Salone del Mobile 2022: Where to Go and What to See During Milan Design Week

In less than two weeks, the Salone del Mobile finally returns to Milan for its 2022 edition. After two-plus years, a pared-back version dubbed Supersalone in September, a postponement from April to June, and months of will-they-won’t-they from the FederlegnoArredo—the fair’s governing body—the 60th edition of the global design fair will officially open on June 7. “This edition will focus on two major issues,” says Annalisa Rosso, editorial director of the Salone del Mobile. “Sustainability—[which is] the subject of the centerpiece Design With Nature installation by architect Mario Cucinella—and community, demonstrated by the in-depth talks program.” In terms of exhibitors, though, COVID-related travel restrictions and ongoing sanctions have reduced numbers from Asia and Russia, but brands from South America, particularly Brazil, will see a larger presence at the fair.

Brands in town

Much like this past September, several larger brands are retreating from the grounds in favor of showroom presentations, among them Kvadrat, Natuzzi, and Poltrona Frau, who will mount an installation by designer Greta Rosset at the company’s fresco-adorned Via Manzoni flagship. Design Holding, the parent company of Flos, B&B Italia, and Louis Poulsen, has also nixed Rho Fiera for a second year to focus energy on its Via Durini showroom. Flos, however, has planned a sprawling retrospective for their 60th anniversary in a former factory on Via Orobia, which promises a talks program and pop-up from Berlin’s cult-favorite bookstore, Do You Read Me?.

All in at Alcova

Besides the fairground, the most anticipated location is undoubtedly Alcova. The design showcase again takes over an abandoned military hospital near the Inganni metro stop with over 80 exhibitors and an additional wing of exhibits. “The mix of projects this year is quite impressive,” says Alcova cofounder Valentina Ciuffi. “Between the different spaces you’ll find real jumps in fields, from research projects to furniture companies.” Expect a broad range of projects from the experimental (tiles made from recycled oven glass by Studio Plastique and Snøhetta) to the artisanal (Beni Rugs’ handwoven Moroccan carpets). Attendees will also find a number of compelling group exhibitions, notably “This Is America,” a survey of diverse voices in design organized by Hello Human and Aditions, and some surprising additions, like architects’ takes on funerary urns from Urne.Rip. Afterwards, visitors can cool off with Canadian lighting brand Lambert & Fils, who have planned another edition of their wildly popular aperitivo stop Caffé Populaire.

Mainstay galleries

Mega-curator Nina Yashar’s Nilufar will show contemporary work at both the Via della Spiga location and the Depot, where you’ll find the exhibition “Craftmania”—dedicated to traditional craft in contemporary design—work by independents like Sophie Dries and Analogia Project, and designs from digital maestro Andrés Reisinger, who plans to squat Yashar’s ground-floor office. Dimore Studio’s plans are yet to be released, but rest assured they’ll have something interesting in store.

Solo shows

Throughout the city, a constellation of solo shows will pop up. Auteurist film director turned interior designer Luca Guadagnino, for one, plans to present his first exhibition at Spazio RT. Over at Spazio NFQ, prolific industrial designer Konstantin Grcic will present new collectible pieces, and Milanese architect Massimiliano Locatelli will reveal a new collection at his offices on Via Corridoni. AD also looks forward to seeing the work of young British designer Grace Prince, who will open her first solo exhibition at Via Santa Marta 14.