The highlights we loved at Salone del Mobile 2025

If there’s one thing Milan never does, it’s hold back. And at Salone Del Mobile 2025, the city once again proved why it remains the beating heart of the global design world. From colourful glass statements to Indian craftsmanship stealing the spotlight, this year’s edition (held from April 7 to 13) was a vibrant swirl of innovation, nostalgia, and sustainability. As we wandered through the exhibitions and installations sprinkled across Milan’s buzzing districts, some moments truly had us in a chokehold.

Glass Takes Centre Stage

At Salone 2025, glass emerged as the star element- bold, colourful, layered, and expressive. Designers turned the material into the main event with vibrant surfaces, tiered formations, and deliciously chunky textures. Whether it was a flamboyant lamp or a gleaming coffee table, glass pieces gleamed with a new-found confidence, exuding a “main character” energy that commanded attention.

Indian Craftsmanship Shines Bright in Isola

One of the most heartwarming stories of Milan Design Week came from Isola, a district already known for nurturing emerging creatives. Here, Rasa—The Indian Collective, curated by Nidhi Chandak and Varun E S, unfolded like a living love letter to India’s rich artisanal heritage. Set within a charming courtyard framed by classic Milanese balconies, the exhibition presented everything from evocative narratives to cutting-edge techniques rooted in Indian tradition.

A standout moment was Arjun Rathi Design’s “The Wishing Tree”—a meditative, sculptural installation inspired by sacred trees, offering visitors a moment of serenity amid the design frenzy. Rathi’s “Vanaspati” collection of floral chandeliers, crafted using hand-blown glass with an Art Nouveau twist, added another sophisticated layer to the celebration of global craftsmanship.

A Blast from the Past: Roche Bobois’ Glamorous Nostalgia

This year, colour and nostalgia collided in the most delightful way, and Roche Bobois led the charge. Their reissue of the iconic Mah Jong sofa splashed with prints and stills from Pedro Almodóvar’s iconic films, much like stepping straight into a vibrant 70s-80s daydream.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of their famous Bubble sofa, Roche Bobois launched a technicolor reinterpretation, and Pedro Almodóvar himself described the pieces as “far more than furniture—pieces of life that unleash positive energy.” Adding to the flair, the ever-daring Rossy de Palma (Almodóvar’s longtime muse) unveiled a capsule collection that radiated her signature bold spirit, merging expressive design with unapologetic elegance.

Sustainability with a Powerful Visual Impact

While Milan dazzled with beauty, it didn’t forget responsibility. Northeastern University’s “Our Energy Nexus” installation at Superstudio Più brought sustainability to life in a stunning, interactive way. Using thermal sensors, butterfly-shaped displays, and real-time air pollution data, the installation allowed visitors to visualize their personal impact on the environment. Every hand placed before the display transformed into a glowing star on a digital pollution map—an emotional, tangible reminder of our interconnectedness with nature. As more stars lit up, pollution levels visibly decreased on the screen, offering a hopeful, inspiring metaphor for collective action.

Gessi Blurs the Lines Between Nature, Art, and Engineering

Casa Gessi Milano turned heads by delivering one of the most sensorial experiences of the week. Nestled on the historic Via Manzoni, their installation blurred the line between exhibition and art gallery, showcasing water not just as a functional element but as an emotional one.

Through sculptural forms, shimmering reflections, and tactile surfaces, visitors were invited to literally feel the poetry of water. The space celebrated balance, fluidity, and serenity, inviting people to immerse themselves in a dialogue between nature’s forces and human innovation.

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