COMO, ITALY—Proposte managed to produce a few surprises this year in spite of the harsh economic environment in Europe which seems to be turning a corner.

Spanish exhibitors at Proposte like Crevin, Aznar and Vilber were very active this year due to competitive pricing and aggressive export policy.

There were also new Italian companies at Proposte showing for the first time.

Boselli & C. SPA, 116 years old, put on a great show at Villa Erba with its massive line of interior decoration fabrics. This vertical mill has the capability to produce 1,000 yard runs of three meter width shade fabrics.

While most Proposte exhibitors played it safe product wise, Gebruder Munzert took a huge gamble with its Pivot Collection (pronounced ‘Pivo’). Bernd Kout, President, went ‘all in’ with an enormous collection of structured designs, textures and colors which cleverly blended with all existing products in its portfolio.

Outside the fair, Enzo degli Angiuoni took over some rooms at the Villa d’Este where Enzo’s wife Maria cooked up another spectacular presentation. The rooms were done over as a chateau. About 70 percent of the Angiuoni line is done as custom—not open line.

The Proposte management took a harder line than previously concerning companies who are outside the fairgrounds. The Grand Hotel in Cernobbio had shuttered its major showcase areas in the lobby forcing previous exhibitors to scramble to other locations—not as desirable. However, it was a quieter place for hotel guests this year.