The Salone del Mobile bets on China. The metropolises of Shanghai and Hong Kong will be hosting two events that testify to the importance of the Asian market for the Italian furniture and design macro-system, underscoring the value of dialogue between different cultures and visions of design. In Shanghai, with West Bund Art & Design, to enhance Italian design and in Hong Kong to pay homage to the 25 years of the Salone Satellite.

From November 8 to 10, 2024 the Salone del Mobile will stage its second major international event in the Land of the Dragon, in conjunction with the West Bund Art & Design, of which it is partner for the occasion. The event is presenting a special display hosted in the futuristic The Orbit designed by architect Thomas Heatherwick, combining design, art and culture in an immersive experience. The Orbit’s Orbit, a performative installation dedicated to Italian design by the artist Matilde Cassani, will take center stage. The exhibition space will be enriched by the furnishings of over 35 exhibiting brands, performances, and the interaction between visitors.

The second event will arrive in Hong Kong with the “SaloneSatellite Permanent Collection 1998-2024 Exhibition”, curated by Marva Griffin Wilshire, founder and curator of the SaloneSatellite. It will be hosted in the spaces of the Arts Pavilion West Kowloon in Hong Kong, located in the prestigious exhibition center of the West Kowloon Cultural District, built around the M+ Pavilion designed by Herzog & de Meuron. The exhibition, organized at the request of IDFFHK International Design Furniture Fair Hong Kong and Designworks Foundation, will focus on 100 pieces taking part of the Salone Satellite's Permanent Collection.

The choice of the Chinese market is strategic. It ranks eighth in the top 25 export destinations for the wood-furniture supply chain, offering interesting business opportunities for Made in Italy. In fact, Italy is confirmed as the leading exporter of furniture to China, with a value of 479.01 million euros.

“With this second international visit to China, the Salone del Mobile aims to preside over and stimulate a market that seems to be struggling, even though its high end is very lively and extremely attractive for Made in Italy,” commented Maria Porro, president of the Salone del Mobile. "As a trade fair, another important objective we have set ourselves is to support the exhibiting companies in seizing new opportunities in the processes of growth, development and distribution in this region. This great and striking performative event is intended to become a laboratory for exchanges between Italy and China, with Italian design engaging in a dialogue with Oriental culture and tradition. A tangible sign of the Salone’s commitment to creating interdisciplinary and cultural connections that expand the languages of design and open up new paths for contemporary creativity.”

Photo: The Orbit's Orbit by Matilde Cassani Studio