The Hypebeast Guide to Milan Design Week 2025

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Hi there! I hope you’re doing well. It’s hard to believe, but it’s been a full year already, isn’t it? What has been the most memorable moment for you so far? By the way, do you have any plans for dinners or parties tonight? Looking forward to catching up at Bar Basso later!

A couple of days prior, these words filled the atmosphere around Milan, as the global design community gathered in Italy for their renowned week-long celebration.

fashion trends, spots showcasing up-and-coming designers, engaging exhibits, thought-provoking ideas, and lastly, suggestions for nightlife destinations.

Absolutely, there are plenty more amazing designs we didn’t include in our current list, but don’t worry! We’re going to delve into those gems in the upcoming days, so stay tuned and keep a close watch on our design hub, Hypeform. I can’t wait to share them with you!

Read on for our edit.

Theater of Things

The “Theater of Things” is an exploration of life through design that’s been self-dubbed as such. Held within the display window of Delvis (Un)Limited gallery, this unique exhibition challenges the boundaries between a home and a gallery by having designers live in the space around the clock. The schedule will be structured, with one of the seven participating designers spending each night there, and each morning being awakened for coffee and conversation about their experience by a journalist, critic, or curator. If the intriguing idea doesn’t catch your interest, perhaps the roster will: Objects of Common Interest, Linde Freya Tangelder, Espace Aygo, Rich Aybar, Laurids Gallée, Stefania Ruggiero, and Niki Danai are among those participating.

Via Fatebenefratelli 9

VOCLA

This year, we’re on the lookout for an evening event in Milan that doesn’t require us to stand at a roundabout. That’s why we’re highlighting Alcova’s VOCLA event. Unlike traditional exhibitions, the works at VOCLA are meant to be interacted with and will furnish a dining and bar area. The event runs throughout the week, featuring DJ sets, a custom-designed lounge bar by Henge, mixology by NEIT, and a popup dining experience by Yapa. Admission to VOCLA is free and it’s open from 6 PM until 2 AM (except on April 7th when it’s closed).

Ex-Macello di Viale Molise, Viale Molise, 68

Capsule Plaza

Oh, I adore Capsule Plaza! Every year, our affection for it seems to grow even stronger. This time around, curators Alessio Ascari and Paul Cournet are introducing projects under the theme “Expanded Living” at Spazio Maoicchi. In accordance with this theme, the space will be growing in size, extending across the street into a refurbished gym and pool by ASA Office, as well as two additional venues in the Porta Venezia district. You can look forward to exhibitions and projects from renowned designers such as Stone Island, Sabine Marcelis, Humanrace, USM Modular Furniture, NO-GA, NM3, Willo Perron, PAN x Nike, Hydro, Misha Kahn; Pierre Paulin, Harry Nuriev & Tyler Billinger, Hem, and many more. The lounging areas will boast furniture by Karimoku and Uma, while the cafe and ice cream parlor will be designed by Georg Jensen. With such a packed schedule, it seems like we’ll need to dedicate an entire day to fully explore this fantastic space!

Spazio Maiocchi, Via Achille Maiocchi, 7

Salone del Mobile

Indeed, getting there might be a bit of a journey, and the Rho Fiera may not seem particularly captivating. However, if you’re passionate about design brands, it’s definitely worth venturing out to explore an incredible array of new collections from virtually every brand you’ve ever heard of. This year, it’s Euroluce, which means the major lighting companies will be showcasing their latest offerings. Additionally, the renowned Salone Satellite exhibition is a must-visit for discovering emerging talent, and this year it will feature some exciting graduates from Design Academy Eindhoven, under the theme ‘New Craftsmanship’. (Pictured are some of these talented individuals.)

Rho Fiera Milano

Convey

If you can select only five items from this assortment, be sure to choose Convey. The selection of brands within it is meticulously and proficiently handled by its founders. The purpose of Convey is to exhibit lesser-known, international labels and establish links throughout the week. Among the brands we’re particularly eager to witness during this event are REdDUO, Vero, Campeggi, Very Simple: Kitchen, and Meritalia. This year, a fresh feature will be introduced at the new location in Porta Venezia – a visiting designer. For this edition, it’s New-York based studio Sunfish, which will unveil its self-manufactured furniture collection for the first time in Europe.

