Salone Raritas debuts at Salone del Mobile 2026, highlighting collectible design's rise amid industrial fair declines

Salone Raritas, a new fair dedicated to collectible design, is set to debut at Salone del Mobile 2026, taking place from April 21-26 at Fiera Milano in Rho, Italy. It will feature a lantern-like installation by Formafantasma in pavilions 9-11 and host 25 international exhibitors, including Nina Yashar from Nilufar, under the curation of anthropologist Annalisa Rosso. This event arises as traditional industrial design fairs like IMM Cologne and Stockholm Furniture Fair experience cancellations or reduced schedules, while collectible design events such as Collectible in New York and Fog in San Francisco are thriving. Maria Porro, president of Salone del Mobile, highlights this shift as a reflection of a creative culture that transcends disciplines, referencing historical figures like William Morris and Andrea Branzi. Rosso prioritizes identity and emotional connections in design, while Dan Thawley from Matter and Shape emphasizes the need for fairs to evolve to meet audience expectations. Yashar believes Raritas enhances her Milan venues, catering to younger, diverse crowds and offering enriched experiences with talks and food. The fair may eventually explore more immersive environments beyond the Rho-Pero fairground, indicating a broader acceptance of collectible design.