Milan Design Week April 2023: Top Picks
Milan Design Week April 2023. This is the first “normal” Salone since the pandemic, and will therefore be the biggest Milan Design Week in years. There are lots of resources to find where you should focus your time, but as always, and perhaps even more so this year, you must pick and choose as there are more events than any one person could possibly attend.
Top Picks and What to Expect:
Below are a list of resources to explore the offerings at this year’s Salone:
Archiproducts (You will see their banner in many Milan establishments as a partner)
Also, there is a Salone del Mobile 2023 app available in the App store. This is very useful because many of the events are only open to the press, and events are spread all over Milan, so seeing them on a map in the app is extremely beneficial.
Though Salone begins today, I will not be able to be there until Thursday, the 20th, towards the end of the festivities. Still, there is much to see and do, and I will try and use my time wisely! Here’s what I plan to see:
Alcova, Viale Molise 62, Milan:
I have not been to Alcova in previous design weeks, but they have a cult following (like Dimore Studio and Rossana Orlandi) who deserve the high praise. Alcova, since their inception in 2018, is known for understanding the next big thing, and this year should be no different, as they’ve moved into a new (read old) exhibition space in Porto Vittoria. Below see photos and links to these respective galleries/ exhibitions.
Nilufar, Via Della Spiga 32, Milan:
Their theme this year, Bright Side of Design, is sure to be a feast for the eyes. Their featured collection is sure to dazzle those in the know, exhibitors including Maximillian Marchesani, Allegra Hicks, Lola Montes Schnabel, just to name a few.
Tortona, Via Tortona 14/30:
Tortona, as I understand it, is a whole area dedicated to one united exhibition. Kind of like Brera? I’m not sure. But I’ve never been to Tortona so I’m going to check it out this time as I’ve heard a lot about it. Many different brand contributors will be represented there, and with the theme, Future to Share, it should be very exciting. I’m a huge fan of Paola Navone, (I have her Taste plates made by Reichenbach and her Serax fish carafes) and she has collaborated with Daniel Rozensztroch, to “give away” things she’s designed and collected over the years in an exhibition called, Take it or Leave it, in Tortona. Also, if you are short on time, going to a concentrated design region might be a good bet. I’ll report back!
The Harmony of Form and Function by Shigeru Ban, Via Solferino 31:
According to design publication, dezeen, this exhibition, designed by architect Ban, represents Japanese craftsmanship at its finest, in the form of lighting, originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1930s, and made by Japanese lighting manufacturer, Yamagiwa, marking their return to Salone after a 12 year hiatus.
Cassina, Via Durini 16:
Cassina is home to many of the best names in design, both past and present, and this year, they will debut the Cassina Lighting Collection and celebration at Palazzo Broggi. I will definitely be visiting this exhibition.
Norwegian Presence, Via Pietro Maroncelli 2, Brera:
This will also be a new experience for me, Norwegian Presence features the best of Norwegian independent makers and studios. As many people have been drawn to Scandinavian design in years past and present, this should be a very good exhibition of what’s to come.
Luce Di Carrara (Brera Design District/ Milan Design Week):
Under new creative director, Attila Veress, Luce Di Carrara explores a new range of covering solutions for all areas of the home in collaboration with designers and studios featuring wood and carrara marble. I’m really looking forward to this visit. But either way, you definitely need to visit Brera, the hippest neighborhood in Milan, home to lots of cafes, gelaterias, and amazing showrooms, also the Botanical gardens located in the Universite degli studi di Milano, which is also a part of Milan Design week.
Gianfranco Frattini, Via Borromeo 41:
As you may know, I’m a huge CB2 fan, and Gianfranco Frattini’s architect daughter, Emanuela Frattini, created a 62 piece collection for American brand, CB2. This, and her father’s work will be exhibited.
Salone del Mobile, Rho Fiera, Milan Design Week:
This is where you go to see it all. I will try and get to as much as I can, but I’m particularly looking forward to Euroluce. Everything and everyone will be here. This exhibition center is the center of everything that is happening in design, in the world, right now.
I Highly Recommend a Visit (Milan Design Week):
Edra This is a highly impressive showroom (palazzo, actually), staffed with knowledgeable salespeople who come in from their showrooms worldwide, just for this event. Their furniture looks stunning in Palazzo Durini; it’s such a showcase. You will want everything in their collection.
Hermes Via Turati 34: Hermes exhibitions are always transportive, as they build structures within their exhibition space, usually in the form of four separate structures housing each collection within their home offerings. Everything from the lighting, to the floor to the structures themselves has been curated to enhance their products and your experience viewing them. Here was their exhibition at the last Salone, in June of 2022. Their theme this year is Colourmorphosis, and latest offerings include wallpaper and fabrics; the presentation will surely thrill you.
Other stores that are worth a visit:
Armani Casa You will for sure see their collections everywhere when Salone is discussed, as their fabrics and furnishings are exquisite. I would also recommend a visit to Armani Silos, though I have not been, it comes highly recommended.
Fornasetti I’ve never been disappointed with a visit to their store, not far from Duomo. Fornasetti seems to be pivoting to small furniture, last Salone they exhibited an outdoor collection that I appreciated, and also custom pieces for the home, in the style of Fornasetti. It is so fun wandering through his world.
Ginori Their store in Brera is gorgeous and definitely worth a peak.
Rinascente The luxury department store in Italy, the lower levels showcase many fabulous products you will find at Salone.
Great explanation of the various exhibits and areas you plan to explore! Looking forward to reading your follow up, hearing your thoughts and seeing some photos!