In Shanghai, the 2025 edition of Italian Design Icons celebrates ten years of Italian creativity with five days of exhibitions, talks, installations and meetings that focus on innovation, sustainability and the future of Made in Italy design
The Italian Design Icons (IDI) 2025 event successfully concluded in Shanghai on November 23, 2025. This year celebrates the tenth anniversary of IDI and represents a decade of DP Group’s commitment to collaborating with renowned Italian brands, bringing the aesthetics and lifestyle of Italian design to China and creating a high-level platform for cultural and professional exchange between Italy and China.
With the theme “Design for a Better Life,” the event brought together designers, industry leaders and cultural personalities from both countries. Through 20 Talks and forums, hosted in the 800 Show gallery, participants explored how design can be a key driver for industrial innovation, improve quality of life and promote intercultural understanding and collaboration.
In ten years, IDI has established itself as a leading platform for the exchange of design and culture, with over 200 participating brands, more than 600 industry leaders as speakers, over 1,000 articles in national and international media and more than 50,000 visitors both online and in person.
A showcase of international brands
IDI 2025 brought together world-famous brands in the design, automotive, home, industry and fashion sectors, including Casappa, Comau, Dainese, Ducati, Eni, FMMG, Goglio, Itema, iGuzzini, iLLY, Magniflex, Maserati, Pininfarina, Pirelli, Radici, Saes Getters, UFI Filters, Vespa, Virtuarch; new Icons this year Frascold, Omet, Semar and Tofflon Group for the first time at IDI. Brand representatives shared their industrial design philosophy, business practices and strategies for improving quality of life.
The highlights of the Tenth Edition
With a parterre full of daily appointments in the gallery set up, the official inauguration of Italian Design Icons was held on Wednesday 19th with the VIP Dinner held at the Jhotel, in the Shanghai Tower, the iconic symbol of the city.
In the presence of the Consul General, Tiziana D’angelo who officially welcomed the Italian business community and all the supporters of IDI, the representatives of all the companies and sponsors involved, were able to attend the engaging artistic performance of the piano and violin duo, Daniel Espen, Luca Stradivari.
On Thursday 20th, IDI hosted the event that Pirelli organized dedicated to sustainability, once again underlining the company’s commitment to such an important topic.
Annual Awards | Celebrating Design Pioneers
During Saturday’s ICONS DAY, IDI presented three prestigious awards to individuals and brands who stood out for innovation in design and for the promotion of intercultural exchange:
- Most Trending Brand of Italian Design Icons: Semar, recognized for its distinctive aesthetics and continuous innovation
- Most Influential Speaker of Italian Design Icons: Simone Trazzi, CEO of UFI Filters Group, celebrated for his insights and contribution to the dialogue between design and industry
- Symbol of Change: most influential Woman: Li Rui, Head of Communications and Institutional Affairs APAC, awarded for leadership and vision, a source of inspiration for women in international business.
Family Day to Inspire the Designers of Tomorrow
This year, the new Family Day welcomed over 20 families, jointly organized by IDI and Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU). Through creative workshops and practical activities, the children reinterpreted the ideas of the master of Italian design Gio Ponti. The lively atmosphere, animated by laughter and inventive creations, stimulated curiosity and fueled the next generation’s passion for design and innovation.
IDI 2025 was made possible thanks to the generous support of numerous sponsors and partners. The main sponsors include Eni, Fazioli, FMMG Fil Man Made Group, Goglio, Itema, Medavita, Radici Group, Sisme, Tofflon and Vespa; with Lingang Shanghai as Diamond Sponsor. Italian Dsign Icons had the support of the D’Andrea & Partners Law Firm, 800SHOW, Yanzhe Architecture & Decoration, Exprivia, J Hotel Shanghai Center, Petronilla Hotel, UC, New Sky, Marcolin and Nobile Isle. The food & beverage partners, including Aperol Spritz, Altamura, Fratelli Beretta, BellaVita, Buonissimo, Campari, illy, Tenute DP, Funkadeli, Mammamia!, Mionetto and Su di Spirito, offered an experience of flavors and dishes of Italian cuisine to visitors during the events and aperitifs organized during the 5-day event. Media partners, including ClassEditori, City News Service Platform, Hurun, Milano Finanza, Panorama and SmartShanghai, guaranteed extensive coverage and promotion. The constant support of the Consulate General of Italy in Shanghai, the ITA – Foreign Trade Agency and the Italy China Council Foundation ensured that the exhibition not only highlighted the excellence of Italian design, but also promoted a profound cultural exchange between Italy and China.
Future Prospects | Italian Design in Other Cities
We express sincere gratitude to all the brands, visitors and partners who contributed to the success of IDI 2025. Looking ahead to the next decade, Italian Design Icons plans to expand to other cities, allowing a wider audience in China to experience Italian design up close, participate in broader dialogues and exchanges, promote sustainable design and further strengthen collaboration between Italy and China in innovation, culture and industry.
