This photo shows the skyline of the city of Milan

Italian design: the Salone del Mobile and the Poltron UP

Innovation, creativity, passion

Exploring the history and global impact of Italian design

Italian design has always been synonymous with excellence and innovation, managing to distinguish itself through a unique and recognisable style. The Milan Furniture Fair and Gaetano Pesce's Poltrona UP are two icons of this tradition, which have had a significant impact on the global design scene.

The Salone del Mobile represents the excellence of Italian design and its ability to influence and inspire the world of furniture and design. The event testifies to the passion, innovation and craftsmanship that characterise the sector in Italy and is a reference point for design enthusiasts from all over the world. This event will continue to represent Italian success and creativity on the international design scene, carrying on the tradition of excellence and quality that sets them apart.

What is the Salone Internazionale del Mobile and when was it born?

The Salone Internazionale del Mobile is the world's most important trade fair dedicated to the furniture and design industry. It was first held in 1961 in Milan, the city that still hosts the event today. Over the years, this event has become a reference point for industry professionals, designers, architects, artists and enthusiasts, attracting participants from all over the world.

This photo shows the Salone del Mobile in Milan

What are the origins of the Salone del Mobile?

The roots of the Salone del Mobile date back to the mid-20th century, when Italy, along with Germany, was going through a period of post-war reconstruction. With the growing demand for furniture and objects to fill new homes, a group of Italian entrepreneurs decided to create an event similar to Germany's Koelnmesse, creating Cosmit and the Salone del Mobile in 1961. The aim was to promote Italian design and encourage the exchange of ideas and knowledge between exhibitors.

How has the Salone del Mobile developed over the years?

This photo shows Milan in the Navigli area at sunset

Who designed the UP Armchair?

The UP armchair, also known as the UP chair, is a seating series designed by Italian designer Gaetano Pesce in 1969. Initially produced by the Italian company C&B (Cassina & Busnelli) and later by B&B Italia, the UP series has become an icon of Italian and international design. The collection is characterised by organic, sinuous and enveloping shapes that invite relaxation and comfort.

Why has the UP Armchair become iconic? Available now!

The UP Armchair, particularly the UP5 model, is considered one of the world's best-known industrial design products and a symbol of the radical design and furniture of the 1960s and 1970s. Its innovative and bold shape, combined with the use of cutting-edge materials and technologies, such as polyurethane foam, made it an icon in the design world. The UP Armchair is part of the permanent collections of numerous museums, such as the Triennale Design Museum in Milan, the MoMA in New York and the Vitra Design Museum. Its fame is also due to the fact that it broke with the conventions of the time, expressing a new vision of design and home furnishing.