Our Trend Editors 4 Must-See Exhibits at Milan Design Week 2026

Heading to Milan Design Week 2026 and want to get the most out of your visit?

In the lead-up to this year’s event, our trend editors, Wendy Lowe and Danika Morris, have curated a selection of the most exciting brands and designers you won’t want to miss.

Can’t make it to Milan Design Week 2026?

If attending key global tradeshows isn’t always feasible, discover how our My TrendBible tradeshow report series brings the highlights, insights, and emerging trends directly to you.

Salone del Mobile

The 64th edition of Salone del Mobile, held in the Fiera Milano district in Rho from 21^st – 26^th April will feature the latest novelties, creative visions and innovations from leading companies in the design industry. This year, the common theme will be an increasingly integrated architecture of content and exhibition itineraries.

Fuorisalone 

For Fuorisalone 2026, the theme is “Being Project.” The slogan is fitting to current times; it’s a statement of intent that rethinks the role of design and, more deeply, that of the human being in the contemporary world.

1. Alcova

New, unseen spaces will open within the Baggio Military Hospital, a vast post-WW1 complex in the Primaticcio district, alongside the legendary Villa Pestarini by Franco Albini, the only villa he designed in Milan, and one never before open to the public.

2. When Apricots Blossom by Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation

When Apricots Blossom, commissioned by Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF), is an immersive exhibition presented at Palazzo Citterio during Milan Design Week 2026. Inspired by a poem by renowned Uzbek writer Hamid Olimjon, the exhibition reflects on themes of hope, renewal and resilience.

3. H&M x Kelly Wearstler

The Kelly Wearstler x H&M Home collection marks a new creative partnership between the American designer and the Scandinavian brand, rooted in a shared vision of accessible, democratic design.

Set to debut at Milan Design Week 2026, the collection will be unveiled through a site-specific installation by Studio Boum at Palazzo Acerbi. It brings together furniture, lighting, and accessories that reflect Wearstler’s distinctive, layered aesthetic, all built around a versatile, modular approach.

4. Isola TEN: The Evolving Now

Isola Design Festival unites a diverse mix of geographies, disciplines, and designers. Some contributors return as established names after first showing as emerging talents. While others take part for the first time, each helping to shape the independent spirit that defines Isola.

For its 10th edition, the festival reconnects with the core of the Isola neighbourhood, revisiting past exhibition spaces while introducing new venues.

If you can’t attend Milan Design Week 2026, we’ll do the hard work for you

With so many tradeshows to choose from worldwide and growing constraints on travel and resources, it can be increasingly challenging to secure investment for your trend intelligence budget.

Our series of tradeshow reports cover the world’s most influential events and highlight the key takeaways, so you won’t miss out. Our comprehensive trend insight and event round-up reports for 2026 are available as part of our Premium subscription on My TrendBible.