SaloneSatellite Debuts in Japan: Marva Griffin Shares All

September is the busiest month of the Salone del Mobile, and the Italian pavilion, known for drawing long queues, is no exception. Marva Griffin describes it as a space where talent and industry meet without barriers, a platform open to designers from around the world.

Founded over 25 years ago, SaloneSatellite has always championed emerging talent. Griffin recalls how, in its early days, few took an interest in young designers. Today, the initiative travels globally, fostering collaborations between creative minds and Italian manufacturers and giving many early participants a springboard to international recognition.

The exhibition presents 47 carefully selected pieces, celebrating the dialogue between Italian craftsmanship and global creativity. Marva Griffin highlights how the collection pays tribute to the prototype stage—the moment ideas are first shaped—showcasing products that tell the story of both emerging talent and productive cultural collaboration. From Carlo Contin’s fruit bowl, later produced for the MoMA Design Store, to Patrick Jouin’s Ester Lounge for Padrali, Daniel Rybakken’s Counterbalance lamps for Luceplan, and Oki Sato’s Studio Nendo creations, each piece marks a milestone in contemporary design.

A balance of culture and modern innovation

Japanese designers also feature prominently, exemplifying a process of growth that balances cultural identity with modern innovation. Marva Griffin notes works like Nao Tamura’s poetic Seasons tableware, Makoto Kawamoto’s Giava fruit stand, Takahide Sano’s Kumo teapot, Yuri Himuro’s Cultivate Collection, and the Water hanging lamp by the Aatismo collective as illustrative of this exchange. Oki Sato, who designed the Japan Pavilion, further embodies the bridge between international creativity and Italian manufacturing.

The Italian Pavilion itself reflects the spirit of SaloneSatellite. Its open entrance welcomes all young designers, while the large theater celebrates Italy’s cultural heritage. The central piazza fosters dialogue, collaboration, and community—both professional and personal. Marva Griffin describes it as a dynamic ecosystem where relationships, partnerships, and even families have formed over the years.

Design Talk. Marva Griffin, Founder and Curator of SaloneSatellite, Italy Pavilion, Expo 2025 Osaka – Courtesy of Italy Expo 2025 Osaka

Finally, the garden element of Cucinella’s design captures the essence of SaloneSatellite as a nurturing environment where talent and dreams flourish. Griffin emphasizes that despite global challenges, creativity endures. Sustainability, collaboration, and innovation remain central, inspiring the next generation of designers to cultivate their visions with dedication and passion.

From Milan to Japan, SaloneSatellite continues to serve as a vibrant nursery of design talent—an enduring testament to Marva Griffin’s vision of fostering ideas, mentorship, and cultural exchange to shape the future of design.