The Italian Design Day, which is a special cultural event organized by the Italian Consulate General in Guangzhou, kicked off its celebration at Xiamen University on the morning of March 3.

Designers from Italy and China gathered at the campus of XMU and engaged in presentations and talks revolving around the theme of Craftsmanship and Branding and had interesting dialogues with XMU students and teachers.

“Since the handicraft is the solid underpinning of the industries of vogue, décor and design, it is the Italian artisans with consummate skills who actually guarantee the quality and success of the products made in Italy.” So said Stefano Micelli, Associate Professor of economics and management at Ca'Foscari University of Venice, Italy, in his presentation themed Future Craftsmen.

“Italian craftsmanship is particularly worthy of learning and borrowing for China which is rapidly evolving from an industrial giant to an industrial power”, noted Lin Shengdong, Vice dean of the School of Journalism and Communication of XMU. Mr Lin also hoped that the event would connect Xiamen city and Italy, viz. linking one of the starting points of Maritime Silk Road and the hub of the Road, in an effort to promote the go-global strategy of Chinese brands.

It’s reported that the Italian Design Day of this year is the first of its kind and is part of the initiative launched by Italian Foreign Ministry as well as the embassies and consulates of Italy to celebrate Italian craftsmanship simultaneously in 100 cities across the globe. The elites from all walks of life in Italy are to be invited to the event and serve as “ambassadors” of Italian culture, who would showcase the cutting-edge designs and techniques through a wide array of activities and events.

Edited by Guo Yanyan, Long Jin

Source:http://news.xmu.edu.cn/13/80/c1644a267136/pagem.htm?from=groupmessage&isappinstalled=0