Milan Design Week 2025: What not to miss
From 8 to 13 April, Milan once again becomes the international stage for design with a new edition of Milan Design Week 2025. This unmissable event goes far beyond industrial design to embrace art, technology, sustainability, architecture and contemporary lifestyle.
This year, under the inspiring theme “Connected Worlds”, the city pulses to the rhythm of creativity, with a vibrant programme spanning immersive installations, multidisciplinary encounters, product launches, sensory experiences and journeys through palazzos, abandoned factories and secret gardens.
At CC/magazine, we bring you the most inspiring and revealing highlights of this iconic week. And we begin, of course, with the best of the Salone del Mobile, the renowned international fair held at Fiera Milano Rho, which continues to be the institutional heart of Design Week.
Salone del Mobile 2025
Euroluce: Light as an emotional experience
Euroluce returns — the highly anticipated biennial dedicated to lighting — taking over four pavilions of the fairgrounds for 2025. This edition moves beyond technical innovation to embrace a more sensitive vision of light as a source of emotional and ecological wellbeing. Advanced technology, scenic design, poetic installations and a strong commitment to sustainability make Euroluce one of the most powerful narrative axes of this year’s Salone.
Within this expanded vision, the special project “Library of Light” comes to life — a collaboration with the Pinacoteca di Brera and supported by Milan-based publishing house Feltrinelli. The Salone del Mobile has commissioned a monumental kinetic installation by British artist Es Devlin, often described as a “poet of light”. Inspired by a phrase from Umberto Eco — “Books are the compass of the mind, they point to countless worlds yet to be explored” — Devlin has created an 18-meter-diameter cylindrical sculpture made up of illuminated bookshelves holding 3,200 volumes. Installed at the heart of the 17th-century Cortile d’Onore, the rotating structure symbolically connects the Pinacoteca, the Braidense National Library and the Academy of Fine Arts. During the day, a mirrored plane atop the sculpture reflects sunlight into parts of the historic architecture previously untouched by light; at night, its glowing form casts theatrical shadows across the courtyard walls. A breathtaking experience that reimagines the dialogue between light, knowledge, and space in the very soul of Milan.
Kartell pays tribute to Joe Colombo and revives a design icon
To mark the 25th anniversary of the Kartell Museum, the Italian brand honours the visionary Joe Colombo with a retrospective exploring his futuristic and deeply humanist universe.
Held at Via delle Industrie 3, the exhibition celebrates his legacy as one of the great innovators of 20th-century design, through historic pieces, previously unseen archives and a dynamic dialogue between past and present.
As part of the tribute, Kartell reintroduces the iconic KD28 lamp, originally designed by Colombo in 1964 – a timeless piece that now returns with updated materials and technology. A cross-generational homage that reaffirms the enduring relevance of his radically modern vision.
BD Barcelona Design x Jaime Hayon: A new creative constellation with ECLIPSO
Spanish brand BD Barcelona Design returns to the international stage with the unveiling of ECLIPSO, a new collection designed by the ever-distinctive Jaime Hayon.
The collection features a range of pieces — including tables, chairs, shelving and furnishings for dining areas, cafés and workspaces — all reflecting Hayon’s playful and sophisticated universe. Sculptural forms, refined finishes and a palette that bridges emotion and geometry define this striking series.
“Treboli” by Jaime Hayon for Arflex: A sofa made for dreaming
Also by Jaime Hayon, the new Treboli sofa for Arflex draws inspiration from nature’s organic forms and symbols of luck and prosperity. It’s a piece designed for dreaming, both literally and figuratively.
With its flowing, imperfect silhouette, Treboli invites users to rediscover the beauty of the unexpected and to experience design through emotion. A sculptural yet functional object that speaks to both body and soul.
Zieta Studio: Inflated sculptures that challenge structural norms
At Salone del Mobile 2025, visionary designer Oskar Zieta and his team unveil “Steel Alive”, a new collection that takes their signature FiDU inflated steel technology to new heights — transforming metal into something fluid, expressive and emotionally resonant.
Among the standout pieces is the G-Table Monolith, a breathtaking one-piece table in mirror-polished stainless steel that appears to float on its flowing base. Also on display: new editions of the iconic Rondo Mirror, experimental benches and structures that blur the line between engineering and art.
Inspired by the concept of metamaterials, Zieta Studio creates surfaces that not only reflect but transform the viewer’s perception of space and self — reaffirming their place among the most influential forces in contemporary European design.
Sancal and “WorkArt”: The beauty of making
Murcia-based brand Sancal presents one of the most conceptual proposals of this year’s Salone under the title “WorkArt. The Beauty of Making” — a bold installation that dissolves the boundaries between industry, art and design.
Curated by Esther and Elena Castaño-López, the installation is based on a series of “found objects” from the brand’s own production process, reimagined as narrative design artefacts. The approach celebrates the imperfect, the unfinished, and the aesthetic power of craft and process.
Alongside the installation, Sancal unveils new pieces by leading designers that reinforce its identity as an experimental and forward-thinking design house.
Cassina x Formafantasma: A contemporary dialogue with Le Corbusier
To celebrate 60 years of reissuing Le Corbusier’s iconic designs, Cassina collaborates with conceptual design duo Formafantasma for a unique installation at the Salone del Mobile 2025.
The project reinterprets Le Corbusier’s modernist legacy through a contemporary lens, exploring his cultural and symbolic impact beyond objects. The immersive, sensorial experience not only pays tribute to a design master but also sparks an intergenerational conversation about how we live, see and think about space today.
Jasper Morrison. The Lightness of Things
“The Lightness of Things”, curated by Alberto Salvadori, pays tribute to the timeless, essential vision of Jasper Morrison (London, 1959). Created for Fondazione ICA Milano, the installation features twelve floating chairs suspended in the exhibition space, paired with twelve wall-mounted photographic compositions that portray archetypal objects. This ethereal environment is enriched by a minimalist soundscape composed by Anthony Moore, incorporating fragments of Morrison’s essays voiced by non-human sounds. A silent manifesto that encapsulates Morrison’s design philosophy: objects should blend effortlessly into daily life, revealing their true value through quiet, natural integration.
Alcova 2025: Radical design with soul in forgotten spaces
One of the most thought-provoking and emotionally charged experiences of the Fuorisalone is undoubtedly Alcova.
This year, the independent curatorial platform — founded by Valentina Ciuffi (Studio Vedèt) and Joseph Grima (Space Caviar) — transforms the abandoned Ex-Macello di Porta Vittoria into a sprawling hub of creative experimentation.
More than 80 designers, studios, emerging brands and institutions take over the industrial ruins, using them as a backdrop for installations that explore new ways of living, making and feeling through design.
At Alcova, design is not just shown — it’s challenged, reimagined and redefined through risk-taking and intuition. Standout themes include:
– Regenerative design projects that explore how to give back to the environment through sustainable processes.
– Site-specific installations that transform architectural decay into expressive canvases.
– Proximity design and emerging global collectives that reject market logic in favour of storytelling and social relevance.
– A post-industrial and sensorial approach that stimulates touch, sound and materiality.
Alcova 2025 is not just one of the most visited and photographed events of the week — it’s the thermometer of where design is headed when it dares to break the rules.
Fuorisalone
Taking place throughout the city — in districts like Brera, Tortona, 5Vie, and Isola — the Fuorisalone is where the most conceptual, artistic and sensorial experiences unfold. Some key installations this year include:
Paolo Sorrentino – “La dolce attesa”: Renowned Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino proves that his artistic vision easily transcends the silver screen with “La dolce attesa”, an emotionally charged and symbolically rich installation featured in the cultural program of Fuorisalone.
Created in collaboration with acclaimed set designer Margherita Palli, the piece invites visitors into an intimate, poetic experience that explores one of the most universal human states: waiting. A delicate interplay between desire and fear, narrated through Sorrentino’s unmistakable cinematic language. The installation will be on view at pavilions 22 and 24.
USM celebrates modular design as a universal language: USM will present “A Piece of Switzerland”, an immersive installation paying tribute to its iconic USM Haller modular system.
Located in the Brera district, the installation will combine geometry, colour and light to demonstrate how functional design can also serve as a form of cultural and creative expression.
Pierre-Yves Rochon – “Villa Héritage”: A dialogue between classical interior design and contemporary sensibilities.
Google x Lachlan Turczan – “Making the Invisible Visible”: This installation is part of the immersive and tech-driven experiences that Google regularly presents outside the main fairgrounds, typically hosted in unique venues across central Milan such as palazzos, galleries or cultural hubs.
Tokujin Yoshioka at Palazzo Landriani – “Aqua Chair”: Tokujin Yoshioka, renowned for his poetic and experimental approach, unveils this installation within the historic Palazzo Landriani, located in the vibrant Brera Design District—one of the most dynamic hubs of the Fuorisalone. His work is a prime example of a site-specific intervention that enters into dialogue with both the architecture and its context—a hallmark of the most compelling off-fair proposals.
Loewe – “Teapots”: An installation presented by a fashion house with a strong presence in the artistic circuit of Design Week. This type of project finds its natural home within the Fuorisalone, particularly in districts like 5Vie or Brera, where fashion, art and design converge seamlessly.
7 Spaces Defining Design in 2025
Among the many proposals across Milan, seven key spaces stand out for their originality, aesthetic sensitivity and forward-looking vision:
L’Appartamento by Artemest: Artemest unveils “L’Appartamento” — an immersive journey that reimagines the historic interiors of the elegant Palazzo Donizetti. In this refined 19th-century Milanese residence, six acclaimed international designers and studios have been invited to reinterpret its rooms through their unique creative lenses, crafting a captivating symphony of global design aesthetics and artisanal elegance.
Each space within “L’Appartamento” becomes a living composition, where furniture, textures, artworks and decorative objects —sourced from Artemest’s curated collection of Italy’s finest craftsmanship— merge seamlessly with the building’s timeless architectural features. This installation goes beyond traditional exhibition; it’s a bold statement of how global creativity and local heritage can coexist, blending the past with the present, tradition with innovation. A must-see destination for those seeking design inspiration, cultural richness, and a new vision of contemporary living.
Marimekko x Laila Gohar at Teatro Litta: Finnish design icon Marimekko joins creative forces with New York-based artist Laila Gohar to unveil an immersive and unexpectedly intimate installation. Inspired by the intriguing question “What happens in bed?”, the installation reimagines the bedroom as a dynamic stage that evolves throughout the week. From coffee-filled mornings to cozy movie nights, the space invites visitors to actively engage with the setting, blurring the lines between design and daily rituals. “All the Things We Do in Bed” will be on view from April 7 to 13 at Teatro Litta (Corso Magenta 24, Milan), promising to be one of the most talked-about stops of the week.
Kaikado 150: Marking its 150th anniversary, the legendary Japanese brand Kaikado presents a remarkable showcase that honors a legacy defined by craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and understated elegance. Established in Kyoto in 1875, Kaikado is renowned for its exquisite chazutsu —handcrafted metal tea canisters— that embody a philosophy of precision, patience, and profound respect for materiality.
Unveiled during Milan Design Week 2025, this exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the spirit of a brand that has remained true to its roots: simplicity, functionality, and timeless beauty. Through a curated display of signature objects, archival photographs, and insights into the meticulous artisanal process passed down over generations, Kaikado 150 becomes a meditative experience—an homage to authentic craftsmanship and the enduring value of tradition. A quiet journey into the soul of refined Japanese design, where less truly becomes more.
Fondazione Danese x Michael Anastassiades: Milan Design Week 2025 welcomes the revival of a historic city landmark: the iconic headquarters of Fondazione Danese, now reopened and reinterpreted through the vision of acclaimed designer Michael Anastassiades. This collaboration not only pays homage to the intellectual and aesthetic legacy of one of Italy’s most influential design institutions, but also introduces a fresh, contemporary approach to light as a spatial and emotional medium.
Within this storied setting, Anastassiades unveils a modular lighting system characterized by quiet geometry and sculptural balance, designed to seamlessly integrate into the architecture while subtly transforming it. At the heart of the installation is a newly developed portable lamp — a refined object that embodies mobility, simplicity, and purposeful design. “Fondazione Danese x Michael Anastassiades” becomes more than an exhibition: it is a thoughtful tribute to history and a visionary statement about how light can shape the future.
Palazzo Molteni by Vincent Van Duysen: The acclaimed Belgian designer Vincent Van Duysen reimagines the historic Palazzo Molteni as a refined cultural hub, where contemporary art and high-end furniture design exist in perfect symbiosis. With his signature poetic minimalism, Van Duysen transforms the space into an immersive experience that blurs the boundaries between architecture, functionality, and aesthetic purity.
Far beyond a traditional showcase, Palazzo Molteni becomes a manifesto of emotional living — a serene exploration of how design can elevate the everyday and create dialogue between history and modernity. A must-visit destination that invites contemplation through elegance and restraint.
Casa Cabana – “Speak, Memory”: For the first time open to the public, Casa Cabana unveils “Speak, Memory”, a mesmerizing exhibition that merges contemporary design with the theatrical legacy of Renzo Mongiardino, the legendary Italian set designer known for his richly layered interiors and immersive visual storytelling.
This evocative installation invites visitors to explore spaces where memory, materiality and imagination intertwine. Paying tribute to Mongiardino’s decorative opulence and craftsmanship, Casa Cabana becomes a living narrative — a place where tradition and modernity echo each other in a dreamlike, sophisticated ambiance. A must-see destination where interior design becomes pure poetry.
Glasslands by Traga: With “Glasslands”, experimental design studio Traga challenges our perception of glass, presenting it as a bold, multifaceted, and eco-conscious material. One of the most daring installations at Milan Design Week 2025, this exhibition breaks away from traditional associations of fragility to highlight glass as a medium of strength, adaptability, and innovation.
Through sculptural forms, unexpected textures, and an atmospheric setting, “Glasslands” elevates glass to center stage — a material capable of shaping the future of sustainable design. A thought-provoking journey into the intersection of function, beauty, and radical creativity.
Practical Guide: Milan Design Week 2025
Official websites you’ll need:
Salone del Mobile
Fiera Milano Rho.
What to expect: major brands, interiors, lighting (Euroluce), kitchens & bathrooms
www.salonemilano.it
Fuorisalone
Citywide design districts.
What to expect: installations, emerging brands, immersive experiences
www.fuorisalone.it
Alcova
Ex-Macello di Porta Vittoria.
What to expect: experimental design, young talent, curatorial depth
www.alcova.xyz
Milan Design Week Overview
www.milanodesignweek.it
Because Milan Design Week is not just a fair — it’s a living celebration of design
It’s not just an event or a collection of exhibitions: it’s a living celebration of design as a transformative force — a universal language that connects industries, disciplines, generations and cultures.
Because in Milan, design isn’t just observed — it’s walked, inhabited, tasted, listened to… and deeply felt.
(*) Images provided by the Salone.
