Anticipating Salone 2024
I’m excited to return to Salone del Mobile and Fuorisalone, April 16th through 21st. Here’s what I’m looking forward to this year!
Salone del Mobile hall
What is Salone del Mobile?
Each year, thousands of design aficionados, industry professionals, and curious minds descend upon Milan, Italy, for Salone del Mobile. During the event, the city becomes the epicenter of cutting-edge design trends as designers, manufacturers, architects, and enthusiasts alike gather to celebrate form and function. Often referred to as the Milan Furniture Fair, Salone del Mobile is not merely an exhibition; it's a cultural phenomenon where ideas flourish and innovation thrives.
The celebration of Salone del Mobile can’t be contained by the trade show. The collection of outside galleries, showrooms, and pop-ups in different areas of Milan is known as “Fuorisalone,” and there are often just as many must-see attractions.
The event’s influence on the design industry is not to be understated. Salone del Mobile shapes the trends and directions of interior design and furniture production for the coming years.
colAAb x Sharouk at LABÒ 2023
Veronese at LABÒ 2023
LABÒ, Via Biella 6
Curated by the duo Design Blender, their second installation for Milan Design week will be located in an industrial building in the Barona neighborhood. Themed around the building’s history as a medical research facility, the works presented will embody the idea of “laboratory.” Design Blender imagines the space “as a crossroads where design, art, and experimentation converge to achieve innovative and surprising results.” LABÒ specializes in up-and-coming designers: this year, I’m looking forward to seeing the work of Lucille Boitelle, Édition 1.6.9, Florence Bourel, colAAb, and Studio Gaïa, among others.
Last year’s Alcova Venue, an abandoned meatpacking factory
Chef Deco at Alcova 2023
Alcova 2023
Alcova 2023
Grôpk at Alcova 2023
Alcova, Villa Borsani & Villa Bagatti Valsecchi
Founded in 2018 by Joseph Grima and Valentina Ciuffi, Alcova focuses on finding other-wordly locations to showcase a wide variety of work. They recently hopped across the Atlantic to curate a show in Miami.
For last year’s Fuorisalone, Alcova took over an abandoned meatpacking factory to exhibit all kinds of interior textiles, experimental design, furniture, art, and accessories. This year, I’m looking forward to their installation: across two iconic Italian villas, Alcova will host “a curated selection of experimental designers, institutions, and an array of talks and performances, exploring the future of living and making.”
Photos from Hermès’ 2021 installation
Photos from Hermès’ 2021 installation
Photos from Hermès’ 2021 installation
Photos from Hermès’ 2021 installation
Photos from Hermès’ 2023 installation
Photos from Hermès’ 2023 installation
Hermès, La Pelota, Via Palermo, 10
Each year during Milan Design Week, Hermès takes over spaces of the Via Palermo’s La Pelota to assemble what’s become known as the best design spectacle of the week. Last year, Hermès featured stark architectural geometrics in its presentation, highlighting the importance of simplicity in elegance.
La Pelota is a jai-alai court, and it’s always a strange juxtaposition to be looking at such refined and exquisite product in a space that has the chlorine-smell of a high-shool gymnasium.
Draga & Aurel at Nilufar Gallery 2023
Nilufar Depot 2023, with Lelièvre moire on the walls
Nilufar Depot 2023
Nilufar Gallery, Via della Spiga 32
Nilufar Depot, Viale Vincenzo Lancetti 34
Nilufar Gallery in Brera and Nilufar Depot further north are wonderful and guarantee many moments of inspiration. From beautiful vintage pieces to cutting edge offerings, Nilufar is a must. This year, Nilufar presents ‘Time Traveler’, an exhibition curated by Nina Yashar that explores the story of design and how it’s evolved over the years. Each artwork will function as “a portal to transport viewers from past inspirations to the bold visions of today.”
See our interview with Nina Yashar in Report 17, our coverage of last year’s shows: Design Mecca: Milan.
Rossana Orlandi 2023
Rossana Orlandi 2023
Rossana Orlandi, Via Manteo Bandello 14-16
Don’t miss Galleria Rossana Orlandi. This boutique is open year round, and the warren of spaces leads you through a journey of discovery of interesting work from designers around the world. Rossana Orlandi is an expert and opinionated curator, and has provided a platform for young designers, as well as advice and encouragement, that has made a lasting mark.
This year I am looking forward to the launch of Li Edelkoort's collaboration with the Argentinian rug manufacturer El Espartano, as well as a site-specific installation “Apartment of Wonder” a new project created from the partnership between Draga & Aurel and architect Giuliano Andrea dell'Uva. I always discover new wonders when I visit this special and quirky spot.
See our interview Rossana Orlandi in Report 11, Salone del Mobile - Visions from Milan Design Week.
Emma Terweduwe at Salone del Mobile 2023
Salone del Mobile 2023
Montbel at Salone del Mobile 2023
Mingyu Xu Studio at Salone del Mobile 2023
Salone del Mobile
Of course, I’m looking forward to Salone del Mobile! This year, they’ve chosen the theme “Where Design Evolves.” As such, there’s a focus on evolution and innovation within the design industry. An anticipated 2,000 exhibitors and 300,000 attendees will attend. The event take place at the sprawling Fiera Milano convention center in Rho. It’s an easy train ride from Milan.
The event showcases the latest trends and innovations in textiles, furniture design, lighting, home accessories, and more—in fact, EuroCucina is part of the fair this year and I might need to have a peek at emerging kitchen design too! Taken as a whole, Salone del Mobile serves as a platform for designers, manufacturers, retailers, architects, and interior designers to showcase their products, establish connections, and get inspired.
My favorite section is SaloneSatellite, a section devoted to young designers. Marva Griffin established the SaloneSatellite in 1998 as a platform for students and emerging designers. There is a seperate entrance to this section that does not require registering and paying for the general admission, again in order to encourage attendance by a broader audience.
I’m looking forward to discovering what is new, different, amazing, surreal, and exciting at this year’s events!
PS Novità, the communications firm, has just published this comprehensive Milan Design Guide map—if you want more destinations, take a look!
