Fashion meets design in Milan

As Milan buzzed with creative energy during its annual design week, the intersection of fashion and interior design took centre stage, drawing designers, stylists, and tastemakers from around the globe. The city’s historic palazzos and contemporary showrooms became immersive spaces where textiles, silhouettes, and spatial design merged in unexpected ways. Australian visitors to the event were treated to a sensory experience that blurred the lines between runway and living space, showcasing how fashion houses are increasingly influencing the world of interiors.

One of the standout moments came from Loro Piana, whose installation with Dimoremilano transformed a traditional Milanese apartment into a tactile dreamscape. The brand’s signature cashmeres and wools were reimagined as upholstery and drapery, enveloping the space in a palette of soft neutrals and rich textures. The collaboration highlighted how fashion’s attention to detail and materiality can elevate interior environments, offering a new perspective on luxury living.

Elsewhere, fashion labels like Bottega Veneta and Prada presented curated spaces that reflected their design ethos beyond clothing. Bottega’s minimalist approach translated into sculptural furniture pieces and architectural lighting, while Prada’s installation explored the relationship between form and function through a series of conceptual rooms. These presentations resonated with Australian design enthusiasts, who are increasingly drawn to holistic lifestyle branding that extends from wardrobe to home.

Throughout the city, pop-up exhibitions and boutique showcases underscored the growing synergy between fashion and design. From limited-edition homewares by emerging designers to capsule collections of furniture by established fashion houses, Milan Design Week 2025 proved that the future of style lies in the seamless integration of aesthetics across all facets of life.

Highlights from Salone del Mobile 2025

This year’s Salone del Mobile delivered a bold vision for the future of interiors, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, craftsmanship, and sensory engagement. The sprawling fairgrounds at Rho Fiera hosted over 2,000 exhibitors, each presenting innovative concepts that pushed the boundaries of traditional furniture design. Australian visitors were particularly drawn to the emphasis on natural materials and modular living, reflecting a growing preference back home for adaptable, eco-conscious spaces.

Among the most talked-about installations was the Euroluce lighting biennial, which returned with a renewed focus on emotional design. Brands like Flos and Artemide unveiled lighting systems that responded to human presence and mood, blending technology with poetic form. These immersive displays captivated audiences with their ability to transform atmosphere, a concept that resonated with Australian designers exploring biophilic and wellness-oriented interiors.

In the main halls, Scandinavian and Japanese influences dominated, with clean lines, muted palettes, and tactile finishes taking centre stage. Australian design professionals noted the parallels with local trends, particularly the use of timber, stone, and linen in creating serene, grounded environments. Standouts included Muuto’s new collection of modular seating and Karimoku’s collaboration with international architects, which showcased the enduring appeal of craftsmanship and simplicity.

Meanwhile, the SaloneSatellite section, dedicated to emerging designers under 35, offered a glimpse into the next generation of talent. Young creatives from around the world presented prototypes that combined functionality with storytelling, often using recycled or unconventional materials. Australian attendees were especially inspired by the emphasis on narrative-driven design, a theme increasingly embraced in the country’s own creative industries.

Outside the fairgrounds, the city’s design districts—from Brera to Tortona—buzzed with energy as showrooms and galleries hosted experiential installations. One highlight was the immersive exhibit by Dutch collective Studio Drift, whose kinetic sculptures explored the intersection of nature and technology. These off-site events provided a more intimate look at design innovation, allowing Australian visitors to engage directly with creators and gain insights into the processes behind the products.

Throughout the week, the emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaboration and sustainable innovation underscored a shift in global design priorities. For Australian audiences, Salone del Mobile 2025 offered not just inspiration, but a roadmap for integrating beauty, function, and responsibility into everyday living.

Collaborations redefining luxury aesthetics

At the heart of Milan Design Week 2025 was a wave of collaborations that redefined what luxury means in today’s design landscape. Fashion houses, design studios, and artisans came together to create pieces that were not only visually striking but also deeply rooted in craftsmanship and storytelling. These partnerships moved beyond mere co-branding, instead offering a fusion of identities that resulted in truly original works. For Australian audiences, who value authenticity and innovation, these collaborations offered a compelling vision of luxury that is both refined and relevant.

One of the most buzzed-about partnerships was between Loewe and Italian ceramicist Paola Paronetto. Their collection of sculptural furniture and accessories, rendered in Paronetto’s signature paper clay technique, brought a tactile softness to Loewe’s minimalist aesthetic. The pieces, which included side tables and vases in muted pastels, felt both artisanal and contemporary—qualities that resonate strongly with Australia’s design sensibilities, where handmade and natural materials are highly prized.

Another standout was the collaboration between Fendi Casa and the French design duo Atelier Oï. Their collection explored the interplay of geometry and movement, with modular seating and lighting that could be reconfigured to suit different moods and spaces. The use of leather, wood, and brushed metal created a luxurious yet understated palette, appealing to Australian homeowners seeking versatility without compromising on elegance.

