The Elephant in the Room is a supply chain exhibition which is being held from 17 - 23 April 2023 at Castello Sforzesco in Milan. The Portico Dell’ Elefante (Porch of the Elephant) at Castello Sforzesco served as the inspiration behind the exhibition’s theme and is an ode to effecting positive change, to explore topics that are often left unspoken and to encourage honest conversations.

The exhibition is a free experience that celebrates the textile creation process. It will explore the works of heroes shaping the future of the supply chain and listen to the story of the changemakers behind the change.

Presented by Amsterdam design house Byborre in partnership with Castello Sforzesco, City of Milan, supply chain partners The Woolmark Company, Santoni, Groz-Beckert, Mayer & Cie and Südwolle Group, and renowned furniture design brands Montis, Arco, and Lensvelt, The Elephant in The Room brings together the past, present and future of textile creation.

The exhibition and experience grants access to and shows the various steps involved in the textile supply chain, from sourcing materials to the creation of finished products. Informative exhibits in the castle’s ‘Sala della Balla’ will provide a better understanding of the complexities and challenges in this industry, whilst being surrounded by the twelve Trivulzio Tapestries of Sforza Castle Museums that are a testimony to the rich history and craftsmanship of the textiles industry.

Over the course of three days, the consortium of partners and Nieuwe Instituut are hosting panel discussions to bring together experts in design, architecture and material to discuss transparency, collaboration and co-design, and the importance of a (fair) supply chain.

In addition, recently launched initiative The New Stijl by ...,staat will host a series of talks with creatives across different disciplines and styles, including Sabine Marcelis, Amber Jae Slooten (The Fabricant) and Bas Timmer (Sheltersuit).

Find the program overview below. Registration for the exhibition and talks are now open, please register here. Spots for the talks are subject to availability.

Exhibition The Elephant In The Room

Castello Sforzesco

Piazza Castello, 20121 Milan MI, Italy

Monday, April 17 – Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 10:00 to 17:30

Morning Industry Talks hosted by Supply Chain Partners and Nieuwe Instituut

17 - 19 April 2023, 10:00 - 11:00

* Doors open at 09:30

Transparency Throughout the Supply Chain

Monday, April 17, 10:00 - 11:00

Panel discussion with pioneers in seamless knitting Santoni (Patrick Silva), furniture design brand Arco (Jorre van Ast) and a special guest (to be announced soon).

Importance Of A (Fair) Supply Chain

Tuesday April 18, 10:00 - 11:00

Panel discussion with world leading suppliers of circular knitting machines Mayer & Cie (Wolfgang Müller) , furniture design brand Montis (Mariëlle van der Aa, Paul van den Berg) and a special guest (to be announced soon).

Collaboration and Co-Design with The Supply Chain

Wednesday 19 April, 10:00 - 11:00

Panel discussion with global authority on Merino wool The Woolmark Company (Francesco Magri), world leading provider of industrial machine needles Groz-Beckert (Florian Mingramm) and British menswear designer Saul Nash.

Afternoon Design Talks curated by The New Stijl

17 & 18 April 2023, 14:00 - 16:00

* Doors open at 13:30

Borre Akkersdijk (Byborre), Sabine Marcelis and a special guest (to be announced soon)

Monday, April 17, 14:00 - 16:00

Amber Jae Slooten (The Fabricant), Bas Timmer (Sheltersuit) and a special guest (to be announced soon)

Tuesday 18 April, 14:00 - 16:00

Please register here