Indian Designers and Rug Makers steal the spotlight at Salone del Mobile, Milano
Artisanal made Lighting Fixtures and Furniture by Vikram Goyal Studio and Indo-Italian Carpet series by Jaipur Rugs commanded the attention of visitors in Milan Furniture Fair 2024, which saw a record-breaking attendance of 3.5 lakh plus people and over 1,950 exhibitors from 35 countries.
Every April, the annual furniture fair draws thousands of makers, curators, and buyers come together as a body under one roof for a whole week of inspiration, conversation, exclusivity and business. In fact, 2024 had a record-breaking 3.5 lakh plus people attend, to see over 1,950 exhibitors from 35 countries.
This time there was a strong spotlight on India with Jaipur Rugs celebrated the Indo-Italian connection through three collaborations: monochrome carpets with Chanel-owned yarn atelier Vimar 1991; a geometric series by Italian architect Michele De Lucchi; and Zig Zag, a collection of abstract designs by studio DAAA Haus.
The avant-garde furniture design studio of Vikram Goyal had its second showcase at Nilufar Gallery — a series of limited-edition furniture (consoles and benches) and lighting fixtures (chandeliers and wall sconces) handcrafted by Indian artisans who specialise in heritage metalwork techniques.
The Delhi-based designer shares finds from this year’s Salone del Mobile — from lamps woven with PET bottles and Ghanaian grass to deconstructed furniture Milan is always exciting, as Italy’s historic heart of design, manufacturing and fashion.
Apart from this the two Indian brands led by women Arisaa by Aashka Shah and Art Attaichi by Fainy Thakor also paved the way for young talent.
Out of the 550 brands shortlisted for the fair this time, two Indian ones, both led by women and incidentally both from Gujarat, made it to the SaloneSatellite list.
At SaloneSatellite, Shah launched her ‘Objects of Culture’ collection that celebrates the beauty and history of traditional weaving and embroidery techniques from the four corners of India.
From the east, the Naga Loin loom weave, from the west, the intricate double Ikat weave Patola, from the north, the Phulkari embroidery, and from the south, the detailed Kasuti embroidery.
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