Design Week: showcase of Italian craftsmanship
Last week, the Brera Design District hosted its 15th annual Design Fashion Week (from April 15th to 22nd), in conjunction with the Salone del Mobile. This event, dedicated to creativity and sustainability, filled the city center with exhibitions, installations, and a massive of flux tourists.
The theme of this year's edition was "Materia Natura", aiming to spark reflection on environmental sustainability. It promoted the concept of a circular economy and the construction of a sustainable future through various solutions, ranging from material innovation to service design, from art to domestic landscapes, and from technology to lifestyle.
Thirty-two fashion brands participated in the event, with highlights including Gucci's immersive exhibition at its flagship store on via Monte Napoleone, showcasing five iconic Italian design pieces. Loewe's exhibition focused on lighting, featuring 24 tables and pendant lamps created by international artists at Palazzo Citterio.
Additionally, several historic brands opened their home collections at the Salone. Aspesi introduced a new capsule collection using their signature nylon garments to adorn sofas. Balenciaga continued its Art in Stores project with American artist Andrew J. Greene at their Milan boutique, displaying eight original works from Greene's Timeless Symbols series. These works reinterpreted everyday objects as symbols of luxury and beauty, complementing Balenciaga's aesthetic.
The event achieved record-breaking attendance, with 1950 exhibitors from 35 countries and visitors from 130 countries. It featured showcases, art installations, and a rich cultural program, attracting visitors from across the globe, with China leading in attendance. The event underscored the craftsmanship of Italian products and highlighted the pivotal role of companies in driving the success of Italian design.
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