Isola Design Festival 2025
April 7 @ 8:00 am - April 13 @ 5:00 pm

Isola Design is the world’s first digital and physical platform connecting independent designers and studios with industry professionals, brands, curators, journalists, and clients. Its dedicated curatorial team selects projects with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and handcraft.
The 9th edition of Isola Design Festival will take place during Milan Design Week, from 7 to 13 April 2025, celebrating human-centered design under the theme “Design is Human.”
Press Conference Announcement
Before the festival, a Press Conference will be held on:
📅 Thursday, 6 March 2025
🕔 5:00 PM
📍 ZONA K, Via Spalato 11, Milan
The press conference will unveil the full program and key highlights of this year’s event.
To attend, please RSVP by Monday, 3 March 2025 at press@mintlist.info (limited seats). A confirmation email will be sent for access.
The Theme: Design is Human
The 2025 edition pays tribute to the human role in design. It emphasizes:
- Design at a human scale – enhancing both people’s well-being and the planet.
- The fusion of craftsmanship and digital innovation – showcasing how creativity remains at the heart of meaningful design.
- The social and environmental impact of design – pushing for sustainable and responsible design choices.
New Festival Venue: BasicVillage
The Isola Design District has expanded, introducing BasicVillage (Via dell’Aprica 12, Milan) as a new key venue. Originally a 20th-century rubber factory, BasicVillage now serves as a dynamic creative hub, hosting curated exhibitions such as:
- Conscious Objects – exploring sustainable design.
- Isola Design Gallery – showcasing cutting-edge design works.
- Openspace – featuring innovative approaches to contemporary design.
In addition, returning partners like DesignWanted, IAAD, Accademia Italiana, and SAE Institute will collaborate to elevate this creative platform.
What to Expect at Isola Design Festival 2025?
🌍 A Global Community – Connecting designers, studios, and manufacturers.
🏛️ Immersive Exhibitions – Highlighting sustainability, local materials, and craftsmanship.
🔎 New Perspectives – Exploring functional and environmentally responsible design.
🎤 Live Events & Talks – Focusing on the social impact of design.
Key exhibitors include:
- Arno – presenting Deus Ex Machina, an ode to MDF.
- SEKISUI – showcasing Beyond Smart Life & Mobility, exploring intelligent design for well-being.
- WORTH – presenting projects from its incubator program.
- ViaFarini – hosting Rasa – The Indian Collective, highlighting India’s rich craftsmanship.
Important Dates & Participation
📅 Festival Dates: 7–13 April 2025
📍 Location: Isola Design District, Milan
⏳ Submission Deadline: 20 February 2025
📢 Full Program Announcement: Weeks leading up to Milan Design Week.
How to Participate?
1️⃣ Choose your plan – Select the best plan for your needs.
2️⃣ Fill the form – Log in or sign up to submit your application.
3️⃣ Selection – The curatorial team will review and confirm selected projects.
4️⃣ Payment – Finalize participation through a secure payment process.
Event Schedule
Date | Time |
---|---|
Monday, 7 April | 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
Tuesday, 8 April – Saturday, 12 April | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Sunday, 13 April | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
A Movement for Human-Centered Design
Isola Design Festival 2025 will transform Milan’s Isola neighborhood into a hub of exhibitions, installations, events, and workshops, bringing together local artisans and global innovators.
This year’s theme, “Design is Human,” emphasizes the need for thoughtful solutions that prioritize people and sustainability, bridging technology, craftsmanship, and social responsibility.
🔹 Join the conversation and shape the future of design at Isola Design Festival 2025!