L'Italo-Americano

L'Italo-Americano THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024 www.italoamericano.org 6 NEWS & FEATURES TOP STORIES PEOPLE EVENTS P r i t z k e r P r i z e ; J o h a n n a Agerman Ross, curator of contemporary design at the Victoria & Albert Museum; a n d H a n s U l r i c h O b r i s t , artistic director of the Ser- pentine Gallery. The event will not only b r i n g t o g e t h e r 1 , 9 0 0 exhibitors, including 600 young talents under 35 and 22 design schools, but will also create worlds to explore: the International Furniture Fair, the International Fur- nishing Accessories Exhibi- tion, Workplace3.0, S.Pro- ject, EuroCucina with Ftk, the International Bathroom Exhibition, and the Salone- S a t e l l i t e . A t t e n d e e s w i l l immerse themselves in expe- riential spaces. There will be aesthetic pathways, immer- sive and interactive site-spe- cific installations to explore t h e s t a t e o f t h e a r t o f t h e industry or to reflect on the physical and emotional value of interiors; artistic perfor- m a n c e s w i l l b e s t a g e d t o e n v i s i o n t h e f u t u r e . T h e underlying idea is to give vis- itors the opportunity for an e x c i t i n g , s u b j e c t i v e , a n d memorable exploration, the only kind capable of creating l o n g - t e r m c o n n e c t i o n s (including business ones). B u t t h e S a l o n e d e l Mobile.Milano will also be the most important business moment of the sector and an opportunity for the entire w o o d - f u r n i s h i n g s u p p l y chain to showcase the quality of its production, in which research, innovation, crafts- manship, and sustainability converge. "We represent a sector," comments Claudio Feltrin, president of Feder- legnoArredo, "that in 2023 generated a turnover of 52.6 billion euros, of which about 20 billion from exports and 32.7 billion from the domes- tic market, closing the year at -8.1% compared to 2022, although with levels higher than in 2019. Despite a phys- iological decline in domestic demand after two years of exceptional growth due to s i g n i f i c a n t c o n s u m p t i o n stimuli, our furniture macro- system generated 28 billion euros in exports, accounting for 53% of total global sales, despite an uncertain eco- nomic context, with major markets like Germany and the United States struggling. I n s u c h a c o m p l e x a n d e v o l v i n g s i t u a t i o n , b e i n g able to rely on an interna- t i o n a l s h o w c a s e l i k e t h e Salone del Mobile.Milano," Feltrin continues, "is indis- p e n s a b l e f o r u s . I t i s a n event where we not only set trends for industry opera- tors, the press, and visitors but also allow exhibitors to have a broad view of mar- kets around the world. Fed- erlegnoArredo, which repre- sents the supply chain of beautiful, well-made, and sustainable products, reaf- firms its commitment along- side its member companies at the Rho Fiera pavilions, w i t h t h e c o n v i c t i o n t h a t c o m p e t i t i v e n e s s m u s t g o hand in hand with a con- crete commitment to envi- ronmental, economic, and social sustainability." Salone's global outreach is pivotal, highlighted by its partnership with the govern- mental agency ICE, which facilitates the economic and commercial development of Italian companies abroad and promotes foreign invest- ment in Italy. This collabo- ration is instrumental in cre- ating a series of strategic activities designed to spark interest and attract partici- pation from international stakeholders, particularly buyers, architects, and inte- rior designers. The goal is to draw a significant number of qualified international par- ticipants to Milan, demon- strating the country's capa- bility to coordinate efforts a c r o s s b u s i n e s s e s a n d regions for mutual benefit. Furthermore, the "Road to Salone 2024" tour, creat- e d b y t h e S a l o n e d e l Mobile.Milano in collabora- t i o n w i t h t h e A m e r i c a n Institute of Architects (AIA) in various US cities, is essen- tial for enhancing the posi- t i o n i n g o f M a d e i n I t a l y products in American mar- kets. Cities like Miami, Dal- las, New York, Las Vegas, and Chicago showcased the e x c e l l e n t r e p u t a t i o n a n d design products of Made in I t a l y . I n t h e f i r s t n i n e months of 2023, despite a d e c l i n e f r o m 2 0 2 2 , t h e s e products achieved signifi- cant sales volume, amount- ing to over 1.2 billion euros. Italian product distribution channels—mono-brand and specialty stores, architectur- al and engineering design studios, and residential and contract construction com- p a n i e s — r e m a i n c r u c i a l . These channels have always been known for their innova- tion, sustainability, attention to detail, and aesthetics. T h e r o a d s h o w o f f e r s a unique opportunity to con- template the challenges and opportunities within con- temporary living, hospitality, and contract sectors, as well as to examine the practice of architecture. It highlights a s p e c t s s u c h a s q u a l i t y , craftsmanship, practical and aesthetic functionality, the h u m a n a n d e m o t i o n a l dimensions, as well as sus- tainability and innovation. Beyond its commercial sig- nificance, where over 2,000 brands annually highlight the finest in furniture and design production, the event emphasizes the importance of experimentation, techno- l o g i c a l i n n o v a t i o n , a n d research. It serves as a plat- f o r m f o r l a u n c h i n g n e w design projects and person- alities, a venue to discover the latest industry innova- t i o n s , g r a s p e m e r g i n g trends, physically interact with the results of material research, and discuss the e v o l v i n g r e l a t i o n s h i p between design, technology, and big data, as well as the n e w d e m a n d s o f l i v i n g spaces. P r e s i d e n t M a r i a P o r r o said it clearly: "The Ameri- can market is tremendously important, reaffirming its position as one of the prima- ry destinations for Made in Italy design products, rank- ing second only to France, with a market value just over 1 . 2 b i l l i o n e u r o s . I t a l s o serves as a remarkable arena f o r b o t h c o m m e r c i a l a n d project-based experimenta- tion." Thus, the role of the Salone is increasingly strate- gic and vital in nurturing relationships and promoting, supporting, and disseminat- ing the excellence of Italian f u r n i t u r e i n t h i s m a r k e t . "The Salone," she adds, "is a n i n d i s p e n s a b l e l i n k between the global economy and our domestic furniture production system, which we must promote worldwide. M e a n w h i l e , i n I t a l y , i t attracts all industry profes- s i o n a l s , a c t i n g a s a f o c a l point for the sector." Maria Porro, President of the Salone, says: "The American market is tremendously important, reaffirming its position as one of the primary destinations for Made in Italy design products, it also serves as a remarkable arena for both commercial and project-based experimentation" CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 The SaloneSatellite 2023 (Photo Ludovica Mangini © Salone del Mobile.Milano) and, bottom left, Maria Porro, President of Salone del Mobile.Milano (Photo Guido Stazzoni © Salone del Mobile.Milano)

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