Beiruting News

On February 26, 2025, a series of initiatives dedicated to Italian Design Day (IDD) 2025 took place at the prestigious Yacht Club in Zaytounay Bay, centered around this year's theme "Inequalities – Design for a Better Life," in synergy with the 2024 theme. The event, promoted annually by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, was organized by the Italian Trade Agency ITA Beirut, in close collaboration with the Embassy of Italy in Beirut.

The inauguration, held on Wednesday, February 26, was attended by the Italian Ambassador to Lebanon, Fabrizio Marcelli, and the Director of ITA Beirut, Marina Scognamiglio.

The event featured prominent speeches by architect Francesca Brancaccio, Vice President of Assorestauro, and Fadlallah Dagher, Dean of ALBA – Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts.

Following this, the initiative of the Cal Group was presented at Collective for Architecture Lebanon (CAL), a non-profit organization established in 2019 in Beirut. The Cal Group will be featured at the Venice Biennale in Italy, within the Lebanese Pavilion, a project officially commissioned by the Order of Engineers and Architects, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, to represent Lebanon at the 19th edition of the Venice Architecture Biennale, which will take place in May 2025.

Representatives from the sector, key opinion leaders, architects, interior designers, consultants, contractors, and media were invited.

The 150 guests had the opportunity to admire the exhibited brands during a guided tour with explanations about the displayed items.

The exhibition included a selection of 42 iconic brands representing the excellence of Italian design, ranging from interior and exterior furniture to accessories, jewelry, and lighting, presented by 22 renowned Lebanese partners.

Italian Design Day in Lebanon represents much more than a simple promotional event; it stands out for its profound value, taking into account the long-standing architectural ties between Italy and Lebanon.