As the Milan International Furnishing Accessories Exhibition kicked off on Tuesday, designers were convinced that innovation can be an important interpretation of the ongoing difficult times.

The 52nd edition of the world famous fair, which is to last until Sunday, was continuing with its tradition of offering the best of design to an estimated number of some 300,000 visitors from across the world.

From classic shapes to "re-editions" with new color shades and different materials, the overall 2,500 exhibitors taking part in the fair and related exhibitions showcased a flow of new concepts and ideas in what they described a "crosscutting nature of typologies."

The growing general feeling that design is not only to be seen as an "elite preserve" but as a variety of products for the good of all tastes and wallets was behind the Milan Design Week, a parallel "open-space fair" with design creations across the city center.

Milan Mayor Giuliano Pisapia acknowledged that, as crisis-hit Italy was experiencing its longest recession in 20 years, business capital Milan with four shops closing every day was not exempt from the economic juncture.

In fact, the fair also provides a platform for numerous young designers and design schools, offering an "incubator" of new ideas.

The fundamental point was looking at the capacity of innovation, which is "at the roots" of the Italian culture, as a unique treasure that opens the way to the future, Claudio Luti, the president of Cosmit, the organizer of the fair, and a renowned entrepreneur, told Xinhua.

At this edition, it has become clearer than ever that "innovation especially means being able to forestall the future with its new needs and trends," he stressed.

In a globalized and increasingly difficult world, innovation cannot but look at "internationalization" that companies can achieve through correct policies of distribution, or "territory control," he said.

"In order to create an international brand, you must first have clear in your mind the complete cycle, from the kind of product you want innovate your business with, to who your clients are, how you will distribute and communicate it," Luti said.

His suggestion for new design companies was always actively interacting with creative talents. "Innovation requires challenge, you must not be afraid to risk," he said. Endi

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)