University of Tokyo

Bottega Veneta At Salone Del Mobile in Milan

This year the annual Salone del Mobile is being held from April 14th to 19th at the Rho exhibition center in Milan, Italy. There will be every type of furnishing imaginable on display from classical to modern design with an emphasis placed on high-end quality products. Last year over 300,000 people attended, and while the event is aimed at industry professionals, the show is open to the public on Sunday the 18th of April.

Bottega Veneta has chosen this venue to unveil some of their new design initiatives during the week long show. The Italian company known world wide for exquisite leather goods, particularly their woven bags, has chosen to celebrate Japanese culture and craft with a student design competition and various other collaborations with Japanese artisans. The lucky students from the University of Tokyo whose winning designs are chosen will be able to see them available for purchase in the company's Ginza store after the conclusion of Salone del Mobile. The collaboration seems to be a natural one, as Bottega Veneta has always shown an affinity for supporting the craftsman of luxury items, even opening a school in 2006 to train and support future generations of leather craftsmen. It makes sense that the company would be prone to exploring a relationship with another country's artisans.

Gallery: Bottega Veneta At Salone Del Mobile in Milan