Inside an intimate press gathering, Maria Porro outlines a new global vision and the 2026 contract focus shaping the future of Salone.
The debut of Salone del Mobile.Milano at Art Basel Miami Beach marked one of the most significant cultural intersections of Miami Art Week. For the first time, the world’s most influential design fair entered Art Basel’s inner circle, transforming the fair’s Collectors Lounge into a living expression of Italian craftsmanship, elegance, and innovation.
During a dedicated press gathering inside the Lounge on December 4, a small group of journalists had the opportunity to hear directly from Maria Porro, President of Salone del Mobile.Milano. The meeting followed the VIP Opening Cocktail on December 3, which brought together an influential group of Italian representatives and cultural leaders, including Michele Mistò, Consul General of Italy in Miami; Marco Verna, the new Trade Commissioner for the Italian Trade Agency Miami; and Marco Sabetta, General Manager of Salone del Mobile.Milano, among other dignitaries. Their presence underscored the institutional support behind Salone’s debut at Art Basel and highlighted Miami’s growing importance as a strategic site for Italian design.
During the gathering, journalists also heard briefly from Marva Griffin, Founder and Curator of SaloneSatellite. Her presence added a meaningful layer to the morning’s conversation, reflecting Salone’s long-standing commitment to emerging designers. While her remarks were succinct, they reinforced the idea—echoed throughout Porro’s vision—that nurturing young talent remains central to the Salone ecosystem.
A Curated Space at the Heart of the Fair
Designed by Lissoni & Partners, the Collectors Lounge brought Italian design to the forefront of Art Basel’s most exclusive environment. More than 35 Italian companies contributed furnishings, lighting, and architectural elements, collectively shaping a space that felt both contemporary and timeless. The final roster showcased some of Italy’s most acclaimed brands: Arper, Artemide, Calligaris, Davide Groppi, Edra, Emu, Ethimo, Exteta, Foscarini, Gallotti&Radice, Gervasoni, Glas Italia, Living Divani, Molteni&C, Natuzzi Italia, Paola Lenti, Poltrona Frau, Porada, Porro, and Visionnaire.
Each brand’s presence contributed to a broader narrative. The seamless blend of materials, sculptural forms, and tactile surfaces reflected the depth of Italian design culture—not merely as style, but as a way of understanding space and human interaction. In a fair dominated by visual art, the Lounge offered guests an immersive reminder that design, too, is a cultural language.
Porro articulated this with clarity during her informal remarks. Speaking without a microphone, she noted that the collaboration “is not just about furniture or decoration. It is about creating an environment that encourages people to meet, talk, and exchange ideas.” The Lounge served not as a backdrop but as a catalyst, enabling conversations among collectors, curators, and cultural leaders whose decisions shape global creative trends.
Why This Partnership Matters
Porro explained that the relationship between art and design has been evolving for decades, but the current moment represents a substantial shift.
“The borders between art and design have been blending for many years, but now everybody is talking about this subject, and the collaborations are becoming more and more important,” she said.
Art Basel’s influence in the global cultural ecosystem makes it a natural partner for Salone del Mobile.Milano. By entering into a three-year partnership that includes both the Miami Beach and Hong Kong fairs, Salone is intentionally situating itself within the world of high-level collecting, cultural investment, and artistic innovation.
This move also speaks directly to changes in the post-pandemic landscape, where in-person events have become more selective yet more impactful. “Covid was a turning point,” Porro remarked. “There was a sort of selection of events. We all changed the way we participate.” In this context, Salone’s presence at Art Basel signals a commitment to the kinds of rich, face-to-face encounters that define creative communities.
Miami’s Distinct Role in Italian Design’s Global Strategy
The decision to begin this partnership in Miami is strategic. The United States remains a vital market for Italian furniture and design industries, with exports exceeding €2.1 billion in 2024. Miami, in particular, stands out for its unique blend of cultural investment, international clientele, and booming real estate development. It is also the second-largest U.S. district for Italian furniture imports, signaling a deep and growing affinity for Italian craftsmanship and aesthetics.