Via Rosolino Pilo

News From Home

This exhibition, titled “News from Home,” caught our attention due to LS Gomma’s (featured work) involvement. Alongside other designers active in the collectible industry, he will participate in this collaborative event. The collaboration is a joint effort between Belgian galleries Cour and Uppercut, as well as design studio Burlina Morshed, all presenting their latest creations at Ordet’s recently opened gallery space.

Via Filippino Lippi 4

House of Switzerland

Each year, the House of Switzerland Milano exhibition unfolds in the bustling Brera district of the city. This area, especially during design week, boasts a prime location that serves as an excellent platform for displaying Switzerland’s design prowess. The event provides a robust stage for schools, up-and-coming designers, and brands to demonstrate their design abilities. Now entering its third year, this exhibition gathers emerging designers, educational institutions, and brands under one roof. This year, the theme of collaboration is at the heart of the show, reflecting a characteristic trait of Swiss design as defined by the organizers.

Casa Degli Artisti, Via Tommaso da Cazzaniga

The Things We Do In Bed

We’re excited about attending an exhibition called “The Things We Do In Bed,” a collaboration between Marimekko and food artist Laila Gohar. The partnership results in a bedroom-themed capsule collection using classic Marimekko stripes, showcased as an installation at the renowned Teatro Litta venue. During the week, various activities are planned for this space.

Teatro Litta, Corso Magenta, 24

Saint Laurent-Charlotte Perriand

We’re excited about attending an exhibition titled “The Things We Do In Bed,” a collaboration between Marimekko and food artist Laila Gohar. This unique partnership results in a bedroom-themed capsule collection using classic Marimekko stripes, showcased as an installation at the prestigious Teatro Litta. During the week, various activities will take place within this space.

Padiglione Visconti, Via Tortona 58

La Prima Notte di Quiete, Loro Piana and Dimoremilano

In a seemingly perfect union, Loro Piana and Dimoremilano are coming together for the first time, an exciting collaboration that promises to captivate. Inside Loro Piana’s Cortile della Seta courtyard, a house will be meticulously replicated, featuring a harmonious blend of earthy hues and natural textures. Each room within this house provides a unique cinematic and sensory journey, yet collectively, the space is designed to evoke tranquility and serenity – a soothing sanctuary especially needed during Milan Design Week.

Via della Moscova, 33

24 Hours

Jam-packed in Canada, designer Jamie Wolfond has assembled 24 creatives to present a collective exhibition brimming with timepieces. Wolfond tasked each with a similar project back in July the previous year: develop a wall-mounted clock that fits within a 50 cm by 50 cm by 50 cm cube. “A clock serves as a tool for measurement, yet it possesses qualities that other seemingly identical devices do not,” Wolfond explained. Unlike rulers, scales, and thermometers, a clock is both a functional instrument, decorative piece, demonstration of skill, and symbol of status. It’s fascinating how a Rolex, an antique grandfather clock, and Big Ben can all belong to the same category. The diverse interpretations of the clock offer an intriguing chance to compare the approaches of studios with drastically different practices.” Be sure to make time for this display.

Via Gorani, 4

The Last Pot, Alessi

In many Western societies, death is often considered a sensitive or forbidden topic. However, Alessi plans to challenge this norm at an exhibition called The Last Pot, where various designers will offer their unique perspectives on funeral urns. Designers like Michael Anastassiades, Audrey Large, David Chipperfield, and Naoto Fukasawa are among those participating. Alongside the installation, Alessi will also present a book that ties the project’s concept to life, remembrance, and the idea of continuity.

Biblioteca Ostinata, Via Osti 6

Reperito, Nilufar Depot

At Nilufar Depot, the entire area is set to undergo a transformation into a theatrical exhibition, segmented into five distinct “acts”. Each section showcases designs carefully selected by gallery founder Nina Yashar. In one of these areas, named Silver Lining, Fosbury Architecture will construct an immersive installation that resembles a labyrinth, serving as a backdrop for the displayed pieces. This space is designed to honor the Depot’s past as a silverware factory, with all works being made from metal in tribute to its history.

