So far, we've approached designers for their take on this year's Milan Salone del Mobile, but the Furniture Fair is also the result of a gigantic effort from Press Coordinators, and hard- working Marketing teams. M.E. spoke to Nicoletta Murialdo who is responsible for the press office for design firms Jannelli&Volpi and also Lorenz - as well as taking care of exhibits by Marimekko and collaborating with Superstudio during the Salone. We asked her what she's been busy with and what she's looking forward to...

What have you been working on recently? Would you be able to give us any sneak previews of new projects you might be showing at Milan this year?

I am responsible for the design area press office for two Italian Companies, which are Jannelli&Volpi - a leading Italian company in wallcoverings, presenting this year a very important event called 'Wallpaper Time Spring Makeover', led by designer and architect Diego Grandi and also Lorenz; a company which will be celebrating its 75^th anniversary this year with an event called 'Time 2 Design'. Lorenz, coordinated by Poli Design with the set-up/concept by the architect Martino Berghinz and graphics by Umberto Tolino.

I'm also collaborating with Superstudio/Temporary Museum for New Design (with Art Direction by Giulio Cappellini for the promotion of their event/exhibitors during the design week in Milan and I am also working in order to promote Marimekko’s event in Milan during the design week.

What does the Salone del Mobile mean for you? How would you describe the positives (and maybe negatives?) of the experience?

I am not exhibiting myself, but I am working for companies which do exhibit, for what concerns my job, it’s really hard work but it’s also very interesting; and ‘funny’ area and work.

We're sorry, it has to be asked - How do you think the current economic situation will affect the climate in the design world, and particularly this year's Milan Salone? Do you foresee any positive or negative knock on effects or adaptations that might happen as a result?

I personally think that we will see a sort of ‘return’ to the simplicity, eco-values, hopefully good design and that crisis will lead to a forced-cut for some companies… but it could also be seen as ‘positive’ for the design area.

Do you have any predictions for trends in design this year?

I would say: eco-substainibility, re-use, attention to some powerful and recycled energy/material, useful design, colours, less expensive design objects (I hope so...)

Is there anything you're especially looking forward to at this year's Salone? Can you let us in on the stands you'll be checking out for yourself/selves or new names to watch?

I am sorry but as far as I am working on that... I am very pleased to see the Temporary Museum for New Design, at SUperstudio Più and Superstudio 13 (Via Tortona, Via Forcella) which is a project by Gisella Borioli and Art Direction by Giulio Cappellini; a great set-up and event concept has been developed by Diego Grandi for Jannelli&Volpi wallcovering’s company, with the event 'Wallpaper Time Spring Makeover...'  Marimekko’s event I think will be very colourful and so existing as the Finnish company is ever! And the new amazing wallcovering collection, thanks to the agreement signed between Marimekko and Sirpi (Italian company, of the Jannelli&Volpi Group). Last but not least, I am looking forward to seeing Lorenz setting made by Martino Berghinz, for the TIME 2 DESIGN event (75^th anniversary of the watch Italian Company).

Additionally I am very curious about theSkitch collection, art directed by Cristina Morozzi and also the DuPont™Corian® event by Amanda Levete Architects; and am very curious about how the crisis will involve the I Saloni and all exhibitions at Fuori Salone… and hopefully people will come from abroad…

And of course, its not all work! Where do you think this year's best Salone party will be?

InterniDesignEnergies party on April 22^nd, some exhibitors’ parties at Superstudio Più: for example Moooi…