MIA Photo Fair returns home. From March 20 to 23, the prestigious event dedicated to art photography reclaims the iconic spaces of Superstudio Più, the same venue that hosted its first unforgettable editions. This homecoming has already sparked excitement among collectors, gallerists, and enthusiasts, eager to immerse themselves in a special 14th edition that promises to be richer and more vibrant than ever.

Cinema and photography, two closely connected and complementary worlds, both capable of telling stories, evoking emotions, and capturing fragments of reality through images that reveal the essence of humanity. British director Peter Chelsom, known for his acclaimed films and collaborations with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, has always nurtured a deep passion for photography, an obsession that began in his childhood. An exhibition hosted at MyOwnGallery during MIA Photo Fair BNP Paribas unveils the director’s sharp and ironic gaze, offering the public a journey behind the scenes and into his personal exploration of the “dream role.”

Let’s start with a reflection. 25 years after the birth, starting from Superstudio Più on Via Tortona, of what is now the Milan Design Week spread across the neighborhoods, what has design become in its transformation from a commercial event reserved for architects, designers, creatives, buyers, sellers, manufacturers, real estate professionals, and other “industry insiders”, to a large pop and popular event that now attracts, in addition to the aforementioned, crowds of enthusiasts, explorers, students, curious individuals, and entire families? In our opinion, Milan Design Week has become not only the most effervescent, most international, most democratic, most sustainability-conscious, and most visionary week of the year, but also the most joyful, intriguing, even playful event, dispensing crumbs of pleasure. Attracting, in addition to furniture, object, and device producers of all sizes in dialogue with AI, it also brings together creatives and brands from outside the sector, from automotive, fashion, food, beauty, and even the works of students and artists... and so on. A broad panorama full of promises, both for the present and for the future. Often directed, without filters, to the consumers who eagerly await it, happy to be part of it. Happiness. Here’s the key word, which encapsulates hope and beauty. In these dark and uncertain times of post-Covid, wars, economic crises, geopolitical changes, and Trump-era tariffs, it’s something we need, at least a little, at least in our homes, in the outdoor spaces we live in, in our daily gestures. Happiness – inherent in products, evident in installations – is the challenge we’ve thrown to those wishing to participate in this edition of the Superdesign Show at Superstudio Più in Via Tortona, a historic venue that once again sets trends or at least reflects desires. Happiness. As our theme of the year. As HAPPINESS, a manifesto identified by the exclusive lettering created by graphic artist Daniele Cima, where each letter is meant as a small work of art. As the common thread of the exhibition path characterized by the bright yellow chosen by art director Giulio Cappellini. As a big thank you to the protagonists of Made in Italy who have been with us over these 25 years and today return to the exhibition of their unforgettable pieces. As the exciting show that makes hearts beat in unison between man and machine, staged once again by Lexus. As the virtual explorations of nature and its dangers through the 4.0 technology of FORUM8. As well-being told by the virtual water experience of Geberit. As the selection of “out of this world” proposals, namely that far-East (China, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand) so rich in ideas that mix tradition with innovation. As the “Happy Objects” that tell stories of unusual creativity and make us smile. As “The Tree of Life,” a textile sculpture on-site by Carla Tolomeo, previously shown at the Mocenigo Museum during the 2024 Venice Biennale, which anticipates the sensual exhibition Voluptas by HUB161, hosted at Fla Museum, exploring the combination of tradition/contemporaneity in the craftsmanship and art of the Bel Paese.

Lexus combines art and technology in a consistently poetic way, with visionary pairings between luxury automobiles and traditional Japanese concepts that create imaginative and extraordinary atmospheres.
"A-Un” is an impressive installation that intuitively connects with those who experience it, evoking the form of the new cockpit for electric cars Black Butterfly. It pushes boundaries and unveils new possible interactions between humans and next-generation vehicles, based on mutual understanding: this is Lexus’ ambition. The project’s name is inspired by the Japanese expression A-un no kokyu, which describes a harmonious non-verbal communication made possible by the synchronization of human breath with that of the surrounding world. 

Cutie Thai: Plaisir d’Amour opens the journey through Asian countries at Superdesign, showcasing an engaging exhibition of works by Thai designers specifically created to make people fall in love. The exhibition is presented by the Department of International Trade Promotion of Thailand & the Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA).
In the large space dedicated to Thailand, visitors enter a scenario of light colors, dunes, and clouds that spark the imagination. Surrounding them are captivating objects with unusual aesthetics, a collection of eclectic ideas. What do transparent colored glass lamps, a bamboo armchair in vibrant hues, accessories shaped like dogs, lemons, pineapples, and a floral-patterned bag have in common? 

Three Japanese companies, each with its own expertise, create an elaborate light installation to reflect on what happiness is. 
Unpredictable, fleeting, unexpected, hidden, happiness is not always definable. GPJ Japan, Yutaka, and ONEFABRICA collaborate to create installations that offer unique sensory experiences. Invited by Superdesign, this time with an engaging mise-en-scène, they encourage visitors to reflect on how happiness manifests in unexpected ways. George P. Johnson Japan Ltd (GPJ) aims to provide businesses with the means to stand out, offering new experiences for the user. Yutaka, a space creation coordinator, has a design focus on space, in the sense of the environment, necessary to communicate effectively. ONEFABRICA supplies materials such as aluminum, wood, and stone, along with reproductions of art. In addition, they provide the technological expertise to construct the structures that define the project.

Japan, with its tea tradition and contemporary lifestyle, is at the heart of the exhibition that promotes the modern lifestyle of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Japan, with its tea tradition and contemporary lifestyle, is at the heart of the exhibition that promotes the modern lifestyle of the Land of the Rising Sun. Glow, a small but immersive exhibition, arises from the meeting between WOHL HUTTE, a brand specializing in wooden furniture and interior design, and Japanese tea sommelier Kenzo Terada, founder of Teaste It, who showcases the excellence of tea and matcha from his home region, Shizuoka. They are joined by FATE INDUSTRIES, which reinterprets stainless steel with a crafted touch, and SAMNICON, a gallery that explores the concept of cultural heritage through design.

A leader in outdoor furniture and present in 70 countries, Letright, a Chinese company founded in 1999, offers the Ombra Smart Pergola, a perfect blend of innovation and sustainability, to live surrounded by nature in any climatic condition.
Much more than a bioclimatic pergola capable of adapting to changing environmental conditions. Rather, it is a “refuge” inspired by classical architecture, with clean lines and harmony, while also meeting contemporary needs. In addition to adapting to various living spaces, the Ombra Smart Pergola features an efficient lighting system and uses advanced technologies that ensure control of the climate and ambient light. 

Finding the right balance between design and ecology. This is the goal of the ten groups of designers and furniture manufacturers that are part of HKIDA, the Hong Kong Interior Design Association, founded in Hong Kong in 1991.
For the first time at the Superdesign Show, HKIDA, a non-governmental and non-profit association that has been working closely with designers, architects, students, and the public for over thirty years to preserve the tradition of local design combined with contemporary experiences, while respecting environmental needs, brings to Milan the exhibition titled Urban Reflection. Unique projects to see, a perfect combination of current design and Chinese craftsmanship details.

FORUM8 is a leader in the creation of 4.0 software and, for the fourth consecutive year, takes visitors further into the future. From incredible and immersive simulations to out-of-this-world experiences, literally. Since 2022, FORUM8 has brought some of the most advanced software technologies from Japan to the Superdesign Show. And this is where the magic begins. The concept of Empowering Happiness Through Web 4.0 aims to promote a culture of well-being and safety by leveraging Web 4.0 and artificial intelligence, now deeply embedded in our reality.