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    13 reasons why Salone del Mobile 2024 should be on every design enthusiast’s wishlist

    APR 9, 2024 | By Aditi Singla
    Under the Surface, an immersive experience that explores water and sustainability; Photograph courtesy of Salone del Mobile
    Technology, creativity and understanding of the human psychology come together to create a layout that showcases the best of the design world; Photograph courtesy of Salone del Mobile
    From Michelin-starred hotels to those styled by internationally renowned designers, take your pick from a wide range of luxurious stays; Photograph courtesy of Salone del Mobile

    A lot is happening in Milan right now! Especially with the 62nd edition of Salone del Mobile 2024 on every design savant’s calendar this April. The highly-anticipated annual design trade fair promises to be a veritable feast of avant-garde furnishings and wondrous installations. A universe of its own, if you may?

    Rho Fiera Milano is set to transform into a hotspot where design lovers flock down in the city for an electrifying showcase of the latest novelties and trends in the constantly evolving world of furniture design. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an eager novice, save the dates from April 16th to 21st for the upcoming Salone del Mobile 2024. Entry tickets can be purchased online.

    ELLE DECOR India highlights top 10 reasons why attending the Milan furniture fair is an absolute must for design enthusiasts worldwide… 

    A Thinking Room by David Lynch

    This is your chance to enter the surreal world of renowned American filmmaker David Lynch as at Salone del Mobile he reveals a spellbinding interior installation called “Thinking Rooms”, where reality and fantasy intertwine. It is a portal to his soul and innermost thoughts. Labelling it as another world, the expansive area spreads over more than 500 sq ft and aims to awaken a sense of wonder for anyone who steps inside.

    A Thinking Room by David Lynch is an expression of the director’s artistic musings; Photograph courtesy of Salone del Mobile

    Salone talks

    Love talk series and round tables? Get ready to engage in thought-provoking dialogues and know the future of design as—Drafting Futures – Conversations about Next Perspectives, insightfully curated by Annalisa Rosso, will be held in the Drafting Futures arena designed by Formafantasma. It promises to spark discussions that challenge conventions, ignite creativity and get new perspectives on sustainability, technology, social responsibility and cultural influences. Come be a part of the next chapter of design history. The Arena will also have a Salone Library and the Corraini Mobile Bookshop.

    Bookshop Corraini Mobile by Formafantasma; Photograph courtesy of Salone del Mobile
    Arena Drafting Futures by Formafantasma; Photograph courtesy of Salone del Mobile

    Sea of sustainability

    “For Salone del Mobile, sustainability is a path that needs to be attained year after year and step by step,” says Maria Porro, President of Salone del Mobile, Milano. In light of this notion, the event seeks to promote continuous improvement both in terms of the trade fair itself and the types of materials used in its production process. In social aspects too, the exhibitors wholeheartedly adopt ethical practices highlighting the growing need for sustainable high-tech solutions. Encountering these sustainability initiatives throughout the fair would be an invaluable educational opportunity. 

    Under the Surface, an immersive experience that explores water and sustainability; Photograph courtesy of Salone del Mobile

     

    This installation reflects on the role of the bathroom furnishing supply chain in guiding us towards a more sustainable future; Photograph courtesy of Salone del Mobile

    The beauty of Made in Italy

    This year’s theme at Salone del Mobile, 2024 is Manufacturing Value – Inclusiveness, Innovation and Sustainability. And these are not just buzzwords in Italy—it’s a way of life. As the annual design event approaches, Italian designers and artisans blend centuries-old know-how with digital innovation to offer a captivating glimpse into the future of Interior design and furnishings. They not only help to establish the city’s design and cultural panorama, they in fact honour the timeless legacy of Made in Italy. Salone del Mobile stands as a quintessential platform, connecting local talent with an international audience for global recognition. Be a part of this global converge where each booth tells a unique story, and leave with new inspirations, collaborations and lifelong relationships.

    Vikram Goyal’s brass reveries

    With Indian talent taking the design world by storm, you are never too far from home. Witness the sculptural brass forms of Vikram Goyal showcased at the Milan-based gallery Nilufar. From Archimedes’ Chandelier to the Thar (Bar Cabinet), his metal collectibles bring the mastery of the ancient repoussé technique to the world stage. 

    Archimedes’ Chandelier designed by Vikram Goyal; Photograph by Vikram Goyal Studio

    Cross-cultural collaborations of Jaipur Rugs

    Wondering what a collaboration between Italy and India will look like? Be it the couture carpets of Chanel-owned atelier VIMAR1991, the architectonic patchwork kilims by Michele De Lucchi or the urban abstractions of studio DAAA Haus, Jaipur Rugs exhibits a monochrome whirlwind that combines traditional techniques with modern expressions from three leading Italian studios.

    The contemporary rugs from the collaboration between Jaipur Rugs and studio DAAA Haus contrasted against a palatial backdrop; Photograph courtesy of Jaipur Rugs

    Gunjan Gupta’s experimental approach

    If your taste leans towards the unconventional, make sure to stop by Gunjan Gupta’s exhibit. Packing a tongue-in-cheek punch, the founding force behind IKKIS is set to turn heads with her experimental interpretations rooted in Indian craftsmanship. A bit of trivia, all the above Indian design labels are also past EDIDA India winners!

    Gunjan Gupta’s iconic Moodewala chair — a playful reinterpretation of the traditional bamboo moodha stools into a throne-like seat; Photograph courtesy of Gunjan Gupta

    Seamless navigation by Lombardini22

    This year, Salone del Mobile gets a reimagined floor plan, courtesy of the groundbreaking collaboration between Milanese architecture studio Lombardini22 and a team of neuroscientists. The human-centric routes make it more accessible and shine the spotlight on the exhibitors. According to organisers, the new layout aims to optimise both time and space and simplify visits.

