Italian soft furnishings exhibition Proposte will host non-European exhibitors for the first time in its 22-year history.
According to the show's general manager and president of the board of directors, Massimo Mosiello and Piercarlo Viganò: "This decision is the direct consequence of the deep and real transformation that the soft furnishings market has undergone during the course of the various editions, with an ever-increasing boost towards world globalisation.
"Proposte, the only exhibition desired and managed directly by entrepreneurs, wanted to respond to this drive with a new impetus, adjusting its event to current times by supplying an offer suitable for the new market demands. Our choice was carefully considered and assessed taking into account the positive opinion expressed by the majority of exhibitors.
"The selection and qualification criteria, pursued since our first edition, will not be altered in any way. Only high-profile production companies, recognised for the high level of their collections, their fair trade and compliance with international rules of ethics and sustainability will therefore have access to Proposte.
"This opening will come into force as early as next year, with the participation of three of the best realities of Turkish production – Dina Vanelli, Penelope and Marteks will therefore attend the exhibition centre of Villa Erba. This process will continue for subsequent editions should we identify other international leaders who match the required criteria."
The organiser has also appointed Ascontex Promozioni to gather fringe exhibitors within an event entitled International Observatory, which will take place in nearby venues such as the Grand Hotel of Como, Cernobbio Shed and Villa Bernasconi, at the same time as Proposte.
In 2013, due to the growth of international interest, Proposte took part in the Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles that August. 23 companies signed up to the initiative and were brought together in the Proposte Pavilion with an image as far as possible in line with that of the Italian edition.
The show will take place from 27-29th April 2015 – earlier than usual due to the Milan Expo taking place next May – at Villa Erba in Cernobbio (Como).
