Design Shanghai: the biggest and best design show in Asia

On Wednesday 14th March 2018, Consul General of Italy in Shanghai Mr. Stefano Beltrame, Deputy Consul-General, British Consulate-General Shanghai Tony Clemson, Director of Italian Trade Agency Beijing Office Amedeo Scarpa, Media 10 CEO Lee Newton, Media 10 China Managing Director Mike Dynan, and Design Shanghai show director Zhuo Tan attended the opening ceremony.

Having fast established itself as one of the most important design events in the world, Design Shanghai has set a precedent in Asia’s every-growing design community. This year’s show was the biggest and best yet, with an increase in overall space to 25,000 square meters by building two massive structural tents, and with each hall offering a platform to an entirely new realm of design.

Constantly breaking new ground, the fair featured over 400 leading international and Chinese brands, galleries and designers from over 30 different countries across 5 distinctive design halls. A unique platform for networking Asia’s most influential architects, interior designers and property developers, Design Shanghai 2018 saw industry leaders present their innovative ideas through over 1,000 product launches, 50 seminars and talks, 4 design trend forecasts, 20 bespoke installations, 3 international design awards and exclusive networking events over the four days. Meanwhile, the Hosted Buyer Programme was organised to enhance the business connections between buyers and exhibitors at the show.

Zhuo Tan, Show Director of Design Shanghai, said:
“We are delighted with success of Design Shanghai 2018, and this edition has proved that the show has reached a new level of maturity. After 5 years, Design Shanghai has established itself as the best and the biggest trade design event in Asia, a fact confirmed by the record-breaking visitor numbers and profile of participants, from exhibitors to partners and supporters, as well as the overwhelming enthusiasm received from the media. We would like to extend our gratitude to all participants for their continuous support to Design Shanghai. Our commitment to providing the top platform for showcasing the best of design will continue.”

The best design brands and galleries gather together

The number of exhibitors at Design Shanghai 2018, as well as the quality of their work, were once again very impressive. There were over 1,000 product launches dedicated to the Asian market, reinforcing the strength of the show.
Alongside the international design brands were 70 of China’s top design brands and independent designers, presenting across all five design halls and demonstrating the thriving vitality of new Chinese design.

50 world-class design visionaries live on stage

Curated by Aidan Walker and Ross Urwin, Asia’s best-attended comprehensive seminar programme KOHLER x AD China x Design Shanghai Forum, continued to bring together leading international design icons live on stage. The theme this year was ‘Design Visionaries, Design Visions, Design Futures’ as the Forum explored and challenged the underlying fundamentals of design.
Additionally, the Italian Trade Agency Workshop was held during the show, in collaboration with Italian National Council of Architects Planners, Landscapers and Conservations. The workshop was a dialogue between Italy and China on architecture and design, focusing on Italian Design. 

Future design trends released at the show

Design Shanghai 2018 offered professionals an experience that went beyond the pieces on display. This year’s event focused on the future design trends releases, including the new initiative Design Shanghai Picks, a nod to designs featured in the show which reflect their own sensibilities to the highest regard.
For the 4th year, YANG DESIGN once again shared its insights into the 2018-2019 China Design Trends: Advanced Darkness, Measured, Fragile Romance and Wepublic. Moreover, Neuni brought the Global Material Forecast to Design Shanghai, where the latest materials worldwide debuted in China for the first time.

Inspiring installations and features

The world-renowned Zaha Hadid Design showcased its 3D installation City of Towers in mainland China for the first time, sponsored by Gretton Bergius. YANG HOUSE set up a curated area with the theme Essence of Object by YANG HOUSE, while the famous Turkish sculpture artist SEÇKIN PIRIM brought a modern minimalist concept sculpture Discipline Factory to the show.

IDEAT China invited famous architect and designer Wang Pingzhong to create a curated space with the theme of Urban Evolution. Italy’s biggest international exhibition company Veronafiere worked with Italian famous architect Mauro Felice and 20 Italian brands at the Casa Médinit Shanghai to promote “Made in Italy”. As the official watch of Design Shanghai, leading Swiss watch brand RADO added charm by showcasing its stunning new watch designs.

Local emerging and international designs celebrated

Design Shanghai 2018 continued to present the Emerging Chinese Designers Platform Award with AD China. Showcasing the innovative yet practical works of the new Chinese generation, the platform is a key driver in the development of China’s design power. Local designers are encouraged to merge Eastern and Western cultures and wisely combine aesthetics, innovation and function. Among the 10 finalists, DEFRONT was awarded as the 2018 winner, earning a complimentary stand at Design Shanghai 2019.

Creative food and beverages added charm to the show

The well-designed restaurants, coffee bars, lounge and cocktail bars at Design Shanghai added another touch of design for all visitors. The official cognac partner Remy Martin brought its extraordinary inheritance and quality to the central bar, demonstrating its fantastic innovation and brand philosophy. Nespresso provided a unique coffee experience with its brand-new limited coffee capsules. Italian wine and spirits exhibition VinItaly offered top Italian wine and food in its VIP lounge in the Collectible Design Hall, where guests enjoyed authentic Italian flavours.

Design Shanghai in the city made the entire city buzz

Design Shanghai 2018 joined forces with Shanghai Xintiandi to carry out the 2nd edition of Design Shanghai @Xintiandi Design Festival with the theme The New Social Era on Boundary.
China’s design pedigree is as relevant and important as that of other international creative hubs. Design Shanghai champions this and aims to gain China its rightful recognition as a creative powerhouse within the world’s design community. Design Shanghai 2018 is a milestone, as the show has truly established itself as Asia’s biggest and most influential international design event.

During this exciting time, Media 10, the organizer of Design Shanghai, announced that Design China Beijing will be launched from 20-23 September 2018 during Beijing Design Week as brand extension of Design Shanghai.

Design Shanghai will return to Shanghai Exhibition Centre
from 6th- 9th March 2019.