May 9
2025

Natália Scarpati, Brasil, an architect specializing in furniture and objects that flirt between design and art: Mirrors “Dual e Orbe.“ Photo: Felipe Amarelo

Update: Application for the 2026 issue will open at the end of May 2025 on https://www.salonemilano.it/en/exhibitions/salonesatellite

The Salone del Mobile.Milan trade fair describes its “Salone Satellite” section as the “jewel in the crown.” It is a large area across two halls with standardized stands where young designers under 35 present their work. In 2025, there was the 26th edition of this “visionary hub”, which aims to promote talents directly after their studies and give them scope to look to the future.

Marva Griffin Wilshire. Photo: Salone del Mobile / Gerardo Jaconelli

Marva Griffin Wilshire first convinced the fair management with her concept in 1998 and still acts as curator today. Since then, more than 14,000 up-and-coming designers, along with 270 international schools and universities, have presented themselves at the world‘s largest furniture show.

Talent scouts keep a close eye on their ideas, insiders say.

Many of the once young designers have “become prominent names”, summarizes the trade fair and hopes that the Satellite will continue to inspire experimentation and creativity. “In an age characterized by swinging changes in environmental, economic, and social balances, young designers will be the ones who will provide valuable information that will serve to guide us.”

Prizes or special awards are part of the Satellite.

We first reported on the section in 2017 and introduced the then-newcomer Chris Basias from Greece, who presented a collection of natural stone luminaires and now had his own stand at the trade fair in 2025 (see link at the bottom). When asked about the significance of his appearance among the newcomers, he is still enthusiastic: “The Satellite gave my work a level of exposure that’s hard to get elsewhere as a young designer. It was one of the first times my ideas reached such a broad and international audience, and that visibility helped open doors afterwards, both with collaborators and potential clients.”

In terms of efforts, it wasn‘t exactly low, from creating the prototypes to transportation and overnight stays in Milan. And not a low-budget project either, but the costs weren‘t out of reach – and above all paid off: “You learn how the business works”, he says.

Finally: “Participation pushes you to grow quickly, making you realize that talent alone isn’t enough. You also need resilience, strategy, and professionalism to succeed.“

We present those up-and-coming designers of 2025 who work with natural stone and quote from their self-portraits.

Salone del Mobile.Milano, April 21 – 26, 2026

Salone Satellite Catalogue 2025

Natália Scarpati, Brasil: Collection “Virtus.“ Photo: Felipe AmareloNatália Scarpati, Brasil: Lamp “Pingo.“ Photo: Daniela LuquiniiNatália Scarpati, Brasil, an architect specializing in furniture and objects that flirt between design and art.
https://www.instagram.com/nataliascarpati/reels/
 

Clelia Liberti, Italy: “Guardati negli occhi hai tutto un mondo dentro“ (Look into your eyes you have a whole world inside).Clelia Liberti, Italy: “Guardati negli occhi hai tutto un mondo dentro“ (Look into your eyes you have a whole world inside).Clelia Liberti, Italy, her artistic research focuses on the relationship between our inner part and the external world. An object is never just an object, its purpose is always a deeper reflection.
https://www.clelialiberti.com
 

Mark Mitchell is a British designer based in Cheshire. His works range from furniture, lighting and space with a strong sense of curiosity, poetry and romance.Mark Mitchell is a British designer based in Cheshire. His works range from furniture, lighting and space with a strong sense of curiosity, poetry and romance.Mark Mitchell is a British designer based in Cheshire. His works range from furniture, lighting and space with a strong sense of curiosity, poetry and romance.
https://markmitchelldesign.com/