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99 masterpieces to describe the trajectory of Italian design, internationally praised for its unique and unmistakable style. Until May 11th, Milano's Palazzo Reale hosts the exhibition '99 icone. Da segno a sogno' (99 icons. From sign to dream), a wide window on those cult objects that witness the creativity, the research and the innovation of Italian genius applied above all to fashion and design. Bruno Munari, Phillippe Starck, Gianfranco Ferrè, Valentino and Giorgio Armani are some of the names behind the items on display.

The event is promoted by the city council's committee for Culture, ADI (Association Industrial Design) and Cesvi, a humanitarian Ngo that since 1985 realizes projects to fight poverty in 30 countries all over the world. A selection of clothes, accessories, furniture, lamps, jewels, radio and television sets, motorbikes and cars conveys the idea of an unchanged excellence. Just to name a few 'symbols', Borsalino classic hat (which dates back to 1857), Valentino's red dress, Piaggio Vespa scooter, until the latest Fiat 500 (2007).

In a turn of meetings and round tables, designers and entrepreneurs will try to reveal the mystery of design by explaining their different approaches to the products and will discuss the future of some specific items. Besides, students of elementary and middle schools will be guided to the understanding of the design project.

All business involved in production have donated their icons to Cesvi in order to make the public aware of the 'additional cultural value' of Italian design, which can become 'a cultural surplus value', a message for the whole humanity. The initiative is indeed dedicated to a plan of social recovery for children in Rio de Janeiro also based on plastic and figurative arts.