Meanwhile, Louis Vuitton’s Objets Nomades series continued to push the boundaries of collectible design. This year’s additions included a hammock by the Campana Brothers and a folding screen by Atelier Biagetti, both of which combined whimsical forms with impeccable craftsmanship. These limited-edition pieces, while aspirational, sparked conversations about the role of design as art—an idea gaining traction in Australia’s growing market for high-end interiors and bespoke furnishings.

Australian designers and retailers attending the event noted the increasing importance of narrative in these collaborations. Rather than simply producing beautiful objects, brands are telling stories—about heritage, sustainability, and the human touch. This aligns with a broader shift in consumer values, where luxury is defined not just by price or exclusivity, but by meaning and connection. In this context, the collaborations seen in Milan offered a blueprint for how fashion and design can come together to create experiences that are both luxurious and deeply personal.

For Australian creatives, these partnerships serve as inspiration to explore cross-disciplinary projects that reflect local culture and values. Whether it’s a fashion label teaming up with a furniture maker, or a textile artist collaborating with an architect, the possibilities for redefining luxury through collaboration are endless—and Milan Design Week 2025 proved that the appetite for such innovation is stronger than ever.

Fashion meets design in Milan

In the heart of Milan, where fashion and design naturally intertwine, Loro Piana unveiled a striking collaboration with Dimorestudio during Design Week 2025. The Italian luxury house transformed its Via della Moscova headquarters into a sensorial installation that blurred the lines between textile innovation and interior architecture. The space was reimagined with a palette of rich neutrals and tactile contrasts, showcasing Loro Piana Interiors’ signature cashmeres, linens, and wools in unexpected applications—from wall coverings to sculptural furniture pieces.

Dimorestudio’s Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran brought their distinctive retro-futurist aesthetic to the project, layering vintage references with contemporary silhouettes. The result was a moody, cinematic environment that felt both intimate and avant-garde. Think plush velvet seating in deep tobacco tones, lacquered surfaces in ochre and burgundy, and ambient lighting that shifted with the time of day. It was a masterclass in how fashion’s sensibility for texture and tone can elevate spatial design.

For Australian fashion insiders, the installation offered a compelling case for cross-disciplinary creativity. With our own design scene increasingly embracing lifestyle branding, Loro Piana’s Milanese showcase felt like a blueprint for how fashion labels can extend their DNA into interiors without losing authenticity. The emphasis on craftsmanship, materiality, and quiet luxury resonated deeply—especially in a market like ours, where understated elegance and tactile quality are prized.

As the lines between fashion, art, and design continue to blur, Milan’s Design Week reaffirmed its role as a global stage for innovation. And with Loro Piana leading the charge, the fusion of fashion and interiors has never looked more refined.

Highlights from Salone del Mobile 2025

At Salone del Mobile 2025, the convergence of fashion and design reached new heights, with standout presentations that spoke directly to the sensibilities of the modern woman—elegant, discerning, and design-conscious. The fair, now in its 63rd edition, drew over 370,000 visitors from 188 countries, reaffirming its status as the epicentre of global design innovation. For Australian fashion professionals, the event offered a wealth of inspiration, particularly in how luxury brands are translating their aesthetic codes into spatial and product design.

Among the most talked-about installations was Loewe’s “Weave, Restore, Renew,” a poetic exploration of artisanal techniques applied to everyday objects. The Spanish house reimagined humble straw baskets and rattan chairs with intricate leather weaving, elevating them into collectible design pieces. The tactile quality and craftsmanship echoed the brand’s ready-to-wear ethos—quietly luxurious, deeply considered, and rooted in heritage. It was a reminder that fashion’s attention to detail can transform even the most utilitarian forms into objects of desire.

Hermès, ever the master of restraint, presented a serene pavilion constructed from translucent paper bricks, housing a collection of home objects that celebrated material purity. From hand-stitched leather trays to cashmere throws in sun-faded hues, the offering was a study in refined minimalism. For Australian audiences, where natural light and open-plan living are central to our lifestyle, Hermès’ approach to space and texture felt particularly resonant—luxury that whispers rather than shouts.

Meanwhile, Bottega Veneta’s debut at the fair was a bold statement of intent. Creative director Matthieu Blazy unveiled a series of limited-edition furniture pieces that played with proportion and materiality—think oversized leather-wrapped armchairs and sculptural bronze tables. The collection mirrored the brand’s fashion direction: architectural, tactile, and unapologetically modern. It was a clear signal that Bottega’s design language is expanding beyond the wardrobe and into the home.

For those of us watching from Australia, the 2025 edition of Salone del Mobile offered more than just aesthetic inspiration—it provided a roadmap for how fashion brands can authentically enter the lifestyle space. The emphasis on craftsmanship, storytelling, and emotional resonance aligns perfectly with our market’s appetite for thoughtful, enduring design. As fashion continues to evolve beyond garments, Milan has once again shown us how to do it with elegance and intent.