The SaloneSatellite debuts in Japan and Marva Griffin gets us up to speed

September is the most important month and the Italian pavilion the most visited. There are very long queues to get in. We  received a request for young people, because now everyone wants them. When I started, 26 years ago, no one took an interest in them in the city during the Salone del Mobile. As the correspondent for Italy of Les Publications Conde Nast France and The Conde Nast Publications USA, I encouraged the youngsters, those few who could afford to present their things. I clearly remember when I went to talk to the CEO of Cosmit, Manlio Armellini. The SaloneSatellite was founded, and today it travels the world.  

The selection turns on products made by Italian companies, to celebrate the encounter between international creativity and Italian industry promoted since its first edition in 1998. A dialogue that has allowed many young designers to find fertile ground to grow, exploring Italian manufacturing excellence and giving a shape to their visions. A tribute to the prototype, to that moment when it all began: objects that today tell not only the story of an emerging talent, but also that of a cultural and productive collaboration. Don’t ask me to choose one, to me they are all the same, as if they were my children. They are all important.  

An example is Carlo Contin presented at Satellite in ’99.  I was in New York, because I’m a member of MoMA’s Architecture and Design Committee, and I realized that the fruit bowl was produced by the MoMA Design Store. A wonderful surprise. There are Patrick Jouin with Ester Lounge for Padrali and Daniel Ribakken with the Counterbalance lamps for Luceplan that won the Compasso d’Oro. Not to mention Oki Sato by Studio Nendo, the Chab low side table for DePadova and the Koeda coat rack for Cappellini.  

Their works illustrate a process of growth capable of enhancing their cultural identity while maintaining their gaze updated to the present. We also have other products, visionary objects that express the cultural and productive value of the bridge between Japan and Italy. Seasons by Nao Tamura for Covo, tableware that interprets the natural cycle of the seasons with a poetic sensibility, the Giava fruit stand by Makoto Kawamoto for Aliantedizioni, the Kumo teapot by Takahide Sano for Massimo Lunardon, the Cultivate Collection by Yuri Himuro for cc-tapis and the Water hanging lamp by the Aatismo collective for Giorgetti.  

Just like the SaloneSatellite: it is open to all young designers from around the world. It is the place where talent and industry meet without barriers. It is a constant dialogue not only between creativity and the company, but also between generations. The selection of the Permanent Collection that we are bringing to Japan actually has over 400 products that are the result of as many successful encounters between designers and companies. It is located at the Artwood Academy at Lentate sul Seveso, in the heart of Brianza.  

For more than 25 years, the SaloneSatellite has presented a fundamental cross-section of culture, because it represents dreams from all over the world. In addition to the Permanent Collection, at Lentate sul Seveso there is also a school, an archive and a laboratory that trains professionals for the Italian wood-furniture supply chain. We want to promote a deep knowledge of the project, which is a necessary condition for transforming ideas into objects, and objects into culture. We also tie in with the theme of the Expo Designing Future Societies for our Lives: this culture creates a better world.  

Perhaps coming together in a place for 25 years is the real energy of the SaloneSatellite. Dedicated to young talents, it is a dynamic ecosystem for business and relationships between all the players in the sector. It is their meeting place. It is a laboratory of influences and critical thinking, as well as a physical and digital destination for the global design community, active 365 days a year. And also on a human level. There are designers who have met, liked and loved here.  

I know many young people who have fallen in love and got married. One couple has had a child, whom I call Satellito. And then design firms, countless young people who have decided to found a studio together. They return to their home countries – Serbia, China, Scandinavia – and design together.  

What is the SaloneSatellite if not a nursery? It is a garden of dreams that come true. Despite everything happening in the world today, that dream, of designing, building, changing, remains. Sustainability, for example, always existed before it became fashionable. My brother always tells me that my energy comes from my being in close contact with them. This year we had a record number of registrations for the SaloneSatellite: more than 700 applications. What does this mean? That the dream is there  and must be cultivated. With genius, talent, but with a great, an immense commitment.