EDITOR’S LETTER
Restrictions are starting to be lifted all over the globe as we slowly ease back into life after lockdown — to a new world, a new reality, a new normal.
Traditionally the July /August issue of Vogue Living has always been a celebration of Italy and our coverage of Salone del Mobile. It’s usually a busy time where our team returns exhausted but invigorated by our annual trip to Milan, newly inspired after experiencing the latest installations and creations from the creative world’s most innovative designers and companies.
This year is different. Our hearts broke as we watched from afar the devastation that COVID-19 wreaked upon Italy. I reached out to Emanuele Farneti, editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, to write our opening essay (page 33) — a heartfelt tribute to his home country. He details the history of Salone, describing it as being “one of the most important events of its kind in the world”, but more significantly, he pays homage to Italy’s resilience, ingenuity and the sense of community that will revitalise this proud and beautiful nation.
Salone del Mobile 2020 may have been cancelled but we wanted to acknowledge and celebrate this incredible event that shapes the industry through the lens of those who create the magic behind Salone — the designers themselves. We have rounded up some of the most memorable moments, shot exclusively by our own Paul Barbera, who has been capturing Salone for the last decade for Vogue Living.
We hope this issue — a tribute to our beloved design destination Italy — brings more inspiration, escapism and wonder to all of you.
Viva l’Italia — andrà tutto bene!