, set against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Como. This fair showcases the latest trends and designs destined to influence interiors globally and serves as a gathering point for industry leaders and enthusiasts alike. With Proposte 2024 on the horizon, excitement is mounting.
As a designer for Schumacher, I attended the fair for the first time in 1997. Since then, I have returned time and time again to source the perfect textiles for my clients. Now, as editor-in-chief of The Textile Eye, I visit to keep up with trends, and in the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to attend as a guest of the Italian Trade Agency. If you want to learn more about how Proposte influences the industry at large, check out my article for Business of Home.
Having attended this show for many years, I'm happy to share the highlights, key players, and essential tips I look forward to each time. Join me as we explore what makes Proposte a can't-miss event in the textile industry.
What is Proposte?
Proposte has long been recognized as an exclusive fair, originally conceived by a consortium of mills from the Brianza area. It was designed to showcase the finest Italian manufacturers to a select group of international buyers. Over the years, the fair has expanded to include exhibitors from around the world, making it a global destination for high-end home textile suppliers.
This year, the event is hosted at Villa Erba in Cernobbio from May 2 to May 4, with 79 exhibitors—48 international and 31 Italian. These exhibitors represent the top tier in their segments, showcasing a preview of their most innovative and fascinating collections under the campaign claim “Textiles to Ideas,” emphasizing the synergy between creativity and technology.
Key Trends and Themes for 2024
Sustainability and Innovation
A strong focus at Proposte 2024 will be on sustainable and eco-friendly materials. Trends are shifting towards textiles that not only reduce environmental impact but also offer superior quality and aesthetic appeal. Materials like organic cotton, hemp, recycled polyester, and Tencel are expected to be prominent, as they represent a broader movement towards more sustainable textile practices.Color and Design Trends
The color palette for 2024 is predicted to be diverse, ranging from soft, soothing hues to bold, vibrant tones. Expect to see a rich array of colors facilitated by sustainable dyeing techniques that use natural sources, ensuring both safety and environmental responsibility. Suppliers are increasingly leveraging these eco-friendly dyes to offer a spectrum of color options that cater to contemporary tastes while upholding sustainability.Technological Integration and Performance Fabrics
Another significant trend is the advancement in textile technology, which includes the development of performance fabrics that integrate fashion with functionality. These materials often focus of durability, outdoor use, and cleanability, which are becoming more important to consumers seeking both style and practicality. Unusual and innovative fibers will likely make inroads.Global Cultural Influences
In line with global trends, the 2024 textile scene is also expected to reflect a rich tapestry of cultural influences. Patterns and prints inspired by various global traditions are anticipated to make a strong impact, bringing a blend of heritage and modernity to the fore. This trend is a nod to the industry's increasingly global outlook, which respects and incorporates diverse cultural aesthetics into mainstream textile designs.Luxurious Fibers
Underpinning many of the styles for 2024 will be a trend towards natural fibers, reflecting a broader industry shift towards understated luxury. High-quality materials and craftsmanship will be emphasized, and I expect to see more mills offering silk, mohair, alpaca, cashmere, and other exotic fibers.
New Additions
I’m looking forward to seeing some new vendors at Proposte this year. New entries include Aquaclean Fabrics (Spain), high-end jacquard pattern collections from Tissage des Flandres (France), luxury fabrics from Harris Tweed Hebrides (Great Britain), and unique handmade and jacquard fabrics from Mariantonia Urru (Italy). I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the high-end velvets and plains designed and manufactured by Belo Velvets (Belgium)!
Comocrea
I'm excited to see what Comocrea has in store for us this year at Proposte! The Ala Regina space, a special collaboration between Comocrea Interni and Proposte, is making a comeback, promising to be a hub of creativity and innovation in textile design. This unique section at the fair will showcase an array of international design studios, each bringing their distinct flair and cutting-edge designs to the forefront. It's a fantastic opportunity for networking and inspiration, where the blend of tradition and innovation creates a thrilling atmosphere. I can't wait to explore the latest trends and ideas that Comocrea brings to Proposte 2024—it's truly a highlight for anyone passionate about textile design!
