The atmosphere at Indonesia Design Week (IDW) 2025 became even more vibrant with the arrival of Marva Griffin, the renowned founder of SaloneSatellite. Her presence was made possible through a special invitation from Ipeng Widjojo, CEO of Indonesia Design District (IDD), and with the support of Lina Gan, Editor-in-Chief of Indonesia Design. As part of the wider celebration of Italian Design Week, her visit was also backed by the Italian Embassy, the Italian Trade Agency, and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura.
Despite her tight schedule and a return flight to Milan only hours away, Marva delivered an insightful lecture that became one of the highlights of the event. During her talk, she offered an overview of SaloneSatellite’s mission in nurturing young design talents from around the world. She also acknowledged Indonesia’s emerging designers who have participated in this globally respected platform, expressing admiration for their creativity and originality.
Marva’s engagement in Indonesia spanned several meaningful moments. In the days leading up to her lecture, she attended the official opening ceremony of IDW 2025, further emphasizing the growing international recognition of Indonesia’s design landscape. She also spent time connecting with industry leaders, including a lunch with Laura Kohler, where discussions centered on the future of design innovation and cross-cultural collaboration. Another memorable stop was her visit to the Brera showroom within the Indonesia Design District, where she gained deeper exposure to Indonesian design sensibilities and craftsmanship.
Her visit ultimately strengthened the bridge between Italy and Indonesia in the world of design. Returning to Milan, Marva carried with her a renewed appreciation for how rapidly and dynamically Indonesia’s design industry is evolving. Her presence at IDW 2025 not only enriched the festival but also affirmed Indonesia’s growing prominence on the global design stage.