Viale Vincenzo Lancetti, 34

Alcova

It was clear that Alcova would be included in the list. Time and again, it demonstrates itself as an exceptional venue for discovering unique items, offering a wide variety of work that allows visitors to identify pieces that resonate personally rather than merely replicating what’s trendy on social media. For 2025, Villa Borsani and Villa Bagatti Valsecchi will be back, along with two new locations: the former SNIA Factory and the Pasino Glasshouses. With such a vast roster of designers, we encourage you to visit the Alcova website to explore the comprehensive list yourself.

A Stones Throw, Mitre & Mondays

The Mitre & Mondays crew have chosen a lengthy path to Milan, not just for the sake of it, but for a noble purpose. They’ll be gathering stones that will contribute to their interactive exhibit called “A Stones Throw”. This exhibit will introduce visitors to the concept of “spolia”, where stones are reused from one construction project to another. The team describes their local stone collection as more of a stopover than a final destination in the stones’ ongoing journey. As with most projects from their London studio, this show promises to be zero waste, with all materials being temporarily borrowed for their next destination.

Base Milano, V. Ambrogio Bergognone da Fossano, 34

Opposites United

Hey there! As a gaming enthusiast who’s always on the lookout for something out of the ordinary, I stumbled upon an Instagram video featuring a mesmerizing installation by A.A. Murakami. It showcased a cloudy bubble drifting gracefully through a room – pure magic! The creators are set to unveil similar pieces at Opposites United: the Eclipse, a multi-faceted event combining visual arts, insightful discussions, and live performances.

Not only that, but French artist Philippe Parreno will also be showcasing his work there. The talks lineup is impressive, with designer Martino Gamper, curator Andrea Lissoni, neuroscientist Antonio Damasio, and philosopher Reza Negarestani all set to share their thoughts. Can’t wait for this unique blend of art, science, and philosophy!

Museo della Permanente, V. Filippo Turati, 34

Futurespective: Connected Worlds, Range Rover

During Milan Design Week, it’s delightful to learn that Range Rover will be collaborating with one of our favorite design studios to create something exceptional. This marks the first significant installation by Range Rover at Milan Design Week, titled “Futurespective: Connected Worlds”. Designed in partnership with NUOVA, a design studio based in California, this installation can be found at the historic Palazzo Belgioioso. The exhibition offers a captivating two-part experience, taking visitors on a journey through time from 1970 to 2025, via two time portals.

Palazzo Belgioioso

Dropcity

We found Dropcity truly remarkable the previous year. Situated within the city’s railway arches, this center focuses on cutting-edge architectural and design initiatives. During Milan Design Week, it will play host to two research exhibitions: Prison Times – Exploring the Temporal and Spatial Aspects of Correctional Facilities, and Bruther.fbx, a collection showcasing the work of a Paris-based architecture firm.

Palazzo Citerrio

Teapots, Loewe

I’m still processing the news about Jonathan Anderson leaving Loewe, but his impact is evident in their latest Milan collection. This time around, it’s all about teapots! An impressive array of 25 artists, designers, and architects have given their unique interpretations to this traditional hot drink vessel. Each creation redefines the teapot’s design possibilities while also exploring the rich traditions and cultural practices associated with tea drinking worldwide.

Palazzo Belgioioso

Bocci Apartment

This year, Bocci is reaching an important achievement – its 20th birthday! To celebrate, the brand has teamed up with David Alhadeff from The Future Perfect gallery to put together an exhibition showcasing the work of Bocci’s founder, Omer Arbel, within their historic Milanese apartment showroom. Additionally, Irish brand Orior will debut their inaugural drinks cabinet called Beatha during this event. As described by the brand, Beatha resembles a cozy cottage with its thick outer layer, rounded legs, and softly curved outline. The doors of the cabinet are made from hair-on-hide material that open to reveal intricate stone, metal, and wood details.

Via Giuseppe Rovani 20

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2025-04-04 20:57