Salone del Mobile.Milano in New Delhi: New Chapters for Italian Design in India

Salone del Mobile.Milano, the world’s leading furniture and design fair, has taken a significant step in expanding the presence of Italian design in the Indian market.

The visit to the capital of this rapidly growing economic power highlights the increasing demand for high-end design products, driven by rising purchasing power and investments in the real estate and contract sectors.

Ahead of the 63rd edition of the fair, which will take place from April 8 to 13, 2025, at Rho Fiera Milano, the event in India was a key opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Italian companies and the expanding design market in this Asian country. India has already demonstrated great interest in Salone del Mobile, with over 4,890 professionals from India attending the 2024 edition. In light of increasing investments in luxury interiors and architectural projects, this event in New Delhi represents a turning point in the further internationalization of Italian design.

Italian-Indian Synergy in Design

Salone del Mobile was warmly welcomed at the Italian Cultural Institute in New Delhi, with the participation of distinguished officials, including:

• Antonio Bartoli, Ambassador of Italy to India and Nepal,
• Antonietta Baccanari, Director of the ITA-Italian Trade Agency Office in New Delhi and Coordinator for India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka,
• Andrea Anastasio, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in New Delhi.

This prestigious platform brought together media, companies, and industry professionals to discuss the opportunities offered by the Indian market, which is projected to grow by 6.5% in 2025, with an increasing demand for luxury and innovative design solutions.

The President of Salone del Mobile, Maria Porro, emphasized the importance of the fair’s presence in India: "The presence of Salone del Mobile in India offers unique opportunities to strengthen trade and cultural relations between our two countries. The performance of Italian exports in the wood-furniture sector confirms the interest and growth potential in this market, making it a key destination for the internationalization strategies of Italian companies. This event reaffirms our commitment to building bridges between cultures through design."

Italian Design and Indian Market Perspectives

As part of the event, a panel discussion titled "When Design Meets Art and Craft" was held, focusing on the relationship between art, craftsmanship, and design. The panel was moderated by Samta Nadeem, and the participants included:

• Maria Porro, President of Salone del Mobile.Milano,
• Malika Verma, expert in craftsmanship and cultural identity,
• Iram Sultan, renowned interior designer who blends traditional materials with contemporary aesthetics,
• Federico Fraternale, an Italian designer with extensive experience in India.

The discussion focused on how design can serve as a bridge between cultures and disciplines, as well as the interaction between the "Made in Italy" and "Made in India" concepts. A particular focus was given to redefining luxury in the global design ecosystem and the impact of applied arts and artisanal excellence on contemporary design.

The Ambassador of Italy to India, Antonio Bartoli, highlighted the significance of this event: "Nearly 2,000 exhibitors from around the world, over 350,000 visitors, and around 2 million interactions – these figures confirm the status of Salone del Mobile as a global brand in the world of design. Italian and Indian design share common values of elegance, tradition, and innovation. The presence of Salone del Mobile at the India Art Fair will further strengthen ties between our design industries."

Salone del Mobile 2025: Innovation and Culture

The President of Salone del Mobile, Maria Porro, took the opportunity to announce the key highlights of the 63rd edition of the fair in Milan. More than 2,000 exhibitors and 148 brands are expected to participate, including both newcomers and established names, presenting their visions of the future of design. Key program highlights will include:

• Villa Héritage, a curatorial project by designer Pierre-Yves Rochon,
• La Dolce Attesa, an artistic installation by Oscar-winning director Paolo Sorrentino,
• Mother, a spectacular performance by Robert Wilson, inspired by Michelangelo’s masterpieces,
• The first edition of The Euroluce International Lighting Forum, a multidisciplinary event in the Arena designed by Sou Fujimoto.

As Porro pointed out, the goal of Salone del Mobile is not just to exhibit products but to create a cultural and innovation ecosystem that inspires future generations of designers. "The combination of past and future, tradition and innovation is what makes Salone special – it is a global dialogue on the infinite possibilities of design."

Award for the Restoration of a Historic Building

During the visit to India, on February 7, the President of Salone del Mobile, Maria Porro, presented the "Award for Excellence in the Restoration of a Historic Building" to the architectural firm Mathew and Ghosh Architects. The award was given for the restoration of RBANM High School in Bangalore, as part of the AD100 India 2025 ceremony, which celebrates the 100 best architects and designers in India.

The project, designed by architects Soumitro Ghosh and Nisha Mathew, is an example of how design can engage with the past to build the future, reflecting the mission of Salone del Mobile – relying on tradition as inspiration for innovation.

Salone del Mobile’s visit to India is not just a commercial endeavor but a strategic move that strengthens cultural and economic exchange between the two countries. With an increasing number of Indian professionals attending Salone del Mobile in Milan and the continuous growth of the Indian luxury furniture market, this event in New Delhi marks a new era of collaboration between Italian and Indian design.

Excitement for Salone del Mobile 2025 is already growing, and this prestigious event continues to set the standard for innovation, aesthetics, and industrial excellence in global design.