Organisers of Milan's Salone del Mobile have confirmed that the furniture fair will take place in September, ending speculation that the event would be cancelled or moved to a smaller venue.
The fair will be held as planned from 5 to 10 September at its regular venue, the Fiera Milano exhibition centre outside the city.
The board of Federlegno Arredo, the trade body that owns the Salone del Mobile brand, yesterday voted unanimously to press ahead with the fair following a "constructive internal debate".
"Internationally renowned curator" to be appointed
The fair "will be entrusted and coordinated by an internationally renowned curator" and will feature an "unprecedented digital platform," organisers said. Federlegno Arredo president Claudio Feltrin said the decision to go ahead with Salone del Mobile was down to "a team effort that will allow us to organise a special edition, as unique as the period we are experiencing."
The decision follows a period of uncertainty about the viability of the fair, which saw former president Claudio Luti resign in frustration at the lack of support from exhibitors. "The common will of purpose [...] has failed," Luti said.
Government reassurances
Luti had successfully lobbied the Italian government to provide reassurances that Covid-19 restrictions would be lifted in time to allow the event to take place.
But despite this, rumours circulated that key Italian brands had cancelled thei...