Shanghai, Milan - designed to connect

Luca Fois, the founder of Milan China Design Center, has been keeping an eye on Chinese design for years, and he said he is "very optimistic" about Shanghai's budding fashion community which offers contemporary design that is both innovative and steeped in Chinese heritage.

"The latest generations are very modern, very open to international lifestyle while retaining their Chinese heritage and characteristics," he said. "It is a different story when you start to produce for your own identities, backgrounds, and heritage."

In September, as part of the World Design Cities Conference 2023, a fashion show named Shanghai Fashion Day made waves in Milan, bringing Shanghai fashion brands under the global spotlight.

"It was a big success and received extensive recognition. Through the event, we are surprised to find out that Italians and Europeans are actually very interested in Chinese fashion, with appreciation, respect and yearning," said Song Bo, secretary-general of Shanghai International Fashion Federation, one of the show's organizers.