Speech by Queen Máxima at Masterly during the Dutch Design Week in Milan
Mr Mayor, ladies and gentlemen,
What a great pleasure it is to be in ‘bella Milano’. And what a wonderful day I’ve had visiting the Salone del Mobile and several designer communities across the city.
One day is much too short to see it all. But it has still given me a fairly good impression of the creative splendor of modern design and the impact it has on our society and living environment.
What strikes me repeatedly, is the wonderful symbiosis between Italian and Dutch designers. Italy and the Netherlands bring out the best in each other. The city of Eindhoven in particular has a close connection with Milan. Italian aesthetics and Dutch boldness: together a recipe for success!
Today, I’ve seen some remarkable results of Italian-Dutch co-operation. Such as the Parco Biblioteca degli Alberi, in Isola. And the Circular Village at the Piazza della Regione Lombardia.
It makes me very proud to be able to meet so many Dutch designers here.
For many years, the Netherlands has been among the best represented countries in Milan. Hundreds of Dutch designers are presenting their work in the city. Some of them are at the beginning of their careers. Others have been internationally renowned for decades. And many of them are living proof that designers can be drivers of change and that design can be a tool to achieve a more sustainable society.
Here at ‘Masterly’, we can enjoy the finest examples of Dutch design in all its diversity. Right in the heart of the city, next to the spectacular Duomo.
I would like to thank curator Nicole Uniquole for making this possible. And I would like to thank you Mr Mayor, and the city of Milan, for your hospitality.
We feel very welcome here. The Dutch design community is very grateful for the close partnership and friendship with Milan. We hope to continue this for many years to come!
Grazie mille!