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Sustainability, innovation, and well-being: the essence of Brazil at Milan Design Week

 ABIMÓVEL and ApexBrasil promote activities featuring over 65 Brazilian companies and designers at iSaloni and Fuorisalone this April

With each edition of the Salone del Mobile.Milano – the iSaloni – the entire furniture supply chain turns its attention to Milan, Italy, to observe and absorb new concepts, trends, and movements that not only respond to but also influence how we think about furniture and interiors. This includes discussions about new models of production, doing business, exploring materials, and even addressing shifts in consumer habits in the global market – and Brazil is one of the countries contributing to this dynamic!

In 2025, the Brazilian furniture industry and design once again make their mark at Milan Design Week, presenting concepts based on sustainability, innovation, originality, and quality of life through the Brazilian Furniture Project, an initiative promoted by ABIMÓVEL (Brazilian Furniture Manufacturers Association) in partnership with ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency).

At iSaloni, taking place from April 8 to 13, the “Espaço BRASIL” (BRAZIL Space), located in a 970m² area in Pavilion 3 at Rho Fiera Milano, will bring together Brazilian brands and professionals to showcase their latest products featuring signature design, original raw materials and techniques, applied technologies, environmentally responsible production processes, and, of course, a Brazilian touch through colors, shapes, and textures that invite the warmth and well-being so typical of Brazilian culture and production.

Meanwhile, at Fuorisalone – a circuit of events held from April 7 to 13 across the city’s main districts Brazil will once again present its traditional exhibition at the INTERNI’s show at the Università degli Studi di Milano, expanding the message of Brazilian industry and design by exhibiting innovative solutions in furniture, decor, lighting, and new concepts of user integration.

In total, more than 65 Brazilian companies and professionals will take part in these initiatives, reinforcing the country’s relevance in one of the industry’s most prominent showcases.

Brazil at iSaloni 2025

At Salone del Mobile.Milano, the set design by Estojo for Espaço BRASIL aims to facilitate interaction between minimalist lines and organic elements, reflecting the diversity of materials and a commitment to low-impact production processes. Representing the convergence between the human-made and the natural environment, the space will also feature a tree in the center. More than just an aesthetic symbol, it underscores the role of biodiversity in Brazil’s creative and production dynamics.

This principle will also be reflected in the products on display, which reimagine not only Brazilian wood – recognized worldwide for its strength, grains, curves, and warmth – but also introduce innovative materials and new ways of responsibly exploring natural resources.

Examples include fibers extracted from tree leaves, sculpted rocks and minerals revealing unique textures, rediscovered or reinvented traditional weaves, organic fabrics, and sustainably produced leathers – elements that form a sensory, forward-thinking palette, elevating design to a new level of dialogue between nature and technology. This concept aligns with the theme of this edition’s iSaloni campaign – “Thought for Humans” – highlighting design focused on the human experience, while also considering challenges such as inclusion and usability, multifunctional spaces, and the use of renewable resources.

“We’re seeing increasing demand for products that balance design, bioeconomy, technological innovation, sustainability, and well-being. And Brazil undoubtedly has much to offer in this regard, combining a rich diversity of natural resources with a creative perspective, emotional design, and industrial capacity to deliver innovative solutions, featuring unique raw materials and original shapes for buyers and consumers around the world. Thus providing comfort, safety, and visual coziness to spaces. That is what we will be showing in Milan this year,” says ABIMÓVEL Executive Director, Cândida Cervieri.

What are Brazilian brands bringing to Milan?

Seven Brazilian companies – ArboREAL, by Kamy, Century, CGS, IBTW, Modalle, and St. James – will each have exclusive exhibition areas at Espaço BRASIL.

A young company with innovative ideas, ArboREAL stands out for its premise of valuing the most beautiful and unique aspects of nature. Their pieces result from the skill of master artisans who respect the grain, texture, and curves of Brazilian wood. Meanwhile, byKamy is known for high-quality, design-focused rugs, with innovation, sustainability, craftsmanship, and cultural and artistic diversity as its main strengths.

Bringing a touch of “tropicalismo” to Milan, IBTW – In Between focuses on the relationship between utility and beauty, prioritizing a clean, elegant aesthetic with a dash of Brazilian flair and coziness for outdoor spaces. Centering on design that unites people, Modalle develops exclusive pieces that transcend the concept of a mere object to become a unique expression of elegance, delicacy, and creativity. St. James, in turn, aims to make the home an ever more pleasant environment, surrounded by beauty and meaning, using silver as its main medium for decorative and functional objects.

With a strong commitment to sustainability and internationally recognized design, Century is a reference in upholstered furniture that combines comfort, style, and environmental responsibility. CGS similarly blends tradition and excellence in furniture, focusing on quality, a high-end commitment, and original design, investing in creative partnerships with prominent professionals in the industry.

In addition to the exclusive exhibition areas, Century and CGS will also showcase their pieces in the Brasil Lounge, a space designed for welcoming, interaction, and relaxation during the event. The lounge will also feature pieces by Móveis James, a brand that offers high-end lines for various domestic and corporate environments.

