April is always one of my favourite months—because it means one thing: Milan Design Week. It’s the world’s largest design festival, and for me, it’s become something of a personal tradition. Usually a solo creative recharge, this year was a little different. I had the pleasure of being joined by three members of our design and marketing team, each bringing their own perspective and energy to the experience.
Even in the midst of ongoing projects and early-stage product concepts, Milan never fails to reignite creative thinking. The city transforms into a living gallery, with stunning displays and innovative ideas around every corner. Like kids in a sweet shop, we found ourselves pulled from one installation to the next, dissecting design choices, wondering about materials, and admiring craftsmanship. It was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.
We touched down mid-afternoon on the first day, and after a quick check-in (and a well-earned puccia and double espresso), we headed straight to the Tortona district. The streets buzzed with creatives, pop-ups, and spontaneous moments of art. One of my favourite stops is always the student pop-up exhibition at Tortona Rocks, a showcase of work from Europe’s emerging designers. Their experiments with materials, process, and form are genuinely inspiring, full of energy and a fearless approach to design that feels like a glimpse into the future. I was especially impressed by the dedication and passion shown by every student as they talked us through their work.
We also made time for the Superdesign Show, which, as always, offered a beautiful mix of indoor and outdoor experiences. The sunny courtyard led into pristine exhibition spaces that highlighted cutting-edge developments in furniture and material design. One display particularly stood out—focusing on innovative recycling methods, it demonstrated how materials from traditionally unsustainable manufacturing processes can be given new life. It was a hopeful, forward-thinking message that perfectly summed up the ethos of the week.
We ended the day at a cozy hole-in-the-wall bar, sampling local beers and mingling with fellow creatives. The casual setting was perfect for exchanging insights, tips, and a few laughs as we geared up for the busy day ahead.
The next morning, sunlight poured into our room, illuminating the lush courtyard below. After soaking in the view, we made our way to the Metro en route to Salone del Mobile. I made sure to wear my most comfortable trainers—knowing full well the sheer scale of the exhibition and the thousands of steps we’d be racking up!
At the entrance, I grabbed one of the Architonic 25-year anniversary tote bags and a map before heading straight to the halls. We kicked things off in Halls 9 and 11, which featured breathtaking displays from brands like Minotti and Poliform. Minotti had transformed their space into a luxurious two-story hotel, complete with rich settings and thoughtfully curated vignettes. Desalto, on the other hand, wowed us with their bold product showcase, using striking cobalt blue and emerald green to frame their innovative designs.
We left Milan with hunger in our bellies—moved by the quiet power of craft and the bold promise of new ideas. It’s the kind of inspiration that lingers, that reshapes how we see and what we create. We return not just inspired, but with momentum—ready to design the future with intention and imagination.
April 2025
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