Salone’s presence during Art Basel therefore reaches a highly informed audience. Collectors, developers, architects, and hospitality leaders attending the fair are precisely the decision-makers who shape major international projects. By positioning itself in Miami, Salone del Mobile.Milano is not just expanding visibility; it is entering a powerful economic and cultural network.
The involvement of the Italian Trade Agency further underscores this strategy. Though ITA leadership attended the VIP Opening Cocktail rather than the press breakfast, their presence signaled the broader institutional support behind promoting Made in Italy craftsmanship abroad. For Salone, Miami provides fertile ground to cultivate new relationships and strengthen existing ones.
Inside the Press Gathering: Porro’s Forward-Looking Vision
The December 4 press conversation was intimate, unscripted, and rich with insight. Porro spoke about the intense period leading up to Miami Art Week, detailing how the team had barely one month to conceptualize and build the Lounge. Despite the condensed timeline, the result was cohesive, inviting, and unmistakably aligned with Salone’s identity.
She emphasized that Salone is “not just a fair,” but an ecosystem that nurtures designers, supports companies, and helps develop global networks. This expansive view positions Salone as a cultural engine rather than simply a marketplace.
Porro also referenced Salone’s recent initiatives, including events in Riyadh, London, and Shanghai. These international activations reflect a broader strategy: bringing the values of Italian design to new geographies and building bridges between global creative communities.
Looking Toward 2026: A Spotlight on Contract Design
One of the most anticipated moments of Porro’s talk was her hint at what is coming in 2026. She revealed that contract design—furniture and systems for hospitality, workplace, and large-scale developments—will be central to the next edition of Salone del Mobile.Milano. This direction aligns with the expanding needs of developers, architects, and designers shaping the world’s most ambitious projects.
Porro encouraged journalists to stay tuned for January’s formal announcement, noting that the contract segment will be one of the fair’s major thematic pillars. This focus reflects broader economic trends: as global cities continue to grow, the demand for innovative, sustainable, and human-centered contract solutions grows with them.
For Live in Italy Magazine readers, this preview offers a glimpse into the future of Salone—and aligns perfectly with the upcoming launch of our new Live in Luxury section, which will further explore the intersection of design, culture, and global development.
Salone Raritas: Celebrating Longevity and Collectible Design
Porro also introduced Salone Raritas, a major new initiative for the 2026 edition, dedicated to collectible design, antiques, unique objects, and limited editions. Curated by Annalisa Rosso and designed by Formafantasma, the Raritas space will function as an architectural lantern within the fair—a permeable, luminous environment showcasing pieces defined by rarity and high craftsmanship.
Porro highlighted one of the core concepts behind Raritas: longevity. “Industrial production, when it is well conceived and well designed, can be a long-lasting piece that gains value across the years,” she said. By including collectible and antique pieces within Salone, Raritas elevates design to a position alongside fine art, emphasizing its role in expressing identity and cultural meaning.
This shift mirrors a trend seen across hospitality, luxury retail, and residential projects worldwide, where one-of-a-kind pieces serve as markers of authenticity and narrative depth. Raritas aims to connect galleries, designers, architects, and developers in a new platform that fosters meaningful exchange.
A New Chapter for Italian Design on the Global Stage
The debut of Salone del Mobile.Milano at Art Basel Miami Beach represents more than a partnership—it marks a transformation in how Italian design engages with the world. By entering the epicenter of contemporary art, Salone expands its reach, deepens its cultural dialogue, and aligns itself with a global community that values innovation, beauty, and longevity.
In Miami, this moment felt both strategic and deeply personal. It was a chance to witness the beginning of a new trajectory—one that bridges continents, disciplines, and creative visions. As Salone prepares for 2026 and the unveiling of its contract-focused programming and Salone Raritas, the future of Italian design appears more interconnected and dynamic than ever.
For more information, visit Salone del Mobile.Milano’s website.
Live in Italy Magazine will continue this conversation in January with the launch of Live in Luxury, featuring a dedicated Q&A with Maria Porro.
Italian design has always shaped the way we live. Now, at Art Basel Miami Beach, it is shaping the way we imagine the future.
Below are some candids from the December 4th breakfast.