‘Design + Industry’ Exhibition brings together the best of contemporary Brazilian industry and design

ABIMÓVEL and ApexBrasil will also host another edition of the “Design + Industry” exhibition at Salone del Mobile.Milano. One of the most eagerly awaited Brazilian attractions at the event, this initiative – stemming from the connections fostered by the Brazilian Furniture Project – unites the work of around 30 manufacturers and 50 designers from various regions of Brazil, all linked by the program that gives the exhibition its name. The result is distinctive, contemporary pieces, curated by Liana Tessler with set design by Estojo.

Perspectives for 2025

In 2024, iSaloni welcomed around 370,000 visitors (23% more than the previous edition), from approximately 200 countries, creating an environment conducive to cultural exchange, partnerships, and negotiations. The Brazilian delegation included around 30 industries and 40 designers, generating over US$ 40 million in closed and prospective business deals solely from meetings at the event. For 2025, the goal is to reinforce the Brazilian furniture sector’s presence in the European market, expand into additional regions, and promote the exchange of practices and trends that further strengthen the national industry.

Fuorisalone: Cashew Rain in Italy

While Rho Fiera hosts iSaloni, Milan’s districts will be filled with installations, exhibitions, and shows in the vibrant Fuorisalone circuit. After the success of “Coccoloba – Brazilian Exhibition” in 2024, which drew around 139,000 people to the Università degli Studi di Milano as part of the INTERNI Cross Vision show, Brazil this year takes the energy and inspiration of the phenomenon popularly known as “Chuva de Caju” (Cashew Rain) to Milan.

“Cashew Rain” – the first rainfall after the post-harvest season (June and July) in Brazil’s Northeast region – symbolizes transformation and unpredictability, arriving during dry periods to nourish and spark new life cycles. In the design world, this concept reflects the ability to create innovative and sustainable solutions in the face of uncertainties stemming from rapid climate change and social shifts. Thus, Brazil’s 2025 presence at Fuorisalone organized by ApexBrasil, supported by ABIMÓVEL, and curated by Bruno Simões — invites the public to embrace the notion that design can sow new ways of living and coexisting with each other and with the world around us.

“The Fuorisalone creates an open and inclusive environment for new industrial and conceptual proposals, while intensifying dialogue and direct contact with the public. This closeness boosts the engagement and visibility of Brazilian companies and professionals,” says Maria Paula Velloso, Industry and Services Manager at ApexBrasil. “Our mission is to foster the competitiveness of national industry and design, showing that we combine technology, production quality, creativity, and a unique cultural narrative to share with the world,” she adds.

Stay tuned to ABIMÓVEL on social media and don’t miss any updates on Brazil’s participation in Milan Design Week 2025:

Instagram: @abimovel
LinkedIn: ABIMÓVEL

Brazilian Furniture Project

The Brazilian Furniture Sector Project is an initiative of ABIMÓVEL in partnership with ApexBrasil, aimed at increasing the international presence of Brazil’s furniture industry and supply chain through a range of strategic actions based on the pillars of sustainability, competitiveness, and design integrated with industry. Currently, around 175 companies participate in the project.

In 2024, Brazil’s furniture and mattress industry was the world’s sixth-largest producer and the 26th-largest exporter, with revenues exceeding US$ 763.02 million in exports of finished products (excluding parts and components) – a 3.8% increase over 2023. Including parts for furniture manufacturing, the total reached US$ 870.20 million.

In a new cycle (2025–2026), the organizing entities invite not only furniture manufacturers and designers but also companies in components and suppliers to join the project, further expanding the reach of Brazilian furniture and reinforcing the competitiveness of the “Brazil” brand worldwide.

To be part of the project and showcase your brand at the major furniture industry events worldwide, visit: brazilianfurniture.org.br.

 

About ABIMÓVEL

Representing the furniture industry from north to south of Brazil, ABIMÓVEL (Brazilian Furniture Manufacturers Association) has worked for nearly five decades to strengthen the nation’s furniture sector. Through a proactive agenda and partnerships with public and private stakeholders, the organization spearheads various initiatives that aim to boost production, improve business environments, and open new markets for Brazil’s furniture companies.

To achieve this, ABIMÓVEL implements an array of measures focused on competitiveness and innovation in the industry. These include participation in international trade shows and business networking events, as well as export projects, sustainability and design programs, manufacturing improvements, support for micro and small businesses, and commercial intelligence, among others. 

 

About ApexBrasil

ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency) works to promote Brazilian products and services abroad and attract foreign investment to strategic sectors of the Brazilian economy. To achieve this, the agency carries out diversified commercial promotion efforts, such as prospecting and trade missions, business rounds, support for Brazilian companies participating in major international trade fairs, and visits by foreign buyers and opinion leaders to learn about Brazil’s production structure. These and other platforms aim to strengthen the Brazil brand globally. The agency also coordinates with public and private stakeholders to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to Brazil, focusing on strategic sectors that enhance the competitiveness of Brazilian companies and the country as a whole.

 

FURNITURE: OUR BUSINESS!

Brazilian Furniture Manufacturers Association – ABIMÓVEL
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