Elena Salmistraro among Apple's 21 artists for Milan store launch

Apple selected 21 creatives, including Milanese designer Elena Salmistraro (born 1983), to mark the opening of its new store in Milan. Participants responded to the prompt "What will you do tomorrow, Milan?" using Apple devices and drawing tools. Salmistraro, known for her graphic style and zoomorphic imagery, collaborated with Valerio Sommella and others. She created a project and animation inspired by the Biscione, the heraldic symbol of the Visconti family, imagining it as a growing, humanizing dragon. The initiative is part of the global Today at Apple program, which includes free workshops for citizens. On September 9, Salmistraro taught a drawing session for adults and children at the Apple Store Piazza Liberty. The designer's career has been rising since her 2008 studio opening and her 2012 Lankies's Family collection, which gained visibility through The New Italian Design exhibition at Triennale Design Museum, curated by Silvana Annicchiarico and Andrea Branzi. Subsequent works include ceramic character-containers for Bosa (Loricato, Kepri, Kandti, Mandrillus, Brazza) shown at Triennale's ANiMAlità (2015) and Primates (2017). Salmistraro's earlier Ambrosiana collection (2014) with Serena Confalonieri and Cristina Celestino reinterpreted Milanese icons like Duomo windows and the green cast-iron drinking fountain.