Every year, Milan Design Week 2026 attracts creatives, designers, architects and brands from all over the world. While the official Salone del Mobile remains one of the most influential design fairs globally, I found myself drawn more and more towards the city itself long before the trip even began.

After applying for and receiving a press pass granting early access to the fair, I initially planned to spend most of my time exploring the exhibition halls. But somewhere during the preparation process, my intuition kept pulling me elsewhere. Into the streets of Milan. Into the galleries, showrooms and temporary spaces spread across the entire city.

And looking back, it was absolutely the right decision.

What fascinated me most was not necessarily the polished presentation of finished products, but the conversations behind them. Meeting founders, designers and creative minds directly inside their own spaces created a completely different kind of inspiration. More personal. More human. More alive.

For one week, Milan felt like an open creative playground filled with thoughtful design, beautiful materials, incredible food, inspiring people and endless visual impressions around every corner. The entire city became part of the experience.

Sometimes the most valuable part of a creative industry event is not following the expected route, but allowing yourself to move intuitively towards what genuinely inspires you. And this year, that meant experiencing Milan itself far more than the fairgrounds.

Already looking forward to returning next year.

- Anuschka

MDW2026