Milan Design Week, one of the most prestigious annual international design events, takes place this year from April 17 to 23. Three years after the pandemic began, the platform brings together the world's best designers, showcasing cutting-edge design elements and products.​

China Day

Chinese-style exhibition activities returned to Milan Design Week in 2023 to engage global audience face-to-face. With the support of the Chinese Embassy in Italy, the "2023 Milan Design Week China Day" was held to celebrate the resumption of physical China-Italy cultural exchanges.

The "China Day" event showcased a group of Chinese designed products based on traditional techniques, such as classic embroidery designs that are listed in the UN intangible cultural heritage list. As a partner city of this year's "China Day", Suzhou promoted new achievements in the transformation of Suzhou's silk and embroidery arts under the theme "Silk to the Future". Chinese silk brands such as Taihu Lake Snow and Sangluo launched their new products co-designed by overseas artists.

As one of the highlight sections of China Day, the Li ethnic group culture exhibition was held from April 4 to 17. The Li people from China's Hainan province presented performances, music live shows, as well as a runway show featuring traditional Li costumes to bring an immersive experience to local audiences.

Embrace Chinese Design

Italian architect Michele Brunello says during the Design Week that the return of Chinese designers and companies bring much more novelty to the event. "Chinese design is more mature and has changed," he said.

For example, COLMO TURING, an international high-end home appliance brand launched by Chinese manufacturer Midea, made a stunning appearance at Milan Design Week with its well-designed kitchen and water appliance suite.

According to its international marketing team, COLMO is the only Chinese brand invited to participate in this year's Design Week, thanks to its green design ideas and good cooperation with the local industrial design community in Milan.

"In 2018, the brand was born on Mont Blanc in Europe. The exhibition's theme was 'Symbiosis with Nature,' and it was well-received by overseas audiences," said Marzio Riboldi, head of Midea Milan Design Centre. He added that design is to connect human beings, cities, and mother nature. Especially in modern days in which the balance between material and lifestyle is vital when it comes to human-machine interactivity.

Design in Italy is a combination of culture, art, and history. The country has become an industrial design hub worldwide for decades, as it played an important role in promoting prosperity and strength across the country. China also aims to promote its own unique and advanced designs to the world stage, with new concepts from various fields ranging from garments and furniture to industrial products.