The question is always the same: made in Italy is still going strong, and how, even in design, and the know-how of the boot, in addition to its well-attended events such as the Milan Furniture Fair, is still the most appreciated on the planet. What to learn from and on which to rely for your own creative activity.
The Chinese architect and designer Chi Wing Lo knows something about it, a pioneer of the great China-Italy leap when no one was doing it yet. from Dubai to Singapore) and has made more than one of Saloni and Fuorisaloni.
He who, born in Hong Kong, graduated from Harvard (where he obtained a Master's degree in architecture with a prize for the best thesis) and resident in Athens (?!), first lent his talent for many years to Giorgetti, a furniture company and design of Meda, and who now – remaining in the province of Como – works with his own brand, in partnership with the Maroni woodworking company which gives material life to his designs.
“Nothing but a crisis – confirms the Chinese architect-designer -: Italy is still at the forefront in terms of know-how, quality, offer, high technology and attention to detail, which I would define as perfectionist”. But how long will it last, given the advance of new markets such as the Chinese one? "Although I may believe that the Italian leadership is still absolute, also considering the training and culture for this kind of sector which are still lacking abroad, I must sincerely say that the change will take place in a short time".
How come? “Because the ability to work manually is disappearing, and this was one of the great Italian traditions. By now we study too much and think of doing everything with the PC. Furthermore, many countries, including China, are starting to grow, to train, perhaps even by coming to study in Italy". So will China be the new frontier? “Possible, given the pace of economic growth, but it is also not said because we still lack a certain type of mentality. I would rather focus on a return to high levels of the United States, which in recent years have disappeared a bit but remain the best country in the world in providing education”.
Speaking of economic growth, it is possible that according to a research commissioned by Assoarredo at the Milan Polytechnic there is a growing number of Italian wood-furniture companies investing in China, precisely thanks to the high reputation that Italian products can still enjoy, but that at the same time between January and August 2012 China represented only the 13th export market for Italy? “Yes, because the design market in China is still too niche. Only the rich can afford to buy certain items and therefore focus on luxury, preferring big brands, to maintain and flaunt their social status".
A curiosity: but after her how many Chinese designers have made the leap to come to Italy? “To tell the truth, until a few years ago I was still the only one”. Seriously? “Yes yes, even if now the young people are starting to come”. If we don't go to them first.
