Rinocca at Zagreb Design Week 2023: A Milestone for Macedonian Design
News & Updates
A Global Stage for Balkan Design
Rinocca had the honor of participating in the tenth edition of Zagreb Design Week (ZGDW) 2023, held from September 26 to October 1. This milestone event, focused on designer furniture, took place in Pavilion 8 of the Zagreb Fair, gathering renowned Croatian brands such as Prostoria, Nunc, and Milla & Milli, as well as select regional brands like Artisan and Woak from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Among these leading furniture brands, Rinocca proudly stood as the only representative from Macedonia, showcasing its unique approach to design and craftsmanship.
Why Zagreb Design Week Matters
The 2023 edition of ZGDW aimed to present Balkan design to a global audience, highlighting the creative work of regional brands. For a young and growing brand like Rinocca, this event was an invaluable opportunity to present its furniture in a space reminiscent of the world’s top design fairs, such as Maison & Objet Paris or Salone del Mobile.
Pavilion 8 felt like a mini Salone del Mobile, thanks to the meticulous organization and the exceptional quality of the top 20 regional brands. These brands, many of which are already global industry leaders, demonstrated that Balkan design is on par with the world’s best.
Rinocca’s Takeaways: Competing on a Global Level
Brands like Prostoria and Artisan have cemented their status as leaders in the furniture design industry. Participating in Zagreb Design Week allowed us to assess our own design and production quality, so we align with the other companies in key areas such as quality, sustainability, craftsmanship and design.
🔹Sustainable and eco-friendly design
🔹Technical excellence
🔹High-quality craftsmanship
🔹 Aesthetically refined furniture
This event validated our approach to design, giving us confidence that our work meets international standards.
But it’s not just about nostalgia.
Vintage furniture also offers a chance to express your individuality. In a sea of generic, cookie-cutter décor, a vintage piece acts as a statement, making your space stand out from the crowd. Mixing and matching different eras and styles allows you to curate a home that reflects your unique personality and taste, a space that truly speaks to who you are.
The Future of Macedonian Design
In Macedonia, furniture design is still in its early stages, with many perceiving design as merely aesthetic rather than a solution to everyday challenges. This is likely due to a market heavily reliant on imports and limited domestic production. Our goal is to change this perception and grow a loyal base of Macedonian customers who appreciate high-quality, locally designed furniture.
Katerina Trpkovska: The Vision Behind Rinocca
In a brief video interview at the event, Rinocca’s founder, Katerina Trpkovska, discusses the history and mission of the brand – to create authentic Macedonian furniture that is recognized and appreciated worldwide.
While there is much more to share about Rinocca’s journey, we will explore these topics in-depth in future discussions.
Click below to watch the interview:
What’s Next for Rinocca?
Our presence at Zagreb Design Week 2023 reinforced our belief in the power of Balkan design. Moving forward, we will:
🔹 Continue expanding our global sales
🔹 Refine our design philosophy to match international standards
🔹 Strengthen our presence in the Macedonian market
This is just the beginning of Rinocca’s journey on the international stage. We remain dedicated to crafting furniture that blends tradition, quality, and innovation. With every piece of furniture we create, we strive to blend timeless tradition with cutting-edge design and quality materials, ensuring that each item not only reflects our heritage but also caters to modern needs.
Watch the Official Zagreb Design Week 2023 After-Movie
For a closer look at the event, watch the official after-movie of Zagreb Design Week 2023: