The first Salone del Mobile was held in Milan in 1961 to showcase the very best of Italian craftsmanship and design. Since then, what initially seemed like an event for industry insiders has evolved into an international celebration where enthusiasts of art, fashion, architecture and innovation come together to share stories and experiences. What is now known as Design Week attracts guests and curious visitors from all over the world, flocking to Milan eager to uncover its hidden treasures. The 2025 edition also set a new record for international attendance, welcoming visitors and works of art that told stories of beauty and sustainability. So how has the event evolved over the years?

Milan Design Week: 64 years of celebrating beauty

The idea came from a group of Italian furniture makers who, recognising Italy’s excellence in furniture design and its rich artisan tradition, decided it was time to share that beauty with as many people as possible. In 1961, Milan hosted just over 300 exhibitors and around a thousand international guests. These numbers seem modest compared to today’s, yet they reflected how the focus on Italian tradition was a resounding success. Over the years, the event’s reputation has soared, drawing in some of the most famous names in design, with art filling the event and sweeping across the entire city of Milan. Today, Design Week not only welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors, but also embraces every facet of art. From design to fashion, each artist brings their vision to the Lombard capital, transforming the city into an open-air museum.

Beyond design: events, fashion and pop culture

The worlds of fashion and design are increasingly intertwined, and it’s not uncommon for fashion collections to draw inspiration from innovations in furniture design, particularly those related to sustainability. During Milan Design Week, this fusion is evident everywhere: in historic buildings turned into galleries, in striking installations and at events scattered across the city’s neighbourhoods. The city becomes a grand stage, celebrating a vision of beauty that nurtures people, their emotions and the environment. Every visitor, whether a celebrity or a passerby, can take centre stage and express themselves through their own style.

As a fashion brand that celebrates the unique beauty and style of every woman, we embrace the spirit of Milan Design Week, bringing with us a desire to honour Italian art and craftsmanship every day.

The true strength of this week lies in its ability to foster connections between people, passions, brands, professionals, and among friends. Take selfies at the most iconic spots, vlog among the installations, snap photos with design stars, and why not finish the day with an aperitif or a risotto? Milan Design Week has become a global sensation, with Italian excellence emerging as an icon of our country’s heritage.

What happens during Design Week?

In a single word: everything—or rather, everything that satisfies the longing for beauty and the thrill of discovering art. Do you love exhibitions? There’s always something for everyone. Want to see the installations without missing out on exploring the city? Hidden among buildings, parks and streets, you’ll always find a piece of art that will enrich your experience. Want to take home a souvenir from the event? There’s no better time, with companies and well-known fashion brands offering beautiful gadgets inspired by the history of fashion or sustainability projects. Everything at Design Week is created to become both a keepsake and a lasting memory of a unique experience to take with you wherever you go.

Why is it such an important event? It’s not just for the unforgettable experience that’s shared each year by those who take part in the event. What truly matters to us is the opportunity for dialogue, connection and a shared commitment to the beauty of our heritage. Italy is made of art, craftsmanship, business excellence, research and innovation, tradition and discovery. Our commitment to these values is a daily challenge—one that must be continuously championed to remind us that beauty is always within reach.