Interview: Young designers key for future of fashion world: Italian expert

Honorary president of the National Chamber of Italian Fashion, Mario Boselli, said that young designers are the key for the future of Italian fashion industry, stressing the importance of talent cultivation and platform exchanges with China.

He made the remarks in a recent interview with Xinhua.

"I made my first trip to China as the vice president of International Silk Association in 1978, I witness the big changes and differences in China," he said, referring to the rapid development of Chinese urban construction and the changes in lifestyle. "China was and still is very important to the silk production in the world," he added.

Boselli was thrice elected as the president of the Italian Fashion Chamber since 1999. He stepped down from the position in April and has dedicated himself to international cooperation with the chamber as its honorary president.

"We are facing many challenges in the Italian fashion, but most importantly, we crave a new generation of designers with new creativity which is vital in the future," he said.

Boselli said young Italian designers ought to meet the requirements of the new customer, which is becoming the mainstream consumer in China.

The National Chamber of Italian Fashion has launched several training projects for Italian young designers and start-ups.

Last week, Boselli was nominated as ambassador for the Shanghai Fashion Week in Milan Expo, with a mission to bring more Italian brands into China and promote bilateral cooperation.

"Through our cooperation with Chinese organizations, like China Fashion Association and Tsinghua University, I met many talented young people," he said, "Chinese designers have their own originality, it's something connected to the Chinese traditions and culture, which is very positive."

As ambassador of the Shanghai Fashion Week, Boselli will devote himself to communication and exchanges between young designers from both countries. Endit