DESIGN ITALY EDITORIAL by Ranieri: A good first, see you in April - The success of the Salone del Mobile overcomes expectations and relaunches design sector (and Milan too)

The September edition of Salone del Mobile 2021 marked an important step toward a return to normalcy, bringing encouraging data ahead of April 2022. Read Ranieri's editorial to learn more.

A transition edition between the exit phase from the pandemic and the rediscovered normality? Much more is the right answer if we consider how Salone del Mobile 2021, the first edition to be held again for well-known reasons, turned out. A massive number of visitors and a wide range of exhibitions guided the whole week of events which, in fact, also acted as a forerunner for the autumn season of events (and also of Milan itself, to tell the truth). 

Attendance was over 60,000 with more than 400 exhibiting brands and almost 40 independent designers from Italy and abroad. About half of the industry professionals came from abroad - a figure that beat all expectations formulated in the months leading up to the event. Equally significant was the response from the media, with just under 2,000 accredited sector journalists. 

The mix provided by the hybrid formula was also an excellent driving, ensuring coverage both in person and remotely, contributing to amplifying most of the events, contents and products, with interviews held during the event and in-depth analysis of the history of the main brands present.

While the revival of normality desired by many could have raised hopes in terms of attendance, it was still a first test for the events sector. As well as, of course, an opportunity for a check-up on the state of health of the design industry with an in-depth look at sustainability, quality, research, innovation, culture and food. Generating, incidentally, a significant spillover into a series of events connected to the Salone itself, which further helped to get the city moving again. 

All this with a promise, or rather, with a date already on the agenda because April 2022 is not so far away after all. From 5 to 10 April to be precise.

Read Ranieri's editorial about Design Italy's event for Fuorisalone 2021 "When Material meets Design".