[Heads Up] The International Design Icons Festival on 11/22

Heads Up is our semi-regular column designed to keep you ahead of the curve. Whether it's can't-miss exhibitions, buzzworthy events, unique activities, or those under-the-radar happenings, we're here to make sure your calendar stays fresh and exciting. Think of it as your personal alert system for what's coming up – so you can be the one telling your friends where they should be, not the other way around.

Get ready, design aficionados! The 6th edition of the Shanghai International Design Festival (SIDF) is set to dazzle the city, starting off on November 27. The event kicks off, however, with the Italian Design Icons exhibition starting Nov 22-24.

Coinciding with the year we celebrate the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo, the first Westerner and Italian to visit China, this is another not-to-be-missed Shanghai Chinese-Italian event where Italian ingenuity and flair will be on display. Come and mingle with top brands and designers in Jing'an District, and enjoy the excellence and versatility of Italian design.

What is this Event About?

This year the Italian Design Icons (IDI), will feature the work of Italian brands that push the boundaries of design innovation and sustainability and is leaving their mark in the China market. The week-long exhibition in Jing'an District will feature iconic Italian brands and visionary designers.

So, Who Will Be There?

Some high profile visitors will be attending the exhibition, which includes this year's IDI brand ambassador, Aldo Cibic, a well-known Italian architect and creative director, and honorary professor at Shanghai's Tongji University. A 2023 recipient of the "Magnolia Silver Award" from the Shanghai municipality, and Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, Cibic's design pieces are on display in several Museums worldwide.

Another expert, Aldo Cingolani is the mastermind behind projects such as the Nikon F4 and F5 cameras, the pavilion for the 2006 Olympics in Turin, and the Copenhagen metro. A visiting professor at Shanghai University, he will be joined by other talented representatives from institutions like Parsons School of Design and Tongji University. Notable Italian brands and companies such as Illy, Pirelli, Vespa, Maserati, and NCC Bertone Design, to name but a few, will all be there to showcase their approaches to cool-looking and sustainable design.

Why Should You Attend? / Who should Attend? / Who is This Event For?

This is a rare chance for design junkies and industry insiders to get up close with game-changing innovations and rub shoulders with some of the heavyweights of the design world. Cibic put it plainly: "I'm very proud of the Italian companies being here. They are away from their comfort zone, and they come to build something significant here in Shanghai and in China. There is so much potential in this market."

What's on offer is more than just the latest trends and eco-friendly design practices – it's a chance to dive into the legacy and flair of Italian craftsmanship. Sheena Troemer from NCC Bertone Design lays it out: "The space allows the participating brands, the icons of this event, to truly express their brand identity. We wanted to create this immersive experience for both Italian and Chinese audiences. We are very excited and we cannot wait for both cultures to come and share and connect with the identities of the brands on the day of the exhibition."

If you go

Date:

Nov 27-Dec 1 (Shanghai International Design Festival); Nov 22-24 (Italian Design Icons exhibition)

Friday: 1pm-7pm; Saturday: 10am-7pm; Sunday: 10am-3pm

Address: 800 Changde Rd 常德路800号

Admission: Free