A journey through Milan Design Week, including the Salone del Mobile, Fuorisalone, and Euroluce:...
On October 14, the Embassy of Italy in Washington DC hosted a new edition of the Italian Design Week, a prestigious event dedicated to innovation, creativity, and the timeless values of Italian design, organised by IMARK Global. Entitled “Beyond Aesthetics: Italian Design, Catalyst for the Future,” the conference gathered leading voices from the worlds of design, industry, and diplomacy — under the patronage of the Embassy of Italy, the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy.
“Enduring Icons: Heritage in Motion”
The opening panel, “Enduring Icons: Heritage in Motion”, moderated by Maria Luisa Rossi Hawkins (White House correspondent Mediaset), brought together renowned representatives of Italian excellence:
- Our Chairman Pietro Trapletti
- C.te Nicasio Falica, Captain of the Amerigo Vespucci, Italian Navy
- Flavio Manzoni, Chief Design Officer, Ferrari
- Cristiano Leone, Cultural Manager & Visionary
- Mattia Cavanna, Vice President Technology & Innovation, Leonardo Helicopters
- Eraldo Ferracci, Ducati Motors USA
The discussion explored how Italian heritage, creativity, and innovation continue to shape global industries — from design and technology to mobility and culture.
Pietro Trapletti’s Perspective: The Italian Art of Care
In his contribution, Pietro Trapletti reflected on the meaning of “Heritage in Motion,” interpreting it through Balsamo’s distinctive approach to mobility and service — one that elevates care, empathy, and human connection into a philosophy of excellence.
“At Balsamo, mobility is not a service — it’s an experience. The car may be the same, but the people we serve are not,” Trapletti said. “Care is our heritage, and we translate it into every detail, combining precision, personalization, and authenticity.”
He emphasized how Balsamo’s “Italian art of care” brings together tradition and innovation, creating meaningful experiences rooted in human sensitivity. “Customer satisfaction is not a goal, it’s a culture,” he noted, highlighting the company’s vision of leadership based on empathy, trust, and anticipation of clients’ needs.
Trapletti also discussed Balsamo’s commitment to sustainability and local empowerment, with initiatives that go beyond technology — from environmental certifications and carbon measurement (ISO 14064) to the alignment with 12 of the UN’s 2030 Agenda goals, ensuring that responsibility and respect guide every aspect of the company’s global operations.
A Celebration of Italian Excellence
IMARK is a major international network and association in the business world that brings together companies, suppliers, and leaders from various sectors to share best practices, build relationships, and co-create value. It’s known for its high-profile conferences and meetings, where decision-makers converge to explore emerging trends, innovations, and collaborative opportunities.
The Italian Design Week once again confirmed itself as a prestigious showcase of Italian innovation and creativity, supported by top-level partners and sponsors including Ferrari, Ducati, Leonardo Helicopters, Intesa San Paolo, ITA Airways, and B&B Italia, alongside major institutions and media organizations. Through the voices of its participants, the event highlighted how Italian design remains a cultural and industrial bridge between tradition and the future — where heritage is not static, but in motion. Heritage in Motion means transforming our legacy of elegance and humanity into a living force,” concluded Trapletti. “It’s about moving people — not just vehicles — and redefining excellence through care, empathy, and authenticity.”
