Inside Salone, the Trendy Milan Design Event Everyone in the Know Is Attending

      The highly anticipated event in the fashion world? Interestingly, it’s not a fashion event at all. It’s Salone del Mobile, also known as Milan Design Week, commonly referred to as Salone by frequent visitors. Salone is considered the premier design fair globally and has become one of the year's most sought-after cultural gatherings, attracting both design and fashion insiders to Milan, the hotspot for furniture and décor. Traditionally appealing to design professionals, it has seen a remarkable increase in interest from the fashion community in recent years, with fashion brands displaying their latest home collections alongside attendees from the style crowd. This year, brands like Hermès, Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Saint Laurent showcased their designs, highlighting the growing connection between luxury fashion labels and the design fair. To delve into Salone del Mobile in 2025, we spoke with attendees to gather their insights on standout exhibits, design trends, Milan hotspots, and outfit choices.

      Madeline O'Malley, Market Director at Architectural Digest, expressed, "Milan Design Week is one of those rare events that gets better as it expands. No other city feels as vibrant as Milan during Salone. The creativity and passion for design are extraordinary. Years ago, the event was much smaller and akin to other design events worldwide, attracting interior designers and industry professionals who explored showroom floors. While it wasn't dull, it lacked the glamour of today's fashion atmosphere. The fashion industry has wisely engaged with the event. Large fashion houses collaborate with emerging artisans and top designers for unique creations, leading to brand expressions that are both comprehensive and boundary-pushing. I believe that taste is universal, and the realms of art, fashion, and design are interconnected. The idea of fashion enthusiasts at home is central to Architectural Digest's focus and my personal interests. For dressing during the week, comfort is crucial, as I walk extensively from Brera to the charming streets of Le Cinque Vie. Venetian slippers are surprisingly durable."

      As for Madeline's favorite exhibits, she mentioned, “Dimorestudio partnered with Japanese textiles brand Hosoo, showcasing their work on Osanna Visconti's bronze furniture in an exquisite apartment, epitomizing Milanese elegance. Cabana Magazine's Martina Mondadori collaborated with Deborah Needleman, who brought together seven creatives to design pieces inspired by Martina’s mother’s iconic Renzo Mongiardino-designed apartment. The range of inspiration was astounding, from Peter Schlesinger to Sophie Wilson to Emily Bode and Green River Project. Loewe's teapot exhibition was both refined and understated, and it was exciting to see fresh names.”

      Regarding her preferred event, she shared, "I hosted a small lunch at the Ralph Lauren restaurant in their Della Spiga store for some wonderful friends in the design world, including Noah Ruttenberg, Xavier Donnelly, Bilal Taruk, Matilda Goad, and more. It was delightful to share a meal since most events only allow for brief visits. This leisurely lunch was an opportunity for me to discuss what people are enjoying around town. It's becoming a bit of a Salone tradition."

      When recommending places in Milan, she mentioned Da Giacomo, “An iconic restaurant designed by Mongiardino,” as well as Trattoria del Ciumbia, "which Dimorestudio designed. The food was delicious, and I was captivated by the red, yellow, black, and white tiles on the floors and the delicate lace curtains.” She also highlighted Arjumand's World as “my favorite source for textiles in Milan; it’s truly an inspiring stop,” and Laboratorio Paravicini, where “watching artisans paint beautiful plates while shopping is a real treat.”

      As for the top design trend from Salone, she noted, "The emphasis is on returning to craftsmanship and the handmade. Shoppers are increasingly dissatisfied with mass-produced items; they want narratives. Much of what we observed in Milan reinterprets traditional crafts in innovative and exciting ways. For instance, Tomás Alonso's tables for Hermès utilized Italian glass and Japanese wood, melding traditional materials and techniques with contemporary flair."

      Kia Goosby, Market Editor at Vanity Fair, reflected on her first visit to Salone as an enjoyable experience, leading her to consider returning next year. "There was an abundance to see and experience in my limited time. I felt I had a glimpse into the incredible world of Salone. My trip to Milan was primarily to witness Louis Vuitton launch their new signature home collection along with exquisite objets that would enhance any household."

      Kia's top exhibit was "Gucci's Bamboo Encounters," showcasing various artists who creatively incorporated bamboo into their artwork. She appreciated both the physical bamboo pieces and their impressions, highlighting the tranquil beauty of kites flying gracefully in a school courtyard. Her favorite event was "the collaboration between Christofle and Charlotte Chesnais at Sant Ambroeus, where the table was beautifully adorned with fruits and vegetables, complemented by elegantly styled