This is an exciting week in Milan – the 50th anniversary of the Salone del Mobile, the most important interior design fair in the world. The streets are full of events, installations, illuminations, and free drink which seems to keep everyone in the party mood.

Sicis “the art factory” produce and sell mosaics and extraordinarily original furniture in all the world.

The Italian fashion and design world is still largely made of of thousands of small, privately owned, businesses. Sicis proudly states:

“Everything that takes place in SICIS is created by the hands of master artists in our laboratories. We do not believe in outsourcing. Instead, we use local resources, ensuring we always comply with the strictest standards in terms of health and safety at work and protecting the environment. Always, at all costs, true MADE IN ITALY.”

In this week’s Italian Vanity Fair promotion a serious of striking photos by Giovanni Gastel feature Italian ballerina Beatrice Carbone. Carbone is the dancer who is often on the arm of Roberto Bolle at various events; they grew up together in La Scala’s ballet school, and have remained best buddies ever since.