The Textile Eye - Report 29A
Picturesque Proposte
The Latest Introductions from Lake Como
This report follows the international textile community to Proposte’s 33rd edition at Villa Erba, Lake Como—where eighty-seven exhibitors from fourteen countries arrived with new collections and, this year, a palpable sense of renewed confidence. In a season when industry pressures were a constant undercurrent, the textiles themselves moved in the opposite direction: richer, more layered, and more technically ambitious than ever.
What’s inside:
Design Themes
Ten themes map the aesthetic landscape of Proposte 2026, from Abstract Gestures’ bold, art-inflected graphics and the folk-rooted geometrics of Folk Geometry to the dimensional surfaces of Texture Study, the organic movement of Modern Rhythms, and the maximalist heritage of Classic Grandeur. Verdure, botanical forms, inventive florals, and whimsical figurative work round out a season defined by craft ambition and technical sophistication.
Special Features
Lounge Esedra: An interview with Cristina Celestino on her Studio’s installation for the fair—transforming the Ala Regina wing into a gathering space, and approaching textiles as structural and narrative devices within the room.
Inside Biseta: A behind-the-scenes visit to Biseta in Lurate Caccivio—a Chanel-group couture mill with a yarn-first design process and a quietly growing presence in the interior textiles market.
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Cover image: Roda
Dive into the latest innovations from Proposte 2024, the prestigious textile fair held annually at the enchanting Lake Como. This special report, “Insiders & Outsiders,” spans over 100 pages, capturing the vibrant creativity and exquisite craftsmanship showcased both inside Villa Erba and in the surrounding areas. Explore diverse themes, from intricate geometrics to opulent velvets, and discover the hidden gems presented by the Fuoriproposte mills. Join us in celebrating the future of high-end textiles. This special bonus report is available digitally only.
Step into the vibrant world of Milan Design Week with our comprehensive report. This year, Salone del Mobile shattered attendance records, and Fuorisalone featured sensory-rich installations that engaged the imagination. Get inspired by the vibrant and complex color palettes that lit up Milan, from bold reds and burgundies to neon chartreuse to sophisticated new neutrals. Our report delves into new offerings in textiles, from practical questions like “What will the next body cloth be?” to spectacular highlights such as couture-pieced shearling upholstery and handwoven vegan “fur.” From leading luxury brands to the emerging talents highlighted at SaloneSatellite, experience the best of the intersection of tradition and innovation.
Salone del Mobile & Fuorisalone: Experience the evolving zeitgeist of the global art and design market as seen in the dichotomy of design sensibilities at the recent Milanese shows. Discover the embrace of decay and urban ugliness as a source of inspiration, alongside the celebration of beauty, luminosity, and craftsmanship. Explore the transformative power of color and witness the emerging currents in design that challenge conventions and embrace authenticity. Join us on this journey as we reveal the captivating concepts and vibrant palettes showcased in Milan 2023.
Peruse the new introductions presented inside Villa Erba at Proposte 2023, the exclusive show for furnishings textiles manufacturers held yearly at Lake Como. This special report devotes 50+ pages to the themes presented at the show, from snappy geometrics to decorative florals, textured bouclés to lush velvets. Suppliers showing in the surrounding area are covered — plus, we take a look at the textile artists presenting at ComoCrea Interni, an international showcase of outstanding textile design.
After a two year hiatus, Salone returns to thrill us with a wide array of aesthetics. Personal expression is paramount, and new collections range from international granny-chic to layered modern geometry. A full spectrum of color is presented in an expanded color section, and we check in with Milanese tastemaker Rossana Orlandi, known for championing up-and-coming designers.
After a hiatus of two-and-a-half years, Proposte Fair—a key annual business-to-business trade show for furnishing fabric—returned to WOW editors with new collections from high-end suppliers across Europe and India. Our Proposte Special Trade Show Report covers exclusive industry information on the latest trends in styles, colors, and constructions in home, contract, and cruise fabrics from this important event. Plus, profiles on over twenty suppliers you need to know, including their history, specialties, and sustainability.
Salone del Mobile was cancelled due to COVID-19, but gorgeous European product is still being introduced, and The Textile Eye offers a deep dive into all the beauty. Six special features take you in-depth: the Venice of Rubelli, rug innovator NODUS, wallcovering heavy-hitter Janelli&Volpi. Ceramicist Paola Paronetto, textile artist Patrizia Ortenzi, and antique textile dealer Moshe Tabibnia are also profiled.
Take a virtual trip to Proposte, the famed home-furnishings textile show held every Spring at Lake Como in Northern Italy. All the best new upholstery and sheer introductions from the world’s highest quality mills, arranged by trend. Plus a visit with Patrizia Ortenzi, a second generation textile designer and artist.
The second installment of The Textile Eye features coverage of Salone del Mobile and Neocon, arranged by theme. Color reports for each show are included so you can easily stay current. A peek into a fantastic gallery of notable antique textiles (Moshe Tabinia in Milan) and some favorite restaurant picks round out this issue.