Event guide: Milan Design Week 2024

This article first appeared in Mix Interiors #231

Announcing its official programme in February, the 62^nd edition of Salone del Mobile is once again welcoming visitors to Rho Fiera Milano from 16-21 April. This year, the fair will reveal a “new, bold, out of the box approach”, offering a more tightly curated, multicultural approach at a time when many are questioning the role of trade shows and their impact on the environment. With a series of unmissable installations, activations and talks programmes planned, pivotal concepts will include innovation, evolution and, of course, sustainability – under the overarching theme ‘Where Design Evolves’.

One of the most surprising reveals ahead of this year’s fair was the announcement of auteur David Lynch as a key contributor – even more surprising, perhaps, is that this will mark the director’s return to Salone, who contributed his first furniture collection in 1997. “We have chosen to work with a master of film such as David Lynch because of his ability to transport us into a mysterious and different world,” comments fair president, Maria Porro. “After all, what is design if not a quest for function and materials that subconsciously make us feel safe?”

Lynch’s involvement is part of a refreshed and energetic programme, helping Salone move from a strictly trade fair event to a wider platform and ideas exchange for the design community, year round. Consistent with last year’s attendees, the fair expects to welcome approximately 2,000 exhibitors as well as over 300,000 international visitors. If you’re heading to Milan, we’ve curated some of the events, installations, talks and product launches you won’t want to miss this week.