Milano Design Week 2026: Record Attendance and SaloneSatellite Awards
The 2026 Salone del Mobile in Milan concluded with over 300,000 visitors from 160 countries, surpassing 2025 attendance despite international instability and AI competition. Marco Sabetta, general director, expressed enthusiasm. 220 new brands joined historic exhibitors. The SaloneSatellite, curated by Marva Griffin Wilshire, focused on 'Skilled Craftsmanship + Innovation' for under-35 designers. First prize went to Stefania Russo and Soren Betak of Russo Betak (Copenhagen) for 'Nippon' lamp, using 3D-printed calcium carbonate from shell powder. Second prize to IOUS Studio (Netherlands) for '3DP Ceramic Tiles'. Special mentions: Nicolas Romero (Chile, 26) for 'Nùmina Lamp' and Yixian Wang (China, 23) for 'Foggy' vase. The fair and city remain disconnected, with Milan acting as a design Disneyland. Saudi princesses, Qatari royals, Americans, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, and Indians attended; few Russians and Ukrainians. Eco-sustainable materials and historic objects revisited in contemporary key dominated.
Key facts
- Salone del Mobile 2026 had over 300,000 visitors from 160 countries.
- Attendance exceeded 2025 edition.
- 220 new brands participated.
- SaloneSatellite 27th edition theme: 'Skilled Craftsmanship + Innovation'.
- First prize: Russo Betak (Copenhagen) for 'Nippon' lamp.
- Second prize: IOUS Studio (Netherlands) for '3DP Ceramic Tiles'.
- Special mentions: Nicolas Romero (Aiko Design) and Yixian Wang.
- Saudi, Qatari, American, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Indian attendees noted.
Entities
Artists
- Stefania Russo
- Soren Betak
- Nicolas Romero
- Yixian Wang
Institutions
- Salone del Mobile
- SaloneSatellite
- Russo Betak
- IOUS Studio
- Aiko Design
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- Copenhagen
- Denmark
- Netherlands
- Chile
- China
- Rho
Sources
- Artslife —