Design Mumbai 2025: India’s newest event returns with an international vision
The fair’s second edition is back with an expanded showcase of international innovation blended with Indian craftsmanship, a statement to the country’s growing design market.
After a successful inaugural edition in 2024, Design Mumbai is set to return on stage for its second year, from November 29, at the Jio World Garden in the heart of India’s cultural and financial capital. The event has quickly established itself as a landmark design showcase and promises to be bigger, bolder, and more internationally connected than the year before.
The timing of the development of Design Mumbai could not have been more strategic, with India’s interior design market growing at a robust 11.73% annually. This growth is linked to rapid urbanisation, with India’s urban population surpassing 500 million, rising disposable incomes, and ambitious government initiatives which aim to create smart cities throughout the country. The design market is becoming an integral part of India’s economic landscape, which serves as the ideal location for the latest trade event.
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Design Mumbai distinguishes itself from other Indian events through its truly international perspective, as it was founded by industry veterans Ian Rudge (co-founder of 100% Design), Michael Dynan (co-founder of Design Shanghai), and Piyush Suri (designer and BBC presenter). With direct connections all over the world, the fair benefits from over 60 years of combined experience in world-class design showcases.
The inaugural 2024 edition featured leading global brands like Poltrona Frau, Vitra, De Sede, Technogym, and many more, showcased alongside local artisans, demonstrating India’s dual approach to design today. The event effectively changed the country’s positioning, moving it beyond its conventional association with mass production to highlight artisanal craftsmanship and global innovation.
The second edition promises several exciting developments. First off, we have a few global brands debuting, like Natuzzi, presenting its Mirai sofa collection, Racconti, which merges Indian heritage with Italian mastery, and Sabbi, which introduces micro-concrete furniture inspired by wabi-sabi philosophy. The show will also include a pavilion dedicated to emerging designers, featuring eight brands including Studio Abrash, Wannas Design Atelier, and Trnkts3D.
This year’s talks programme, Design Mumbai Exchange, unfolds as a three-day series of keynotes and panels, curated by Caro Communications to drive cross-cultural dialogue on creativity, urbanism, sustainability, and design’s wider cultural impact. Among the highlights are a keynote by Wallmakers’ Vinu Daniel on radical site-specific architecture using unconventional local materials, and a panel on the intersection of manufacturing, craft, and culture with Adam Markowitz alongside leading Indian and international makers. The programme also features sessions on climate-responsive workplace design, reimagined minimalism, and emerging sustainable, intelligent materials with Chris Lefteri, plus conversations on contemporary hospitality and resilient coastlines.
One of the most anticipated installations will be a cross-cultural event with the States, featuring the American Hardwood Export Council in collaboration with Indian manufacturer Phantom Hands, and Melbourne-based architect Adam Markowitz. The project spotlights sustainable American cherry, maple, and red oak through sculptural furniture pieces inspired by the local artistry.
Another star of the show will be THE Park Hotels Café, an exclusive pop-up café created by award-winning Spanish designer Lucas Muñoz Muñoz, which will use repurposed materials from the hotel group’s refurbishment projects, exploring the themes of material transformation and sustainable design.
While international brands provide a global context, Indian designers remain central to the fair’s identity. Names to watch include Karkhana, known for collectable pieces between art and design, Chacko, a furniture studio focusing on local craftsmanship, and Hearty Muse Atelier, offering luxurious rugs, statement lighting and custom-made furniture. From Chandigarh, Sarvatva was founded by three women designers in 2024, blending ancient Indian philosophies with contemporary aesthetics.
Building on the success of its debut edition, Design Mumbai 2025 is ready to expand its reach and reinforce its commitment to high-quality design and impactful cultural dialogue. With international collaborations that effectively span the whole globe, there is no doubt that the event will foster interesting encounters and conversations.
