It’s so nice to report on a show – and a city – packed full of optimism and buzzing with the sounds and scenes of creative design and designers. Milan Design Week 2024 has to have been one of the best yet. Why? There are several reasons. Back to its traditional mid-April slot after the upheaval and postponements caused by the pandemic, the show’s timing would seem to suit carmakers – between late-February Geneva and later-April Beijing – and many marques attended in various ways and formats.

Alfa Romeo, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Bugatti, GAC, Honda, Italdesign, Kia, Lamborghini, Lancia, Lexus and Porsche all had exhibits, showing physical vehicles, cross-industry collaborations and accessories. Knowing the fierce competition for visitors’ eyeballs and impact in Milan, there was also a refreshing variety of approaches to displaying their design approach and wares.

Car Design News had plenty of foot soldiers on the ground and its own busy Car Design Night and conference at Maserati’s main Milanese dealer showroom – see separate reports on that event – so this is just one person’s perspective.