M.E. Speaks to Peter Mahler Sørensen, Managing Director for Engelbrechts from Copenhagen about the upcoming Milan Salone

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?

A new Lounge Chair designed by Erik Magnussen...

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

A exciting way to present novelties - while getting a quick ruling from the dealers ;-)

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?

When the end-user does not buy as much, the dealers will also be cautious. It is a sad spiral - and we must all help to break it. Design firms (like ours) need to dare more. Not just in the design but also in general their trade.

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

Sadly enough the crisis will show us, that innovation will be new colours on old products. Because product innovation is a economic risk - and these days we are all trying to minimize risk ;-(

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 yourselves or new names to watch?

I will check out Magis stand eg. Trattoria designed by Jasper Morrison; Vitra's stand eg. Vegetal designed by Bouroullecs.

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

From 9:00 to 18:00 at the Engelbrechts stand (F08 hall 12) ;-)