On the morning of November 6, 2024, the press conference for the highly anticipated Italian Design Icons (IDI)event was held in Shanghai, announcing the upcoming exhibition scheduled for November 22-24. The main venue for this year's IDI will be located in the heart of Jing'an District at Jing'an 800 Show, providing an exceptional platform for designers to showcase their work.

Mr. Zhu Kanqi, Secretary-General and Organizer of the SIDF & Architect Aldo Cibic, this year’s IDI Creative Director

The press conference marked a further significant moment in the strengthening of the new and inspiring partnership between IDI and the Shanghai International Design Festival (SIDF), both sharing a common vision to push the boundaries of design and foster cross-cultural exchange. Together, we aim to elevate Shanghai's position as a global design hub and create an unparalleled bridge between Italian and Chinese design philosophies. This collaboration reflects a deep commitment to integrating Italy's renowned design excellence into the global design landscape, fostering innovation, and expanding creative dialogue.

The theme of this year’s IDI event, “Manufacturing Value: Inclusiveness, Innovation, and Sustainability,” aligns seamlessly with SIDF's theme of “Symbiosis” and “Breakthrough.” They both explore the transformative power of design, highlighting its potential to create lasting impact through collaboration and visionary thinking. This shared ideological approach underscores a mutual understanding of the profound influence design can have in shaping the future.

Press Conference Speakers

The press conference gathered influential figures from both the Italian and Chinese design communities, who expressed their excitement for the upcoming event and the shared commitment to advancing the design industry across borders.

Anna Gai, the GM of Eastant Communication and Event, the organizer of IDI opened the conference with a passionate address. Reflecting on IDI’s mission since 2016, Anna highlighted the event's dedication to showcasing Italy’s design philosophy, grounded in innovation and artistry. “This collaboration with SIDF offers us a powerful platform to celebrate the cultural dialogue between Italy and China,” Anna remarked, inviting the global design community to attend the event at Jing'an 800 Show from November 22-24.

Mr. Zhu Kanqi, Secretary-General and Organizer of the SIDF, Ms. Anna Gai, GM of Eastant Communication and Event, Architect Aldo Cibic, this year’s IDI Creative Director, Mr. Stephen Wang, GM of 800 Show

Celebrated architectand this year’s IDI Creative Director, Aldo Cibic, shared his unique vision for the event’s design concept. He emphasized that design, beyond aesthetics, plays a transformative role in crafting sustainable, people-centered solutions. His insights deeply resonated with designers and guests, emphasizing that creativity has the power to drive meaningful change.

Ms. Anna Gai, GM of Eastant Communication and Event, Architect Aldo Cibic, this year’s IDI Creative Director, Ms. Sheena Troemer, Marketing & Sales Executive of NCC Bertone Design

Representatives from the Italian design company Bertone Design - New Crazy Colors sent a virtual greeting to the press conference, representing Aldo Cingolani, Bertone Design Group founder. As the event's designers, they showcased Bertone Design NCC’s unique charm and spirit of innovation in the design field, inspiring everyone with creative anticipation for the upcoming event. Ms. Sheena Troemer, Marketing & Sales Executive of NCC Bertone Design highlighted how the company maintains innovation and sustainability in its design process while integrating traditional Italian design principles

Mr. Aldo Cingolani, Bertone Design Group founder

At the press conference, Mr. Zhu Kanqi, Secretary-General and Organizer of the Shanghai International Design Festival, expressed that this year’s SIDF, he introduced the 2024 theme, “Symbiosis · Breakthrough,” which embodies SIDF’s distinct vision for design as a collaborative and boundary-breaking force. “In partnership with IDI, we’re igniting cross-cultural inspiration that will fuel creative synergies and break down traditional limits in design,” he stated.

Enriching the dialogue further, distinguished representatives included Ms. Zhao Shijian, Deputy Director of the JALAB Lab at Tongji University’s College of Design and Innovation, and Mr. Lei Niu, China Program Director at Parsons School of Design. Both voiced enthusiastic support for the collaboration, highlighting its potential to unlock new development opportunities in design and nurture emerging talent in the field.

Ms. Sheena Troemer, Mrs. Veronika D’Andrea, Mr. Aldo Cibic, Ms. Anna Gai, Ms. Zhao Shijian, Mr. Lei Niu, Mr. Stephen Wang, Mr. Zhu Kanqi

The atmosphere at the press conference was dynamic, and media engaged in lively exchanges around the festival’s themes of Inclusiveness, Innovation, and Sustainability. Attendees left inspired by the collaboration’s potential to explore new horizons and drive transformative perspectives in design. 

Looking ahead, IDI and SIDF warmly invite designers, brands, and industry leaders to participate in this landmark event, set to propel innovation and deepen cultural exchange. Together, we are confident that the 9th Italian Design Icons and Shanghai International Design Festival will establish a new benchmark in global design, demonstrating the industry’s potential as a catalyst for positive change. Join us in celebrating this creative journey and helping shape a visionary future.