London, UK – Shanghai Design Week (SHDW) is poised to make its mark in London with the eagerly awaited launch of 'Design to Wonderland' (D2W). This inaugural event will serve as a prominent global platform to spotlight Chinese innovation across diverse creative sectors, including architecture, art, fashion, and beauty, within the vibrant cultural hub of the UK capital.

Taking place from September 16th – 29the September 2023, China Exchange Centre will host this groundbreaking event, a collaboration between Shanghai Design Week and the London Design Festival. As well as being a global celebration of Chinese creativity, D2W serves as a bridge between the design industries of China and the UK, marking a significant moment of reconnection in the post-pandemic world.

Confirmed guests for the event include notable figures such as, Neil McConnon, Director of International Partnerships at Tate, Ben Evans CBE, CEO of the London Design Festival and Janet Coyle CBE and Managing Director of Business Growth, London & Partners among others.

The London event is considered the initial networking for London creatives, designers, artists and brands to foster connections and seek out investment opportunities in Shanghai as the city prepares to become a visionary city of design empowerment by 2030.

The events keynote speaker and co-founder of the London Design Festival Ben Evans, says, “the extraordinary talent that has emerged through the capital has established London as a global design leader. Shanghai Design Week as part of the London Design Festival brings some of the best and the brightest design innovators from China to our doorstep and the start of an exciting collaboration across two leading design cities.”.

As the world navigates its evolving challenges of sustainability, climate change and a growing population, the role of design in facilitating international development within the consumer goods industry is more crucial than ever, and Design to Wonderland will lead these critical discussions.

The exhibition will feature 33 multi-disciplinary design brands from Shanghai, presenting a total of 168 exhibits. Visitors will be immersed in three distinctive thematic areas:

鲜地 FRESH: An exhibition space dedicated to sustainable design, offering fresh perspectives and innovative technologies that transcend the boundaries of imagination.

设集 D STAND: This space integrates immersive brand and retail experiences, bringing together leading brands and products that exemplify great design. It facilitates connections between brands and a diverse global ecosystem.

东西 DONGXI: Focused on artisanship, Dongxi presents contemporary, innovative representations of Chinese culture and aesthetics in design. The exhibits, curated by COMO, showcase Chinese artistry in new and inspiring ways.

Design to Wonderland will also feature a special presentation from Shanghai Fashion Week (SHFW) titled "ULIO by SHFW," spotlighting sustainability within the fashion industry and the innovative work of Chinese fashion designers.

Steve Lau, Shanghai Design Week's CEO says, “Global cities need global design solutions. Shanghai designers are excited to share knowledge, ambition and cutting-edge innovations as part of London Design Week. This collaboration marks a vital bridge connecting trailblazing designers in China and the UK, reaffirming the importance of collaboration and dialogue in shaping the future of design on a global scale.”.

About Shanghai Design Week:

Shanghai Design Week (SHDW) has evolved into a global platform that showcases the meeting of design, culture, and commerce. This multidisciplinary design event, supported by the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Information Technology, is dedicated to celebrating design's essential role in the evolution and resilience of global cities. In 2010, Shanghai joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and was awarded the title of "Creative City of Design."

Press launch invitation – 16th September 2023
Time: 10am – 12pm
Venue: China Exchange, 32A Gerrard Street, London, W1D 6JA
Please rsvp: susie@avocadosweets.com