Many Italian brands have been expanding aggressively in China, and reaching an increasing taste for contemporary design. As such, the fourth edition of the Salone del Mobile.Milano Shanghai – which ran from 20 to 22 November at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre – saw two-thirds of the exhibiting brands fall into the ‘Design’ category (functionality, innovation and style), and just one-third into the ‘xLux’ category (classical elegance and modern appeal).

Said Gianpaolo Bruno, Director of the Italian Trade Agency office in Beijing and coordinator of the ICE_ITA officed in China and Mongolia, “Exports of Italian furniture to China rose 8.97% to a new high of 531 million euros last year.” China is now the second non-EU market for the wood-furnishing sector after the USA, and one of the countries with the greatest sectoral development potential.

The 8,000 square metres of exhibition space were expected to attract over 20,000 high-profile visitors, but final visitor numbers have not yet been released.

Italian and Chinese design perspectives were put on stage during the fair. Master classes were held by Rodolfo Dordoni, Patricia Urquiola and Ferrucio Laviani in conversation with Chinese architects Li Hu, Zhao Yang and Chen Fei Bo.

A special multimedia installation marking 500 years since the death of Leonardo da Vinci, titled De-SIGNO, was conceived by Davide Rampello and designed by the architect Alessandro Colombo.

SaloneSatellite Shanghai

The SaloneSatellite Shanghai program returned, with 53 young designers and students showcasing projects dedicated to the theme ‘Food as a Design Object’.

The young designers were chosen from among the top students at the most renowned design schools in China – East China Normal University, Detao Masters Academy and the Tongji University of Shanghai; Beijing University of Technology, and the China Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing; the China Academy of Fine Arts in Zhejiang; and the Hong Kong Polytechnic. Designers also came from Frank Chou Design Studio in Beijing.

Four winners were selected for the SaloneSatellite Shanghai Award, and will be invited to exhibit at the Milan edition of SaloneSatellite in 2020.

1st Prize
Shijie Chen (Beijing) − W Stool

Based on experienced and explored material. The structural design offers extensiveness and plasticity in accordance with the principle of corrugated force, allowing thin bounded leather to bear weight in stereoscopic space.

2nd Prize
Hongchan Xu (Shanghai) − Trade

Lamp based on a steelyard that symbolises contentment, not only a measurement instrument but also an auspicious thing with a balance as a symbol of fairness and integrity.

3rd Prize
Xiaoyu Dong (Beijing) − Fan

Touch lamp offering inductive charging and a close relationship with bamboo as well as Buddhist culture.

Special Mention
Manyue Wang (Xi’An) − Sensuous Tableware

Involving sight, smell, hearing, touch and aftertaste, stimulating people’s impressions.

The jury consisted of Rodolfo Dordoni, architect; Kanae Hasegawa, journalist; Cinzia Malvini, journalist; Pasquale Natuzzi JR, Chief Creative Officer & Stylist, Natuzzi; Giulia Molteni, Head of Marketing and Communication, Molteni&C ǀ _Dada; Patricia Urquiola, architect; Leirah Wang, CEO, Xuberance 3D Design; Hongtao Zhou, Director, Tongji University; Cora Feng, journalist; Patrizia Malfatti, Head of Communication and Press Office, Salone del Mobile.Milano; and Marva Griffin Wilshire, Founder and Curator, SaloneSatellite.

Brand Offerings

Here’s a taste of some of the offerings from exhibiting brands at the Salone del Mobile.Milano Shanghai: