Milan Design Week 2026: Inflatables, Sci-Fi Lights, and Brand Backlash

Milan Design Week 2026 concluded with six key trends: sci-fi luminaires, food-shaped objects, inflatable furniture, cigarette accessories, high-end audio systems, and a backlash against brandification. The event, centered around Salone del Mobile, saw fewer bombastic installations due to budget cuts and the US-Israeli war on Iran. Designers explored space travel, AI, and escapism. Notable works included Bethan Laura Wood's Mille Fleurs chandelier for Baccarat, Andrea Mancuso's AI-powered Lumiac chandelier at Nilufar Gallery, and IKEA's inflatable chair. Food-themed pieces ranged from Eny Lee Parker's egg-shaped lights to Laila Gohar's fruit-and-veg merry-go-round for Arket. Inflatables appeared at Nike's Air Lab, Alcova, and Moncler's pop-up at 10 Corso Como. Smoking accessories were shown by Sophie Lou Jacobsen, Yeonsu Na, and Caspar Fischer. Audio installations included a speaker stack by Naoto Soundsystem at Base and a Brutalist DJ booth by Yont Studio. Criticism of brandification came from Jasper Morrison, Jasmin Jouhar, Beka Gvishiani, Sabine Marcelis, and others, though Nike's permanent Air Lab at Dropcity was praised for providing free tools and exhibition space to emerging designers.