“Outside” Suppliers
The Villa Erba’s 79 exhibitors are the ones that have applied and been admitted to this tight knit show. Outside the fairgrounds, many additional mills and suppliers set up pop-ups in every space available—from florist shops to gelaterias, villas to hotel conference rooms, and they can be found in Cernobbio as well as Como. Many excellent manufacturers choose to show outside the fair, but you need to know your stuff when shopping this sector. Ask plenty of questions about how and where the products are made. I prefer to avoid wholesalers who are buying and reselling, so I can focus on manufacturers who are doing the weaving themselves, or on converters who work with small local weavers, dyers and finishers to create special product lines.
A Fond Farewell to Como
As I prepare for Proposte 2024, it's with a touch of sadness as this will be the last year the event is held at its iconic Lake Como location, as reported by Fabrics & Furnishings International. After three decades, the vibrant gatherings and pioneering showcases at Villa Erba will make way for a new chapter elsewhere. The show’s organizers point to challenges, including competitive pressures from outside suppliers, which they believe have diluted the unique atmosphere of the fair. While change is often bittersweet, there is hope that Proposte will find a new venue that continues to serve as a vital platform for highlighting the incredible work of textile mills and designers. The industry truly needs a dynamic showcase like Proposte, now more than ever, to spotlight the evolving and innovative creations that these mills bring to the world. Here’s to a future that holds new beginnings and enduring commitments to excellence in home textiles.
Logistics & Tips
For those planning to visit Proposte 2024, here are a few tips to make the most out of your experience:
Planing: Check the Proposte website for the schedule of events and map out the exhibitors you wish to visit. Prioritize those that align with your business needs or personal interests. You’ll need to register ahead of time, which you can do HERE
Transportation: I usually fly into Malpensa. I’ve taken the train and occasionally arranged a car or taxi. Lyft and Uber aren’t common here, but I use the app “Free Now” to call a car or pay local taxis.
Ferries: I like to stay in Como because it offers more options for hotels and restaurants than Cernobbio, and also allows for the best commute experience ever! Villa Erba runs a special small boat service for attendees of the show. There has been ongoing construction along the Como waterfront, so last year these boats left from a pier just past the municipal piers on the south end of the harbor. There are also municipal ferries that run all day and stop at the the towns along the lake, including Cernobbio.
Document Your Visit: Take notes and photos (where permitted) to remember your impressions and ideas. These can be invaluable for follow-up projects and keeping track of trends.
What to Wear: The weather is usually lovely in May, but since it’s on Lake Como, the weather can change quickly! Bring an umbrella or rain hat and jacket. COAT CHECK is in the basement of the Villa Erba and you can also leave a suitcase… Tips are appreciated. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, you’ll be walking a lot!
What to Eat: Villa Erba has a few minimal stand-up cafes, if you need to fuel up in the trade hall. Some fabric suppliers offer you an espresso or a snack, and a few cater nice lunches. When you’re ready for a civilized sit-down lunch, treat yourself to the beautiful buffet at Villa Antica (on the same property as Villa Erba) and enjoy the architecture. Harry’s Bar is another favorite, located near the Cernobbio ferry station.
I’ll be posting about the show on Instagram; feel free to reach out there if you have any questions about planning a visit.
Follow Along
Proposte 2024 promises to be a landmark event in the textile industry, highlighting the latest trends, sustainable innovations, and artistic expressions from around the globe. With an array of exhibitors and a focus on the future of textiles, the fair offers attendees a unique opportunity to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of interior design. As the only show that focuses on high-end home furnishings mills, Proposte 2024 is an event that will inspire and inform your approach to textiles in the coming years.
Below are some fun memories from past visits to this magical show.
