Creativity and elegance: Italian designs on show in Beijing

Scooter that Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck rode in the 1953 film Roman Holiday. [File photo]

To faithful fans of Audrey Hepburn, the scooter she rode with Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday still looks stylish today.

Now, the scooter has come to China and is being showed at an exhibition Serie Fuori Serie at the National Museum of China. Opened from April 26, the exhibition features 210 works from 98 Italian designers.

The showpieces were divided into 11 sections according to design to allow people to take in the modern look, historical development and philosophy of Italian creativity.

Recognized as a world leader in design, Italy is home to a series of famous designers and fashion houses, such as designer Ettore Sottsass and brand Gucci and Max Mara. With continuous new expressions, the country's designs are based on classic elegance and modern creativity. They could be displayed in a museum and turn heads on the street at the same time.

Huang Zhenchun, deputy director of the museum said the exhibition provides a platform for cultural exchange between the two nations. The designs from Italy may provide some inspiration to Chinese designers.

The exhibition will run until July 25.