NKBA Global Connect hosted its first “Americans in Milan” VIP Tour at the 2024 Edition  Eurocucina during Milan Design Week.  Twenty VIP American designers, design media and NKBA team members participated in a customized walking tour of NKBA international member brands including many new-to-North America Global Connect manufacturers exhibiting during Salone/Eurocucina. 

“The NKBA was pleased to highlight Global Connect and NKBA international member brands during our first NKBA “Americans in Milan” VIP tour at Eurocucina,” said Bill Darcy, Global President and CEO, NKBA. “It was an honor to introduce our guests to Federlegno leadership with whom we share an international vision to promote and grow the kitchen and bath sectors, worldwide.” 

The VIP Tour began with a welcome lunch and presentation by Federlegno Arredo Eventi SpA, and Federlegno EFIC(FLA)

leadership on the history and importance of Saloni to the international design community as well as a brief update on the economic outlook for the EFIC sector.  

Following the FLA program, VIPs visited the following brands: 

Officine Gullo

NKBA Global Connect member, Officine Gullo, established in Florence Italy is the pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship as a producer of metal luxury kitchens, professional cooking appliances and kitchen accessories.

Optimum Surfaces  ft. in Febal Casa 

Optimum Surfaces exhibited in the Febal Casa booth at this year’s Americans in Milan tour. NKBA Global Connect member, Optimum Surfaces products are created with premium raw materials, cutting-edge technologies and a deep culture in the field of surface design.The result is a high-performance design surface, made with our values of sustainability, uncompromising aesthetics and efficient production.

Infinity 

Infinity specializes in the production of high quality large-size porcelain slabs for architecture, interiors and tailor-made solutions, with a wide variety of collections to support the creativity of designers. 

Bertazzoni

NKBA member Bertazzoni, based in Po Valley in the north of Italy, offers premium kitchen appliances as the world’s oldest family-owned appliance manufacturer, built on more than 140 years of innovation. 

Kohler

Long-standing NKBA member, Kohler, founded in Kohler, Wisconsin in 1873,  is a global leader in the design, innovation and manufacture of kitchen and bath products. The company’s leading-edge solutions enhance interior spaces and bring a level of art and inspiration to every interaction.

Cleaf

NKBA Global Connect member Cleaf is an Italian company producing innovative surfaces for furniture and interiors. Faced panels, laminates, edges exclusively manufactured at production sites in Brianza are installed worldwide by architects and furniture manufacturers building inspiring spaces.

Effe

NKBA Global Connect member, Effe draws from the ancient traditions of the sauna and the Turkish bath that today’s advanced technology and design excellence have reinvented. Since 1987, we are proud to offer saunas and Turkish baths that are 100% Italian, from design to manufacture. 

The following designers and design media VIPs made up the “Americans in Milan” participants: 

Hosts of “Americans in Milan:”

Bill Darcy
Global President & CEO – NKBA 

Suzie Williford
Chief Global Relations Officer – NKBA

VIP Participants: 

Marbe Briceno
Principal Designer – Marbe Designs

Jeanne Chung
Global Connect Advisor and Principal Designer  – Cozy Stylish Chic

Sandra Diaz-Velasco
Principal Designer – Eolo Designs

Milton Fabian Garcia Londono
Designer – Eolo Designs

Victor Damian Satizabal Quintero
Designer – Eolo Designs

Camila Leal
President & CEO – Albero USA 

Richard T. Anuszkiewicz
Designer – Richarda2z

Toni Sabatino
Owner & Designer – Toni Sabatino Style

Sandra Singh
Designer & Founder – Teakana

Dj Carey
Editorial Director – Cottages & Gardens 

Melissa Groher
Associate Publisher – Cottages & Gardens

Clinton Smith
Editor – NY Cottages & Gardens

Harriet Msays Powell
Editor – Palm Beach

Veronika Miller
CEO – Designhounds

Sherry Qualls
Global Connect Consultant – M2 Consulting

Indira Franca
Global Director – KBIS 

Maria Hill
Sales Director – KBIS

Debora Baldinelli
Italian International Agent – NKBA|KBIS

Many of these participants are hosting post- Salone/Eurocucina events around North America, sharing their takeaways from the show including emerging trends, technologies and themes. We look forward to seeing how the Milan tour continues to amplify the impact of Global Connect initiatives!