Now in its 55th edition, the Salone del Mobile was officially presented on February the 11th, in a conference between the Porta Nuova skyscrapers, at the Unicredit Pavilion ( designed by Michele De Lucchi ) in the presence of more than 400 guests, including journalists, architects and sectoral operators.
The event, hosted by Camila Raznovich, was attended, in addition to the Salone del Mobile executives, the president Roberto Snaidero and CEO Giovanni De Ponti, the mayor of Milan Giuliano Pisapia and in connection from Rome, the Italian governments’ Deputy Minister economic development Carlo Calenda
Special guests included architects Mendini, Romanelli, Fabio Novembre, Umberto Riva, Migliore and Servetto, to name but a few, essayist and writer Francesco Cataluccio and filmmaker Matteo Garrone, author of the short film on Classic style … who gave a preview of the film to the assembled guest.
Mauro Guzzini, Matteo Garrone, Camila Raznovich, Roberto Snaidero, Giovanni Anzani, Giovanni De Ponti, Alberto Scavolini
The important numbers of the last edition in Milan confirm the role of world capital of design, numbers that will hopefully be matched, if not exceeded, as also for the next edition of the exhibition spaces have been fully allocated
However it continues to explore new ways to try to maintain and consolidate this key role of the Milan design week, research has led to some important innovations.
This year is completely sold out yet again, with 207,000 m2 of net exhibition space and 2,310 exhibitors (30% of them foreign companies), 650 of them SaloneSatellite designers, reaffirming its position as the leading forum for ideas, creativity, innovation and technology for businesses, operators and visitors, showcasing the latest home living styles through advanced design trends.
Key Note Speaker addresses
Mauro Guzzini, Matteo Garrone, Camila Raznovich, Roberto Snaidero, Giovanni Anzani, Giovanni De Ponti, Alberto Scavolini
Milan Mayor Giuliano Pisapia
Milan Mayor Giuliano Pisapia, quoting the Chilean writer Isabelle Allende : on a recent visit here, she described Milan as …. “ a very sensual city“. I think she’s right : “Milan is offering more attractions every single day” he said.
“The 55th edition of the Salone del Mobile occurs during a special year for our city.
The Salone del Mobile, along with the FuoriSalone, will enliven the streets and squares of the city, involving 300,000 fans, tourists, professionals and designers – from over 160 countries – , making the week of the 12th to 17th April a great party for all”, said Milan Mayor Giuliano Pisapia.
President Robert Snaidero
Roberto Snaidero said “The 55th edition will be a huge international draw, with 70% of the operators coming from over 160 countries and a wide range of top commercial offerings from the very best companies on the Italian and foreign markets, combined with culture and product culture through our collateral events.
Internationalisation and innovation are the key drivers of this important edition.
In particular, companies taking part in the Salone affirm that 63% of revenue is generated by exports, while 67% of them have made substantial investments in innovating machinery, equipment and software; research and development, especially within the companies themselves, and in the design of new products.”
Deputy Minister of Economic Development Carlo Calenda
Carlo Calenda expressed his good wishes in a video call to the assembled guests .. “The Salone del Mobile is one of Italy’s most important appointments. A showcase of what the entire home furnishing chain has to offer international markets in terms of product quality and innovation.
This is why the Salone was immediately incorporated into the Italian Trade Agency ICE trade fair enhancement plan, and its contributions will continue into the future. The furniture sector is showing signs of recovery, with exports looking likely to rise by around 6% in 2015.
There are positive signals from the domestic market too, thanks also in part to the government’s ongoing interest over the last few years. The latest stability law confirmed its commitments, with the renewal of the tax bonus for new furniture and extended benefits for young couples.
As well as supporting domestic demand, the ministry and ICE have set up promotional plans to promote our top products abroad, thanks to funds made available under the Extraordinary Plan for Made in Italy.”
Audience interactions
matteo garrone
architect alessandro mendini
21st Century : Design after design
‘Design after Design’, the International Exhibition of the Triennale di Milano, back after a twenty-year lull, will open just a few days earlier.
This means that we are gearing up for an extraordinary Design Spring, with a combination of events in which we believe and which will bring Milan to the forefront of international attention yet again.
With important guests and several ongoing projects, the Design Week 2016 sees Milan as a city setting new trends, both cultural and aesthetic.
The keywords for this edition will be: quality, innovation, cultural contaminations and design.
