Fuorisalone Award 2025

April 2025 marks the highly anticipated return of the Fuorisalone Award, an initiative by Studiolabo and Fuorisalone.it, is dedicated to honoring the most innovative and impactful projects of Milan Design Week. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding creativity from both Italian and international brands and designers, showcasing the most memorable installations of the event.

Companies and independent designers can register and submit their projects on Fuorisalone.it to compete for special recognition. A panel of industry experts and the Fuorisalone.it editorial team will evaluate submissions based on their design relevance, innovation, and significance. The most compelling projects for Special Mentions will be considered in three key categories: Sustainability, Technology, and Communication.

BOCA DO LOBO AT MILAN DESIGN WEEK 2025: MEET US AT SALONE DEL MOBILE 2025 PAV 15 | STAND A01-A03, ILLULIAN SHOWROOM & VILLA DA VINCI

A Democratic Approach to Excellence

One of the defining aspects of the Fuorisalone Award is its public voting system. The editorial team will select 12 standout installations, giving the public the power to choose the winner through an online voting system on Fuorisalone.it. From April 9 to April 12, registered users will be able to explore the nominated projects, learn more about their concepts, and cast their votes.

Special Mentions: Recognizing Outstanding Innovation

Beyond the main award, Special Mentions will be granted in three significant categories:

Sustainability: Honoring projects that incorporate eco-friendly practices and innovative materials.
Technology: Recognizing groundbreaking advancements that push the boundaries of design.
Communication: Celebrating installations that create powerful storytelling and audience engagement.

Fuorisalone Award 2025: The Best of Milan Design Week

Expanding Recognition in 2025

In addition to the returning Media Partners Special Mention, which allows media professionals to judge the top 12 projects, 2025 introduces the Special Mention Design Schools. This new category involves students from esteemed institutions such as the Politecnico di Milano, IED, and Northeastern University in Boston, encouraging young talents to participate in shaping the future of design

The Jury: Industry Leaders Defining Design Excellence

The selection of Special Mentions will be conducted by an elite jury composed of eight influential figures in the design world:

Francesco Mainardi – Co-founder of Mr.Lawrence studio, an expert in design strategy and management.
Judith van Vliet – Founder of The Color Authority, specializing in color psychology and branding.
Laura May Todd – Milan-based journalist and editor at Wallpaper Magazine.
Lidi Grimaldi – CEO of Interbrand and expert in brand strategy.
Ed Stocker – Europe editor-at-large for Monocle, covering Milan Design Week.
Khadija Al Bastaki – Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3).
Paolo Ferrarini – Journalist, curator, and European editor for Cool Hunting.
Valentina Ventrelli – Expert in contemporary aesthetics and trend analysis.

The Awards: A Tribute to Design Legacy

The Fuorisalone Awards are designed by Studiolabo and crafted by Andrea Gallo in collaboration with Pollodesign Factory, a Milan-based design studio. These trophies are inspired by the iconic Fuorisalone.it pin, a symbol that has guided visitors through the city’s most prestigious design events for over two decades.

As Milan Design Week 2025 approaches, the Fuorisalone Award continues to set a benchmark for excellence, creativity, and innovation in the global design industry. This initiative not only celebrates cutting-edge projects but also fosters new perspectives, reinforcing Milan’s position as the epicenter of design innovation.