    Salone del Mobile’s a reimagined floor plan by Milanese architecture studio Lombardini22 and a team of neuroscientists

    Maria Porro emphasises the sprawling expanse of the fair and says “Salone is huge! For those who have never been: bring sneakers!” We suggest compiling a list of priority exhibitors before setting foot at Fiera Milano. Make sure to mark one essential stop on your list–at Innovative Design Studio, Sans Souci and Brokis, to witness their specially curated displays and signature lighting collections. Sans Souci unveils a remarkable collaboration “Path of Visions” with visionary artist and designer Arik Levy. These beauties push the boundaries of creativity and tell stories of limitless design possibilities.

    Technology, creativity and understanding of the human psychology come together to create a layout that showcases the best of the design world

    MiCodmc x Salone del Mobile provide elegant hotel stays

    Like bees are drawn to sweet nectar, around 2000 exhibitors and over 30,000 visitors are expected to buzz and navigate through this garden of sustainability and innovation. So it makes sense that Hotels take part in welcoming the attendees. In collaboration with MiCodmc, Salone del mobile helps visitors to find elite hotels for an elegant stay. They can choose from Bulgari Hotel Milano, Galleria Vik Milano, ME Milan – Il Duca, Room Mate Giulia and Straf Hotel. And hey, they’re all Michelin-starred hotels or styled by internationally renowned designers.

    From Michelin-starred hotels to those styled by internationally renowned designers, take your pick from a wide range of luxurious stays; Photograph courtesy of Salone del Mobile

     

    MiCodmc and Salone del mobile helps visitors to find accommodation that heightens the design fair’s experience; Photograph courtesy of Salone del Mobile

    Publicis Groupe’s new communication campaign

    Salone del Mobile’s new communication campaign is powered by Generative Artificial Intelligence and entrusted by Publicis Groupe. The concept is “Where Design Evolves” and with input from Paolo Ciuccarelli it captures the fair’s essence and emotions. AI is used to analyse the conversations, debates and brand voices to create dynamic visual campaigns.

    The communication campaign is powered by Generative Artificial Intelligence and entrusted by Publicis Groupe; Photograph courtesy of Salone del Mobile

    25th year of SaloneSatellite

    A jubilant spirit of celebration will permeate the air as this year marks the 25th anniversary of SaloneSatellite, founded and curated by Marva Griffin Wilshire. SaloneSatellite is a launchpad for the careers of next-generation design innovators. To commemorate this momentous occasion, there’s a free exhibition to showcase the eclectic brilliance of emerging designers from every corner of the world. Visitors eager to glimpse the stars of tomorrow, immerse in their world of creativity and boundless imagination. Additionally, a grand exhibition awaits at Triennale Milano museum—a retrospective journey through the history and impact of SaloneSatellite over the past quarter century. 

    Kohler’s latest innovations at EuroCina and International Bathroom Exhibition

    Salone del Mobile isn’t just a product parade, it’s a carnival of fresh ideas and concepts. The Milan fair hosts the EuroCucina, the biennial kitchen exhibition, and this year it focuses on food design. From live food demonstrations by chefs to exhibits unveiling the latest trends in kitchen design and technology, it’s something you won’t want to miss. Expanding beyond the kitchen, the International Bathroom Exhibition returns to spotlight interesting bathroom concepts. A stimulating environment for those who are involved with bathroom furnishings. Among the exhibitors, Kohler, with its broad portfolio in kitchen & bath and decorative products, gears up to breathe new life into every corner and culture of the world with its leading-edge solutions. Something to look forward to.

    Salone del Mobile hosts the EuroCucina, the biennial kitchen exhibition; Photograph courtesy of Salone del Mobile

    Next stop — Venice Biennale! 

    We recommend doing some extra packing, because the Milan trip has got a Venetian twist. The timing couldn’t be more perfect because La Biennale di Venezia coincides with your visit. And here’s the kicker! Karishma Swali, Creative Director at The Chanakya School of Craft will make a grand debut at the 60th International Art Exhibition in Venice, to represent India on a global scale. The exhibition Cosmic Garden puts hand embroidery into the limelight, bringing it out of the confines of homes. Along with this, the exhibit also features paintings and sculptures by Madhvi and Manu Parekh. It is an absolute showstopper that you won’t forget. 

    La Biennale di Venezia has been for 130 years one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the world; Photograph courtesy of La Biennale di Venezia
    30 projects are selected as a Collateral Event by the curator of the 60th International Art Exhibition, Adriano Pedrosa; Photograph courtesy of La Biennale di Venezia

     

    Cosmic Garden by Chanakya School of Craft at La Biennale di Venezia, curated by Paola Ugolini and Maria Alicata celebrates a multidisciplinary approach to art; Photograph courtesy of Chanakya School of Craft

    Once you’ve had your full immersion in the world of furniture, take a stroll in Brera’s cobbled street that has exhibitions, small galleries and popular showrooms with immersive displays. Then go to the bustling and super fashionable Zona Tortona – Milan’s trendiest neighbourhood to find the boundless talent of artists, architects and creative entrepreneurs. Next is a premier design destination that presents an array of iconic works and limited edition pieces–the Nilufar Gallery again a big attraction for collectors, contemporary design lovers, journalists and history geeks. Climax at the Alcova – an event that hosts designers, researchers, companies and institutions for their groundbreaking work on living environments, products, systems and materials. As you travel from one design district to another, witness the urban architectural transformations in the city. Why? Because the beauty of design in Milan is endless. 

    Throwback to the last edition of Salone del Mobile.