India has become the world’s 10th-largest visitor country to Milan Design Week for the 2026 edition, but not in the way you’d think. Leaving their mark on the global stage, several Indian designers and brands are showing the world how to use local craftsmanship to make one-of-a-kind functional objects. India has now become a “creative partner” of the event, with top Indian talent teaming up with international designers to launch exclusive collections that you can’t find anywhere else. Indian artisans celebrate the raw beauty of craftsmanship and heritage at the 2026 Milan Design Week.
The 2026 edition will feature a focused presentation of modern and contemporary art, collectible design, and curated outdoor projects. The International Bathroom Exhibition features popular Indian brands like Jaguar, while Jaipur Rugs is present at the International Furnishing Accessories Exhibition.
Indian talent is also present at Isola Design with a dedicated exhibition called Rasa – The Indian Collective, which celebrates India’s rich craftsmanship reinterpreted through the lens of contemporary design. True to its name, the exhibition invites visitors to experience design beyond aesthetics as an emotional journey shaped by Indian artisans’ stories, cultural heritage, and innovation.
Arredatore design studio is exhibiting unique furniture. For Arunika Sarkar, founder of the design studio, “contemporary design is evolving beyond rigid minimalism, embracing a more expressive, human-centered approach. Bold colors, rich textures, and tactile materials are becoming prominent, reflecting a desire for emotion, identity, and sensory experience. Design is no longer just about aesthetics – it focuses on wellbeing, using color and materiality to influence mood and create meaningful connections. Overall, the direction is more personal, optimistic, and experience-driven.”
India’s presence at Salone del Mobile 2026 gets even more exciting at Alcova, where the Shakti Design Residency has specifically paired a group of international designers with niche Indian craft specialists such as the Heirloom Naga Centre known for cane-working from Nagaland. Check out more of Indian artisans and their work at Milan Design Week 2026 below:
Canasta – Bar Cabinet by Arredatore
This cabinet is part of Indian design studio Arredatore’s latest showcase as part of a group exhibition named Rasa – The Indian Collective. It is a meticulously crafted piece of furniture that combines cinema and architecture. The main highlight is a color scheme inspired by Wes Anderson that embraces the playful maximalism of post-modern design. Unlike a traditional storage unit, it stands as a collectible centerpiece that will infuse any space with a dose of nostalgic whimsy and cinematic flair.
Kuzhi Coffee Table by Padaipu – The Creation
Kuzhi, designed by the Chennai-based multi-disciplinary studio Padaipu – The Creation, is a bespoke coffee table that reimagines the traditional Tamil board game Pallankuzhi. For this design, Adhavan Sundaramurthy blends nostalgic elements like carved circular pockets and rhythmic, game-inspired geometry into a modern setting. By reworking these features in contemporary materials, it connects familiar memories with a fresh design vision.
Lagori Gold Floor Lamp by Nikita Bansal
Inspired by the game of seven stones (Pitthu), this floor lamp stacks organic forms in contrasting materials, such as repoussed metal and glass. Much like the stacked stones that create fragile towers, these handcrafted pieces highlight the beauty of balance, where contrasting elements come together in harmony. The Lagori Gold Floor Lamp brings balance, warmth, and a charm of gilded metal details into spaces. Thoughtfully composed, it transforms everyday corners into moments of calm elegance, where lighting becomes a statement piece. Combining centuries-old techniques with contemporary flair, the goal is to create emotional connections.
Pitara Tiffin Chest by Staani
Ananya Vijayendra has creatively transformed the Indian tiffin dabba (multi-tier lunchbox) into a sculptural storage piece standing on three legs. The stacked silhouette of the tiffin becomes a unique storage chest with multiple drawers. Handcrafted in burnished brass, it is a one-of-a-kind object that beautifully combines heritage aesthetic with handmade craftsmanship.
Faces Collection by Kengo Kuma for Jaipur Rugs
Indian firm Jaipur Rugs collaborated with world-famous architect Kengo Kuma for Fuorisalone 2026. Their showcase features a series of 16 carpets that replicate Kuma’s signature architectural style in textile material. The surfaces, inspired by Kuma’s iconic works, evoke rhythm, light, and depth through refined craftsmanship. This offers a unique experience that celebrates the encounter between cultures and knowledge. The main idea is to bring centuries-old Indian weaving mastery to the global stage.
Undulating Bench by Heirloom Naga Centre x Maria Tyakina
Heirloom Naga Centre is showcasing its collaboration with the Shakti Design Residency at Alcova during Milan Design Week 2026, elevating craft as a collectible. The exhibition features handwoven Naga textiles and new sculptural wicker furniture pieces that showcase the intricate bending and weaving techniques of Naga artisans. The presentation features experimental works created by international residents Tadeáš Podracký and Maria Tyakina in collaboration with master craftsman Ajaj Gour.
Matka Side Tables by Spero Furniture
Spero Furniture Design Studio, founded by Madhuri Rao, is showcasing its Matka Side Tables, featuring solid wood bases with cast aluminum tops inspired by traditional Indian earthen pots. Each piece features a curved, rounded base made from solid wood and an aluminum top, symbolizing steel plates often placed atop matkas to prevent dust from entering.
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