DESIGN & TREND
Milano Design Week Trend report Vol.1 1986-2023
2023/08/25
A look back at the history of Milano Design Week
Since its inauguration in 1961, Milan Salone has become one of the most influential events in the design world. TOPPAN has been visiting Milan Salone since 1986, and this report reflects on the event’s development and the progression of design trends, offering insights into the future of design.
In 2019, Milan Salone welcomed a record high of 380,000 visitors. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 event was postponed to September 2021. Despite these obstacles, Milan hosted the “Milan Design City” event in 2020 and a scaled-down version called “Super Salone” at Rho Fiera Milano in 2021. This tenacity has demonstrated the enduring spirit of Milan’s design scene. The 60th anniversary was celebrated with great fanfare in 2022, and in 2023, Milan Salone welcomed over 300,000 visitors, signaling a strong recovery and a return to pre-pandemic normalcy.
Side Note: “Milan Design Week” includes the “Salone del Mobile Milano” at Rho Fiera Milano and the “Fuorisalone,” which is held throughout the city of Milan. Together, these events form the world’s largest design fair.
TOPPAN Milan Salone Archive: 1986-2010
Vol.1 consists of the years 1986 to 2010.
From 1986 to 1996, a transition from the decorative postmodern style to simpler aesthetics was underway. The period between 1998 and 2000 saw the emergence of a black-and-white minimalist style. From 2001 to 2006, Milan Salone celebrated its 40th and 45th anniversaries, witnessing a resurgence of decorative styles in reaction to minimalism. From 2007 to 2010, there was a noticeable shift towards natural and vintage aesthetics.
This report highlights the key transitional years.
Milan Salone History: 1986-1996
In 1986, postmodernism was at the height of its artistic influence, impacting art and architecture. The 1986 Salone showcased luxurious Italian modern designs, heavily influenced by postmodernism. By 1996, the mainstream aesthetic had shifted towards simpler designs, featuring straight lines and gentle curves in furniture.
Milan Salone History: 1999
The year 1999 was a pivotal year for the expansion of Zen and minimalist styles across various lifestyle sectors and fashion design. Straight lines, neutral colors, and black-and-white contrasts soon became the basis for emerging trends in the upcoming years. (Taken from the Milan Salone Premium Book).
Milan Salone History: 2005
In 2005, there was a significant shift towards decorative styles. Trends featured vibrant colors, arabesque patterns, floral motifs, geometric designs, and luxurious chandeliers, making 2005 a year of opulence (Taken from the Milan Salone Premium Book).
Milan Salone History: 2008
In 2008, Molteni&C’s large black-and-white storage unit was one of the most impressive pieces of furniture. The trend of minimalistic style with neutral and brown tones continued. Additionally, 2008 saw the introduction of new furniture forms that utilized craft aesthetics and vivid color accents.
Milan Salone Premium Book
TOPPAN offers the Milan Salone Premium Book, with rare visuals and commentary, covering the history from 1986 to 2018.
The Milan Salone Premium Book is an essential resource for understanding global design trends.
Additionally, TOPPAN provides Milan History Trend seminars, offering detailed analysis of past Milan trends.
Vol.2 will cover the years from 2011 to 2017.
