Shanghai, Luxury and Design: a Strategic Gateway to the Asian Market
Shanghai stands today as one of the world’s most dynamic capitals for luxury, real estate development and cultural investment. Over the past decade, the city has consolidated its role as a global hub where international brands, developers, investors, architects and interior designers converge.
In 2024, China’s luxury goods consumption reached USD 316.3 billion, accounting for approximately 20–25% of the global luxury market, while Shanghai hosts more than 70 regional headquarters of Fortune Global 500 companies. At the same time, the city’s creative and design industry generated an estimated USD 230 billion in economic output, with strong growth projections for the coming years.
This combination of capital, ambition and cultural openness positions Shanghai as a key entry point for brands operating in the high-end design and interior sector.
Made in Italy as a reference point in luxury design
Within this context, Made in Italy continues to enjoy a distinctive and deeply rooted appreciation. Italian design is recognized in Asia not only for its aesthetic language, but for its cultural depth: craftsmanship, material knowledge, bespoke production and a long-standing manufacturing tradition.
Across luxury residential developments, hospitality projects and high-end commercial spaces, Italian furniture and interior solutions are perceived as symbols of authenticity, quality and long-term value. The growing demand for custom-made and tailor-made interiors finds Italian companies uniquely positioned to respond, combining creative vision with technical expertise and artisanal excellence.
Design Shanghai: Asia’s leading international design event
Design Shanghai has established itself as Asia’s leading international design fair and a strategic platform for accessing the Chinese and Asia-Pacific markets.
The 2025 edition welcomed more than 76,000 high-profile visitors, including architects, interior designers, developers, buyers, collectors and key decision-makers. Over the past twelve years, the fair has hosted over 2,500 international brands from more than 30 countries, reinforcing its position as a truly global event.
Structured around four main sections — Furniture & Lighting, Kitchen & Bathroom Design, New Materials & Applications, and Living & Lifestyle — Design Shanghai combines exhibition, content and business development. Conferences, forums and curated business-matching programs transform visibility into concrete professional opportunities.
A strategic partnership with 101domus
The partnership between Design Shanghai and 101domus is grounded in a shared vision: promoting high-end design through credible contexts, curated access and meaningful professional relationships.
101domus operates as a curated platform dedicated to Italian luxury and bespoke design, supporting companies in entering complex, high-potential international markets while preserving brand identity, positioning and production values. Through this collaboration, Italian brands gain structured access to the Asian market, going beyond traditional trade fair participation toward a more strategic and long-term approach.
A concrete opportunity for Italian companies
Design Shanghai has established itself as Asia’s leading international design fair and a strategic platform for accessing the Chinese and Asia-Pacific markets.
The 2025 edition welcomed more than 76,000 high-profile visitors, including architects, interior designers, developers, buyers, collectors and key decision-makers. Over the past twelve years, the fair has hosted over 2,500 international brands from more than 30 countries, reinforcing its position as a truly global event.
Structured around four main sections — Furniture & Lighting, Kitchen & Bathroom Design, New Materials & Applications, and Living & Lifestyle — Design Shanghai combines exhibition, content and business development. Conferences, forums and curated business-matching programs transform visibility into concrete professional opportunities.
| Italian companies interested in participating in Design Shanghai and exploring the Asian market through a curated and strategic framework are invited to contact the 101domus team. Together, we create the conditions for sustainable international growth, connecting Italian excellence with the world’s most ambitious design markets. |
Italian companies interested in participating in Design Shanghai and exploring the Asian market through a curated and strategic framework are invited to contact the 101domus team.
Together, we create the conditions for sustainable international growth, connecting Italian excellence with the world’s most ambitious design markets.
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