Anticipating Proposte Fair 2025
Set once again on the shores of Lake Como, the 32nd edition of Proposte takes place May 6–8 at Villa Erba. With 78 exhibitors—48 international and 30 Italian—the fair continues to serve as a focused, high-level preview for the world of interior textiles.
A Glimpse into Proposte 2025
Each spring, Proposte offers a view into the future of high-end home furnishings. Set on the edge of Lake Como, it’s a show that blends intimate scale with global reach—bringing together mills, editors, and designers from across the industry to share what’s next in upholstery, drapery, and wall coverings.
I first attended Proposte as a designer for Schumacher in 1997. Now, nearly three decades later, I return not just to source and reconnect, but to observe how the fair continues to evolve. In recent years, I’ve had the chance to attend as a guest of the Italian Trade Agency, and each visit still brings something new—whether that’s a mill pushing forward with innovation, or a subtle shift in color and texture that hints at a larger trend.
As editor-in-chief of The Textile Eye, I’m looking forward to walking the halls again this May. If you’re curious what’s in store, here’s what I’ll be watching.
Annala Fabrics
Tavelmo
Tessitura Enrico Sironi
Hohmann
This year brings several notable firsts:
Annala Fabrics – Finnish mill combining Nordic design with natural materials
Tavelmo – Belgian velvet specialist, weaving since 1880
Hohmann – a multigenerational family-run mill from Germany
Tessitura Enrico Sironi – a historic Italian linen producer with the Masters of Linen® certification
Imatex
David Walters Fabrics
Also returning
Imatex 23 and David Walters Fabrics—two jacquard mills known for their balance of tradition and technical refinement.
Legacy producers alongside first-time exhibitors is part of what makes Proposte compelling. The fair manages to stay rooted in craft while nudging things forward.
Ala Regina
International Observatory
What Else to Expect
The Comocrea Interni pavilion returns to the Ala Regina, featuring work from 22 international design studios focused on surface and pattern. It's always a highlight, less about finished products and more about the ideas behind them.
For those attending, there are also new layout refinements aimed at better circulation between booths, plus a shuttle connection to the International Observatory show at the Sheraton Lake Como. (Just show your Proposte badge at the entrance.)
The fair opens Tuesday, May 6, and closes Thursday, May 8. The traditional gala returns that first evening, hosted at Villa Antica, with a light buffet and live music—good for catching up with familiar faces, and meeting a few new ones.
Planning Notes
Pre-registration is required—Proposte is a trade-only event
I recommend staying in Como and using the ferry to get to the fairgrounds—easy, scenic, and surprisingly efficient
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a layer—Como’s weather can shift quickly in May. See my selfie below - I’ll be bringing an umbrella!
If you want a proper sit-down meal, the buffet at Villa Antica is still the best option on-site
I’ll Be There
I'll be posting from the fair throughout the week and taking notes for our full report. The Textile Eye subscribers can expect a comprehensive dispatch soon after, covering the key takeaways, trends, and standout moments.
If you’re planning to attend and want to connect—or if you’re curious about receiving our Proposte report—feel free to reach out!
