25 years have passed since Proposte celebrated its debut in Cernobbio. To this day, the event has remained true to its high standards and loyal to its venue. Proposte, which translates as “proposals”, has become a firmly established part of the luxury segment, always keeping its finger on the pulse. During the fair, entrepreneurs meet other entrepreneurs and company owners attend to their own stands. Forging new contacts with customers, whilst proudly presenting their latest collections of upholstery and curtain fabrics, they listen to the market’s needs and ascertain which innovations are likely to captivate their customers in the coming year.

Barely able to come up for air

As in previous years, the 25th Proposte was spread over three days. On the first day, the stands of the 89 exhibitors were inundated with visitors. “We were barely able to come up for air,” concluded one exhibitor, echoing the mood of the majority. The number of trade buyers roughly matched last year’s totals, up 0.55 percent, with fewer buyers coming from Italy. This slide was countered by a climb in the number of German, Chinese, American, Russian, Australian and Spanish buyers, with the proportion of foreign trade buyers settling at 70 percent.

Proposte is synonymous with exquisite upholstery and curtain fabrics. Taken together, its 89 exhibitors post total sales of EUR 1 075m, 60 percent of which is accounted for by exports. Around four fifths of the fabrics sold at Proposte are used as decorative fabrics. The contract segment, including hotels, restaurants, offices and cruise ships, is noticeably gaining ground. This added momentum is also being reflected in the collections. Pastels are widespread with colour remaining a decisive factor in determining a collection’s success. Natural materials are in ever greater demand. Elegance is tangible.

Proposte 2018 takes place from 2-4 May at the Villa Erba Exhibition Centre in Cernobbio / Italy.

Ingrid Sachsenmaier