Brera Design District is gearing up to celebrate its 16th edition, as Milan Design Week 2025 steadily approaches to captivate the design world with its newest edition, ready to set up camp in Milan from April 7 – 13, 2025. This year's theme, Connected Worlds, embodies the district's multifaceted nature that intertwines craftsmanship, art, culture, lifestyle and hospitality. In a week's span, visitors from across the globe will step into the key design district to indulge in immersive experiences, cutting-edge design showcases and a dynamic atmosphere where creativity and innovation flourish.
"Professionals, artists and enthusiasts gather to explore sustainable solutions and creative approaches, while the historical Brera streets turn into a stage of inspiration. This synergy between past and future makes Brera Design District a symbol of the unstoppable evolution of design, contributing to strengthening the reputation of Milan as a worldwide capital of the industry," notes Alessia Cappello, councillor for Employment and Economic Development with responsibility for fashion and design of Milan.
Against the backdrop of Orizzonti, the new setup of Brera Design Apartment, designed by Zanellato/Bortotto studio, Brera Design Week 2025 will unveil 300 initiatives, including 204 permanent showrooms and over 170 exhibits—standing as an impressive international design destination during Fuorisalone.
The design week's innovative brand displays will be highlighted by diverse presentations such as Tokujin Yoshioka's collaboration with Grand Seiko, featuring the Aqua Chair, a luminous sculpture that evolves. DENZA's presence in Brera Design Week 2025 celebrates how Technology drives Elegance, reflecting the unique blend of European design influences and fresh technology supercharged by the world's greatest research and development resource. The fusion of European design and advanced technology is exemplified by DENZA's participation in the design festival, which will highlight how cutting-edge technology can elevate elegance.
'Glo for art' returns for the third year with Michela Picchi's interactive installation, blending pop and surrealism to create a sensory journey that merges classical and modern semantics. At the Chiostri di San Simpliciano, Gucci will present Bamboo Encounters, which reimagines bamboo through seven contemporary design projects.
At the design event, Molteni&C will expand its presence with Palazzo Molteni, a 3,000 sqm space designed by Vincent Van Duysen, while Marsotto Edizioni will unveil Robert Stadler's New Wave collection of marble tables. Loro Piana and Dimoremilano's immersive installation will explore cinematic beauty in La prima notte di quiete and Valcucine's Connected Scenarios will foster dialogue on smart living. MUJI will join the ensemble with a sustainable manifesto house, integrating organic materials and rainwater recovery. Additionally, the House of Switzerland celebrates the power of collaboration, showcasing Swiss design in a collective exhibition. The audience will also encounter brands such as FLORIM, American Express, FORMICA and Solferino 28 with their striking presentations.
Further, Brera Design District will host some of the most seminal names in the Italian and international design scenes. Notable showcases include Bolzan's, under the art direction of Zanellato/Bortotto, highlighting artisanal expertise as four international designers reinterpret the concept of the headboard; Raw Edges Design Studio debuts its new bedroom armchair as part of the exhibition. Italian designer Elena Salmistraro's collaboration with Signature Kitchen Suite will transform their showroom with The Essential Touch, bringing together pop graphics and refined aesthetics in a project focusing on wine cellars and undercounter refrigerators. Marcel Wanders and textile artist Caterina Roppo will join Fischbacher 1819 for Ancient Memories, a capsule collection employing natural fibers such as hemp, jute and wood to create tapestries of culture and memory.
Pierre Charpin's HACHURE for Abet Laminati delves into decorative surface patterns with geometric textures, expanding their design collection. Richard Hutten's collaboration with Jaipur Rugs for Playing with Tradition merges vibrant, contemporary designs with traditional craftsmanship, creating handmade rugs inspired by the festival of Holi with playful motifs. Another highlight is German furniture maker Thonet's minimalist collection by Jil Sander, reinterpreting the iconic chair design S 64 in the JS. THONET series.
In an exciting blend of innovation, tradition and creativity, Brera Design Week concocts a diverse range of showcases this year. From innovative collaborations, reimagined classics and dynamic experiences, the district offers glimpses of cutting-edge ideas that push boundaries while celebrating timeless aesthetics and the rich cultural heritage of design.
Keep up with STIR's coverage of Milan Design Week 2025, where we spotlight the most compelling exhibitions, presentations and installations from top studios, designers and brands. Dive into the highlights of Euroluce 2025 and explore all the design districts—Fuorisalone, 5Vie, Brera, Isola, Durini, and beyond—alongside the faceted programme of Salone del Mobile.Milano this year.
What do you think?