The year 2025 marked a pivotal moment in the design world, where the concept of 'collectible' permeated every facet of the industry. This period saw a fascinating convergence of elegant secondary markets with the rigorous demands of industrial research and development. Showrooms at Milan's Salone del Mobile transformed into meticulously curated mid-century homes, blurring the lines between exhibition and inhabitation. Even seemingly simple dining tables concealed years of dedicated research into sustainable material repurposing. This era of 'dramatic tension' brought forth a design ethos characterized by dualities: robust industrial forms adorned with delicate details, functional objects imbued with vibrant artistry, and lighting fixtures that transcended their utility to become sculptures. Everything felt authentic, yet nothing was quite as it seemed, inviting a deeper engagement with the tactile and visual richness of gloss lacquers, cut glass, brushed metals, and fine leather.
A Detailed Look at the Award-Winning Pieces of 2026
In 2025, Milan hosted the Salone del Mobile, where the design industry showcased a captivating blend of vintage charm and groundbreaking innovation. Among the celebrated pieces were the 'After' chair by Michael Anastassiades for Fritz Hansen and the 'Treflo' dining table by Ronan Bouroullec for Cassina, exemplifying a commitment to both aesthetic beauty and material ingenuity. Nathalie Du Pasquier's 'Coppie di Fatto Black' vessels for Mutina Editions and the 'Les Bijoux' tiles by Florim, alongside Tonester's Flat interior paint in Black-Orange, demonstrated a rich interplay of texture and color. Further highlights included the 'Monk' chair by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Molteni & C, featured against a backdrop of Muller Van Severen's Curry-hued tiles and paint for Bleo, and Marazzi's 'Mystone Berici' tiles in Bianco. Another standout was the 'Owen' armchair by Jean-Marie Massaud for Poliform, complementing the 'Stone' tiles in Pearl Travertine by Florim. The 'Moonbeam' lamp by Six N Five for Poltrona Frau, the 'Andrée' side table by Hannes Peer for Minotti, and Dieter Vander Velpen's 'Bandra' moiré fabric for Zinc Textile illustrated a sophisticated approach to lighting, accent furniture, and textiles. Tipstudio's 'Fregio L' sculpture for Visionnaire and Roberto Lazzeroni's 'Inga' chair for Baxter, set against Black tiles and Black Martini paint from Muller Van Severen and Tonester, further underscored the exhibition's artistic depth. Additional notable items included Shibuleru's 'Ticino' stools for Living Divani, displayed with Anni Albers' 'Drawing XVI (b) 1974' fabric for Dedar, and Jan Kath's 'Doto' rug from the 'Cyprinus' collection, paired with Garance Vallée's '2093' chandelier for Monde Singulier. Romain Basile Petrot's 'Athina' table lamp, the 'Loungescape' armchair by Antonio Citterio for Flexform, Kwangho Lee's 'Bolda' lamp for Lambert & Fils, Verner Panton's 'Topan' lamp for &Tradition, Giampiero Tagliaferri's 'Libra' chair for Minotti, and the 'Grace 05 Octagon' rug by Nordic Knots, along with Hypnos' 'Tower' speaker and Objects of Common Interest's 'Tact III' mirror for Tacchini, collectively showcased the year's most impactful and collectible designs. The aesthetic was unified by dramatic lighting by Nic Bezzina and Charlie Hall, captured by photographer Adam Friedlander, with set building by London Art Makers and interiors coordination by Archie Thomson, creating a truly immersive experience.
This year's design narrative is a compelling reflection of our current times. Far from merely a nostalgic embrace of the past or an escapist fantasy, the industry has skillfully navigated the complexities of the present by elevating design into a realm of true collectibility. The emergence of new auction records and the launch of new collectible fairs, such as Salone Raritas at Salone del Mobile 2026, unequivocally signal a shift: every piece of design is now imbued with potential for lasting value. The message is clear – the 'old' has become the 'new new,' suggesting a profound appreciation for heritage, craftsmanship, and innovative material science that will shape the future of design for years to come.