Top Italian designs from past 50 years exhibited

The exhibit, Design Italiano: Designer Furniture of Meda, debuted during last week’s Las Vegas Market and marks the first collaboration between World Market Center Las Vegas and Fiera Milano, Italy’s leading and most prestigious exhibition center.

“As Italy is a recognized axis for superior design, some of the most identifiable trends and concepts in high-end home furnishings have come out of this region,” said Robert Maricich, World Market Center Las Vegas’ president and chief executive officer. “This exhibit provides insight into the evolution of modern furniture design. These unique pieces laid the path for 20th and 21st century contemporary design.”

The furniture display is complemented by photographs that showcase historic images of Italian furniture. The photo exhibit includes original drafts of the designs displayed side-by-side with photos of the pieces.

The exhibit, which is located on the first floor of Building C, is expected to remain open for viewing through the end of the year, Maricich said.

“Fiera Milano is delighted to be able to promote this show in the USA as part of its world tour, having already visited in 11 cities in as many countries,” said Michele Perini, chairman of Fiera Milano. “It is a beautiful show that offers a unique overview of the best of Italian products, and the creativity and skill of our manufacturers.”

Maricich said the vision behind bringing the exhibit to Las Vegas was to demonstrate the convergence of art, architecture, design and fashion and introduce more of that element to World Market Center.

Design Italiano also serves as the first step in a strategic partnership with Fiera Milano, which is located in Milan. Maricich said this is just the first of many alliances with international sources.

Perini said the alliance between the two trade show complexes should provide inspiration for each to improve upon their operations. Currently, Fiera Milano is the site of 80 professional exhibits each year, featuring more than 30,000 companies and receiving 5 million visitors.

Maricich said the city of Milan itself and its historic role in art and design, as well as the exhibition center, provide great inspiration for Las Vegas and World Market Center.

“If Milan can attract visionaries like Leonardo da Vinci, it is a good place to be aligned with,” he said.

Shawn Samson, co-founder of World Market Center Las Vegas, said he hopes the alliance and partnership with Fiera Milano will bring a taste of Italy and a greater appreciation for its style to the United States, as well as change the way Americans look and think about furniture. In Italy and other European cities, the furniture is designed to make people look good, whereas traditional American furniture is designed to make homes look good, he said.