In preparation for its 64th edition (21–26 April 2026, Rho Fiera Milano), Salone del Mobile.Milano has reinforced its presence in India with a two-city programme in New Delhi and Mumbai, highlighting the market's strategic importance for Italian design companies.
India ranks tenth among the 160 countries of origin of visitors to the Salone, with more than 4,490 professionals attending the latest edition. Italy is currently the second-largest EU exporter of furniture to India and maintains a trade surplus in the sector.
© Andrea Mariani
Salone President Maria Porro described India as a market defined by long-term growth potential, noting its young demographic profile and increasing sensitivity to quality, design culture and tailor-made solutions.
The New Delhi programme introduced Salone Raritas, a new curatorial platform dedicated to collectible design, limited editions and high craftsmanship. Officially debuting at the 2026 Salone in Pavilion 9, the section will feature fewer than 25 exhibitors and aims to bridge collectible design with the professional B2B market.
Curated by Annalisa Rosso, Editorial Director and Cultural Events Advisor of the Salone, with exhibition design by Formafantasma, Salone Raritas seeks to connect galleries and authorial design with architects, developers and hospitality professionals. The Delhi event, held during India Art Fair, included the talk Next Design Perspectives between Milan and New Delhi, addressing craftsmanship, material culture and the growing integration of collectible pieces into residential and hospitality projects.
© Diego Ravier
In Mumbai, the focus shifted to Salone Contract, a new long-term initiative responding to the increasing complexity of the global contract market. The programme Shaping Luxury Spaces: Italian Design for India's Real Estate & Hospitality Market explored opportunities in India's expanding high-end residential and hospitality sectors.
The masterplan for Salone Contract has been entrusted to Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten (OMA), with the first full exhibition edition scheduled for 2027. At the 2026 Salone, the initiative will be introduced through a dedicated lecture by Rem Koolhaas, an international forum curated with OMA, a thematic pathway among exhibitors, and a structured incoming programme for selected professionals.
© Diego Ravier
The Mumbai event also featured the presentation of the Italian Trade Agency report From Heritage to High-End: Made in Italy Furniture for India's Luxury Projects, outlining growth opportunities for Italian manufacturers in India's luxury developments.
Through its engagement in India, Salone del Mobile.Milano continues to build long-term international partnerships, aligning Italian design expertise with emerging global markets ahead of its April 2026 edition.
More information:
Salone del Mobile.Milano
www.salonemilano.it
