Milan Design Week 2026: An Art Lover’s Perspective
Milan Design Week concluded last Sunday, and the city is finally catching its breath. Between the installations, the influx of travelers, and the idyllic weather, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric.
People spilled out of cafes and eagerly waited in winding lines for events, while others enjoyed a cheeky aperitivo as the sun set. I even came across an aperitivo sponsored by a local Carrefour Express, which was blaring music into the street—a lighthearted touch that perfectly captured the festive spirit.
What stood out to me most was how Milan’s otherwise "snooty" persona seemed to melt away. For one week, the city felt genuinely inviting to everyone, cementing its status as the heart of global design without the usual pretension. Now that the dust has settled, here are the three events that left the deepest impression on me:
1. Vogue Vintage Market
Location: Officine LùBar
I’ll admit it: I’m a sucker for a Vogue event. Given my obsession with designer archives, this pop-up at Officine LùBar was non-negotiable. I tried to beat the rush by arriving right as the market opened, but the line was already snaking around the building with other style-conscious 20-somethings.
Inside, the space was luminous and airy, providing a stunning backdrop for the curation of clothing and accessories. While I didn't find a piece that felt like a "must-have" for my closet, the venue itself was the reward. The upstairs terrace, cocooned in greenery, acted as a refuge. Watching people reset with a cappuccino before diving back into the shopping craze was a great way to start my morning.
2. L’Appartamento by Artemest
Location: Palazzo Donizetti, Porta Nuova
For its fourth edition, Artemest took over Palazzo Donizetti to explore the theme of "Italian Grandeur." The exhibition featured five rooms curated by design studios like Charlap Hyman & Herrero and Sasha Adler.
What resonated with me was the atmospheric execution. The integration of lush plants and reflective surfaces created an "airiness" that played beautifully against the frescoed ceilings and pasteled colored walls that you typically associate with Florentine architecture. Artemest did a great job at honoring design legacy while making it feel contemporary.
3. Gucci Memoria
Location: Chiostri di San Simpliciano, Brera
Gucci’s "Memoria" married interactive elements and art to tell a cohesive story about the fashion house.
The journey began with a tech-forward moment: scanning a QR code at sleek black vending machines to grab a soda can. But these weren’t just any soda cans. They were produced by Gucci with each flavor being named after personas from the SS26 "La Famiglia" collection - Fashion Icon, Drama Queen, Super Incazzata & Mega Pesantone. I plan on keeping mine as a collector’s item, especially seeing as they are already hitting the resale market.
The experience deepened as I moved into the courtyard of Chiostri di San Simpliciano. Surrounded by a garden in full bloom was a perimeter of tapestries that, at first glance, echoed the Italian Renaissance—my favorite art period. Upon closer look, they I noticed that they told the story of Gucci’s history in chronological order from its founding to the current era. It was a beautiful way to form a connection between Italian classical art and the heritage of an Italian brand.
Overall, my design week experience was a success. The connective tissue of the events I loved was the seamless integration of botanical life; whether through interior design, furniture, or tapestries, plants breathed vitality into the art on display. Not to mention was also nice to be surrounded by inspiration with like minded company.
Next year can’t come soon enough!