Milan’s annual design fest kicks off on the 8th April and will continue until April 13th. This event is highly popular with designers both in Italy and abroad. It also attracts plenty of non-designers too.
Last years edition attracted over 250,000 design industry businesses, the vast majority of which, 195,000 were foreign companies specialising in design. The main furnishings design fair, Salone Internazionale del Mobile, was visited by almost 40,000 members of the public. Thousands of journalists from around the world also flock to the event.
As well as the Salone Internazionale del Mobile which is held at Milan’s Rho trade fair complex, there are scores of satellite events throughout Milan. The Fuori Salone, or Milan design fair fringe is as interesting as the main event, well, I’ve always found it to be so.
Zona Tortona
The Via Tortona zone, near Milan’s naviglio canal area, comes alive with fringe events and exhibitions, all of which draw huge crowds. One of my clients, Heineken Italy will be there too to show off its novel new Sub beer keg like beer dispenser. Lots of other international businesses will be present as well.
The Quirky Ventura-Lambrate zone
Another fringe event area which attracts lots of interest is the Ventura-Lambrate zone. Lots goes on there, though some of the items on display can be a little rough and ready and very quirky. Design students and even seasoned designers will find this area inspirational, as those who have visited before will know very well.
The Brera Area
If visiting the Salone Internazionale del Mobile fair, and the fringe events in Via Tortona and Ventura-Lambrate don’t exhaust visitors, then there’s always the central Milan Brera zone fringe events to keep them occupied.
Stop reading, start speaking
Stop translating in your head and start speaking Italian for real with the only audio course that prompt you to speak.
For the even more adventurous, or energetic, there’ll also be design week mini-fringe events all over the rest of the city. Even in my area of the city, Via Paolo Sarpi, fringe goings on will be common place.
In addition to the design fest, there’s often music, food and plenty of parties all week long!
Plan Your Visit
Regular visitors know that the best design week strategy is to pick the events and exhibitions that interest them the most. If, however, you have not had time to work out what you want to see, design website designbloom can help.
designbloom has published a helpful guide to what to see and which cocktail parties to attend. The designbloom Milan Design week 2014 guide and map will be updated throughout Design Week, so keep an eye on it for events and exhibitions which you might not want to miss.
More information here: Salone Internazionale del Mobile furnishing fair and here: Fuori Salone
Have fun!
