The design world as a whole is starting to pack its luggage in preparation to descend on Milan in the second week of April for Milan Design Week. The week long design event that revolves around the Salone Internazionale del Mobile dictates the current state of furniture design and interiors, and more importantly where it is headed. The world's most important designers and manufacturers use the Salone as an international launch pad for its newest products as well as a testing ground for prototypes and ideas.At the Salone
The fair itself is gigantic -- it has 20 exhibition halls, each around the size of one regular-sized trade show. Here are some of the exhibit halls and exhibitors that should not be missed.
SaloneSatellite
This exhibit hall is where the freshest design talent from around the world congregates. Many exhibitors are independent product designers showcasing prototypes, and unlike the rest of the fairgrounds, SaloneSatellite is a haven away from highly commercial exhibitors.
Eurocucina
Every year, the Salone has a focus in product. Last year was Euroluce, a display of the finest lighting in the world and 2010 will bring kitchen furnishings to the forefront.
Moroso -- Hall 8 Stand C25/D24
Italian brand Moroso acts as the belle of the ball with an always expansive spread. This year Japanese designer Tokujin Yoshioka will introduce Memory a recycled aluminum chair that changes form.
Kartell -- Hall 12 Stand A15/B18
Celebrating its 60th anniversary last year, the Italian company has 14 new products launching, most of which we're sure, will be see through.
Vitra -- Hall 12 Stand C05/D06
Right off the introduction of the spectacular Vitrahaus by Herzog & de Meuron on the Vitra Campus in Weil am Rhein, Germany, the design company is introducing its 2010 Home Collection.
Poliform -- Hall 5 Stand A09/B08
Design legend Paola Navone collaborates with the late textile designer Ken Scott to cover her 2006 Airport sofa with Scott's colorful florals -- a beautifully offbeat pairing.
Jean Lin
USA Editor, Interiors
