Transition sought

"I have known China for more than 40 years, and China developed in this way, at first, in the 1970s, '80s, and even part of the '90s, the goal was to produce more and more. Then, instead, it became more selective. Today, the products presented in China are… very new, important and creative, and they have access to international markets," said Boselli, who is now serving as the honorary president of the National Chamber of Italian Fashion.

"This is China's new trend that I believe to be positive and that will continue in the future."

As China seeks to transition from "made in China" to "designed and created in China", Shanghai's stature in China's fashion and design industry has raised eyebrows worldwide including in Milan, a city known for its vibrant fashion industry highlighting glamorous fashion shows and top luxury brands.

Earlier this year, an exhibition organized by Shanghai Design Week landed in Milan for the first time. Themed "Designing Dragon, Fusion of Tradition & Innovation", the seven-day event in April featured 27 fashion consumer brands, including clothing, accessories, skin care products, and household items, primarily from Shanghai.