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The annual Milan Furniture Fair takes place at the Milan fairgrounds, 8-13 April

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In its 53rd edition Salone Internazionale del Mobile returns to Milan, which is getting set to celebrate this year's event with parties, product launches and the latest furniture design trends exhibited at venues across the city.

The main event takes place, as in years gone by, at the Milan fairgrounds - last year saw more than 285,000 people attending - and will feature the usual array of designers and exhibitors from Europe, North America and Asia showcasing their latest offerings.

From its first appearance in 1961 the show's intention was to promote Italian furniture and furnishing accessories to the export market, and it has evolved to become one of the most important events in the design calendar, attended by key international industry figures.

This year's event will feature an installation called Where Architects Live, curated by Francesca Molteni. Her previous work for the Salone include Design Dance with Michela Marelli in 2012 and A

Celestial Bathroom in 2010. For her latest offering, she has filmed influential architects being interviewed at their own homes, discussing with her the triggers, inspiration and choices that have shaped their design and professional careers.

Salone's fundamental mission is focused on highlighting the evolving interior environments, as well as exploring the cultural concepts that drives the sector, says Claudio Luti, president of show organiser Cosmit: 'The aim of the event is to explore the art of living today with a close look at the people who are changing the face of our cities, the configuration of the global landscape and the collective imagination.' To buy tickets for the event, as well as travel and accommodation details, visit the website, where you can also find the official iSaloni blog. cosmit.it

Words by Emily Martin