Salone Del Mobile.Milan At India Art Fair brought the convergence of Italian and Indian craftsmanship

As the worlds of Italian craftsmanship and Indian creativity continue to intertwine, Salone del Mobile.Milano returned to New Delhi and Mumbai with a vision that went far beyond furniture. This year’s visit wasn’t just about showcasing beautiful objects. It was about building relationships, sharing cultures and recognising India as one of the most exciting design markets shaping the future of luxury living.

India’s growing presence at the Milan fair reflects a deeper shift. Designers, architects, collectors and developers from across the country are no longer simply attending global showcases, they are actively influencing them. For Italian brands, India represents a market that values craftsmanship, customisation and emotional connection to design. Here, objects are not bought only for function, but for the stories they carry.

That philosophy came alive in New Delhi, where Salone del Mobile.Milano introduced Salone Raritas during the India Art Fair. Designed as a space for collectable design, Salone Raritas brings together rare pieces, limited editions and master craftsmanship that blur the line between art and design. It resonated naturally with Indian audiences who have long celebrated handmade traditions, fine materials and meaningful objects.

Design leaders from both countries came together to discuss how collectable design is becoming a new language of luxury. One where furniture tells stories, preserves heritage and creates emotional value within homes, hotels and public spaces. It reflected a global shift where uniqueness now matters more than mass production.

From the cultural energy of Delhi, the spotlight moved to Mumbai, where conversations turned toward the future of luxury real estate and hospitality. Here, Salone introduced Salone Contract, a new platform created to support large-scale projects that demand design excellence, sustainability and integrated thinking.

Rather than focusing on individual products, Salone Contract looks at how entire spaces are built and experienced. Hotels, luxury residences, retail environments and public spaces are increasingly seen as complete ecosystems where architecture, interiors and services must work in harmony. The initiative’s masterplan, led by visionary architect Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten of OMA, reflects this holistic approach to contemporary design.

What made these conversations especially powerful was how naturally Italian design values aligned with India’s ambitions. Sustainability, custom craftsmanship and attention to detail emerged as shared priorities. Architects spoke about the growing demand for bespoke interiors, locally relevant luxury and globally informed aesthetics.

Adding another layer of artistry to the Salone story is Salone Raritas’ debut in Milan in April 2026, with an exhibition space designed by “Formafantasma”. Envisioned as a glowing architectural lantern, the space will allow rare objects to breathe, inviting visitors to slow down and truly engage with each piece. It reflects a future where luxury design is not rushed, loud or excessive, but thoughtful, emotional and lasting.

At its heart, Salone del Mobile.Milano’s India journey is about more than expanding markets. It is about building a creative bridge between two cultures that share deep respect for craft, beauty and innovation. India is no longer simply a destination for Italian design. It is a partner shaping new narratives of global luxury.

As India’s luxury homes, hotels and public spaces continue to evolve, this growing dialogue with Italy promises interiors that are richer in story, stronger in identity and timeless in design. In a world chasing fast trends, Salone’s message feels refreshingly enduring: true luxury is built on culture, connection and craftsmanship that lasts.

Text by Tanisha Sawhney 

Edited by Sabrina Mathews