Future Chinese designer stars catching eyes at Milan Design Week

Chinese designers are among those being recognized at Milan's Salone del Mobile, the centerpiece of Milan Design Week.

This year's event shines a spotlight not only on iconic brands, but also on the next generation of creative talent.

"It is the event for the design industry, all the world wants to come here," Alessandro Rossi, new business manager at Salone del Mobile told CGTN.

Now in its 64th year, the six-day furniture fair at Rho continues to attract global attention.

This edition showcases both Made in Italy excellence and the latest international trends in interiors and innovation. 

Rossi highlighted the scale of the event, "Now in the show there are more than 1,900 exhibitors that are coming from 32 countries."

While established brands remain a major drawcard for buyers and professionals, the fair also serves as a launchpad for emerging artists. 

The Salone Satellite section is dedicated to young designers from around the world, including China. 

"In 27 years, I have had more than 16,000 young designers from more than 60 countries in Salone Satellite," explained Marva Griffin, founder and curator of Salone Satellite.

Among this year's award winners is Yixian Wang, whose soft fibreglass designs are inspired by childhood memories and family craft traditions.

"I was so surprised and not prepared yet for this award," she told CGTN.

"My mum taught me crochet when I was young, so I wanted to include this kind of intimacy in my work."

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Design Institute presented a collaborative exhibition with Italian brands Alessi and Moroso.

Senior Lecturer Damon Yau described it as a valuable experience: "It's a great honour for our students and our school as well and I think they've learnt a lot, especially from the masters of these brands."

Throughout Milan Design Week there are installations across the city.

AD China is hosting a lifestyle exhibition in a converted warehouse in Chinatown, reflecting a growing cultural exchange.

"The idea is to mix Italian brands and Chinese brands together and to talk about design in China, which is becoming more important," said Yoyo Lu, brand manager at AD China.

The display highlights a new creative narrative emerging from China - one that blends heritage, technology, and shared cultural influences, helping to shape the future of global design.