In Shanghai, from November 8th to 10th, the fair will partner with West Bund Art & Design, one of Asia’s leading art fairs, to spotlight Italian creativity. The highlight of this collaboration will be a performative installation titled The Orbit’s Orbit by artist Matilde Cassani, hosted at the iconic Orbit building, designed by Heatherwick Studio. The installation, featuring over 50 Made in Italy design icons, aims to engage visitors through interactive performances and dialogues around the future of design.
Next on the agenda is Hong Kong, where, from November 11th to 21st, the SaloneSatellite Permanent Collection 1998-2024 Exhibition will take place at the Arts Pavilion in West Kowloon. This exhibition, organized by the IDFFHK (International Design Furniture Fair Hong Kong) and the Designworks Foundation, will showcase a selection of over 100 projects from the SaloneSatellite archives. The exhibition pays homage to emerging design talents who have made a mark globally, thanks to the platform offered by Salone del Mobile for under-35 designers, founded by Marva Griffin Wilshire.
Choosing China as the focal point is a calculated move. Despite challenges in China’s real estate market, Italy remains the top exporter of furnishings to China, with exports valued at over 479 million euros in 2023. The 2024 edition of Salone del Mobile.Milano reaffirmed China’s importance, with Chinese visitors leading the attendance numbers post-pandemic, highlighting the country’s continued interest in Italian design.
The New York, Shanghai, and Hong Kong projects highlight Salone del Mobile’s new exhibition format, combining performance and traditional displays to engage global audiences. This strategy aims to promote Italian home design internationally and foster conversations around evolving lifestyles and design trends. Through these events, the Salone continues to strengthen its role as a connector of markets, industries, and cultures, bridging the gap between Italy’s wood-furnishing sector and the broader global market.
After China, the Salone del Mobile will continue its international journey through Europe and North America, sharing previews of its upcoming 2025 edition, which will take place from April 8th to 13th, 2025. This international tour reinforces Salone del Mobile’s mission of promoting business, networking, and cultural exchange.
