In the global fashion industry, the innovative use of cultural heritage has become a key driver of design innovation. Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General, has emphasised UNESCO’s work on intangible cultural heritage, by stating:

"Respecting heritage is not only about safeguarding it now; it is also about making it known to future generations. This means ensuring that young people can appropriate heritage, take pride in it, and renew it."

For emerging designers, international platforms offer not only opportunities to showcase their creativity but also vital avenues for cross-cultural learning and understanding diverse design perspectives.

The year 2025 marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and China. Over the years, both countries have strengthened their cooperation in culture, education, and the arts. Istituto Marangoni Milano has maintained long-standing collaborations with the China National Silk Museum and the Italian Consulate in Shanghai, providing young talents with an international stage for cross-cultural learning and practice. The “2025 China-Italy Fashion & Art Exchange” was held within this context, aiming to foster creative dialogue between young designers from both countries through the fusion of silk culture and contemporary fashion design.

Cultural Exchange: Istituto Marangoni Milano students Meet Chinese Fashion

In July 2025, five students from the Fashion Design & Accessories course at Istituto Marangoni Milano—Ayda Mahdavi, Nadia Andreea Alecu, Wang Vige, Erez Bitton, and Renato Caggiano—were invited to participate in the “2025 China-Italy Fashion & Art Exchange” in Hangzhou, China.

This event, jointly launched by the China National Silk Museum, Istituto Marangoni Milano, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, the Italian Consulate in Shanghai, and CCTV (China Central Television), aims to promote cultural exchange between Italy and China while encouraging the innovative revitalisation of traditional heritage.

For the students, this event represents an international platform to showcase their designs and an opportunity to explore traditional Chinese cultural elements, integrating them into contemporary fashion design, and bridging heritage and modernity.

The young designers actively participated in creative workshops, collaborating with Chinese fashion companies to produce innovative pieces inspired by cultural heritage. They also had the opportunity to visit the China National Silk Museum and gain a deeper understanding of the history and craftsmanship of silk. Additionally, they toured leading local brands to observe international operations and design approaches, and they engaged with mentors and industry professionals to gather creative insights.

As a result, the young creatives developed practical skills in visual storytelling, brand communication, and cross-cultural project management.

The creations developed through this exchange project will be showcased at the Silk Road Cultural Heritage Innovation Fashion Show in Beijing in October 2025, as well as in an exhibition in Italy in 2026.

The “2025 China-Italy Fashion & Art Exchange” not only served as a major platform for cultural dialogue but also provided emerging designers with unique opportunities for cross-cultural creation and international practice. Istituto Marangoni Milano remains committed to supporting its students’ development on the global fashion stage, fostering new possibilities at the intersection of traditional heritage and contemporary design.

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From Milano to Hangzhou: the 2025 China-Italy Fashion & Art Exchange