Design Shanghai, Asia’s leading international design event, commenced its 2026 edition on March 19th, returning to its historic home, the Shanghai Exhibition Centre, until March 22nd. This year’s program offers an expanded experience, featuring special projects curated both within the exhibition halls and at various locations across the city, creating an immersive journey for visitors. A significant highlight this year is the robust Italian presence: “Made in Italy” brands, including giants like Technogym, Artemide, Alessi, Mapei, Mirage, Secco, Dedar, and creative brands such as Sowden, form the largest group in the international/European category. As Zhuo Tan, the fair’s Director, emphasizes, the goal is “to elevate the visitor experience, integrating immersive and thoughtful programs into every facet of Design Shanghai,” leveraging the unique character of the historic venue’s architecture to foster a meaningful dialogue between local culture and global creativity.
Among the ongoing initiatives, TALENTS reaffirms its role as a vital showcase for emerging designers worldwide, a platform celebrating the creativity and experimentation of talents under 35. Curated by designer Frank Chou, the sixth edition of TALENTS explores the theme “About Time,” inviting ten emerging designers, both Chinese and international, to delve into the multidimensional meaning of time. Highlighted projects include Yilu Studio’s innovative parachute-shaped lighting system, crafted from cutting-edge PVC materials, which explores concepts of lightness and light diffusion. Yin Dahua presents a copper and oak coffee table, while Yuya Zhou unveils a collection of table lamps made from bioplastic, LED, and optical fiber, drawing natural inspiration. These works embody TALENTS’ commitment to championing new voices that celebrate material innovation, environmental consciousness, and cultural imagination. The program also features a mentorship program with industry veterans like Aldo Cibic and Chi Wing Lo, and the 4th TALENTS AWARD to honor emerging designers. Frank Chou emphasizes that “time refers not only to chronology, but also to an era, personal experience, and macro-narratives,” positioning it as an often-overlooked design material.
Complementing TALENTS, Design Shanghai presents a series of additional initiatives that enrich the overall offering. Made in JDZ, curated by Ryan Ran, explores the intersection of design and traditional craftsmanship, with a focus on Jingdezhen ceramics and the theme “Craft Without Borders.” Beyond Craft continues its exploration of Asian beauty through artisanal materials and techniques. The Collectible Design & Art section brings together a curated selection of art and design works. A new addition this year is “A Courtyard in the City,” an immersive outdoor installation designed by Shen Baohong, which offers a reinterpretation of the traditional Chinese siheyuan, featuring outdoor furniture provided by the Italian brand Ethimo. Finally, Materials First, Chris Lefteri’s innovative interactive materials lab, invites visitors to explore the boundless possibilities of material evolution and recreation.
