Maison et Objet 2018: Rising Talents Awards Goes To Italian Designers – Maison et Objet is once again turning the spotlight on the Rising Talents, one of the most anticipated events for talent scouts and trend hunters all over the world. MO dedication to promoting design in all its diversity is best illustrated by the Rising Talent Awards: every edition young designers from a different country are invited to present their work to the international community of industry professionals.

This time (from 19 to 23 January 2018), the Rising Talents will all be from Italy, a country where a new generation is finding its voice in design. A new generation of determined and committed designers are once again asserting their identity, proving their capacity to connect with local artisans and their unparalleled level of excellence, and bringing new momentum to SMEs and historic brands through innovative ideas. A small revolution that is restoring Italy’s
status as a major design reference worldwide. This is best demonstrated by the fact that many young Italian designers, who choose to move abroad for their studies or first jobs, eventually find their way back to their home country. And those who haven’t yet never missed a chance to underscore how much of an impact Italy has had on their careers.

Six mentors – six influential figures from the design industry – were called upon to name one Rising Talent each. Andrea Branzi, Piero Lissoni, Luca Nichetto, Art Director Giulio Cappellini, gallerist and contemporary design icon Rossana Orlandi and acclaimed fashion designer Rosita Missoni have picked today’s most promising talents. Though personal kinships and past collaborations certainly were a factor in their decision, the Jury was truly determined to celebrate the work of anonymous young designers, who received the news with great surprise and jubilation.

Federica Biasi, Antonio Facco, Marco Lavit Nicora, Kensaku Oshiro, Federico Peri and Guglielmo Poletti are the six Italian designers (though some now live abroad) who have been chosen for the Rising Talent Awards Italy. A wonderful opportunity for them to show the entire design community their immense potential and the direction Italian design is headed.