This month will see the UK debut of a global collaboration to showcase the best of Chinese creativity and design, in the form of a pop-up shop introducing the UK to 32 leading Eastern brands that fuse Chinese aesthetic with contemporary design.

The exhibition, in Covent Garden from 16th – 25th November, aims to force a reappraisal of the stereotypical ‘Made in China’ perception, replacing Chinese production with Chinese creativity. The exclusive preview of top authentic Chinese brands will showcase the international production quality and craftsmanship emerging from China.

The preview of lifestyle brands on offer represent Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, including many established and designed by award-winning names and exhibited at internationally renowned exhibitions such as the Milan Triennale.

Ranging from traditional craft to fashion design, the participating brands all reflect Chinese cultural traditions whilst also embodying the more contemporary generation of creative design. For the first time, products such as organic foods and health products will also appear in London as a result of the increasing fusion between Eastern and Western lifestyles.

The 11-day exhibition will also host a series of masterclasses and workshops, free to the public, immersing visitors in the art of Chinese mixology using the famous Baijiu spirit, traditional tea-making combined with aromatherapy, embroidery workshops and more.

Yiyang Xu, London-based Chinese entrepreneur and organiser of the event, comments:
“We are proud to bring this exciting Art of Chinese Living installation to the UK and hope that it will be a platform to strengthen our business relationships with the UK and forge exciting retail collaborations. We aim to launch and nurture more Chinese brands in the Western market, fulfilling the demand for individual and distinctive products among London consumers.”

A few of the brands taking part include:

• Hundred Crafts, Baigong Zaowu – Created by Cong Ma, Chinese artist and designer, who won the Red Dot Award (2016): Best of the Best with his “ECHO” design and was the first Chinese designer invited to Milan Design Week and Triennale Design Week for solo exhibition. He draws on China’s diverse cultural heritage, with his range inspired by natural Chinese icons, for example his emerald green tea sets based on the famed Porcelain Tower in Nanjing, a magnificent 15th century pagoda.

• FLUX – Known for elegant and luxurious lamps, inspired by the ancient Chinese fan which was traditionally round and has been reinterpreted into sophisticated home lighting made from layers of Xuan rice paper and silk.

• Yiyang Yisheng – Created by young designer Xiang Xiangfei whose work explores a central theme of time and emotion in order to create pieces that connect with people and evolve organically over time with their owners.

• YAANG LIFE – Established by designer Yang Wang, and fast becoming one of China’s most influential lifestyle brands, the range includes tea and incense implements, homeware and interiors, gifts and fashion accessories

• KEYI ART – Established in 1997, Keyi’s designs draw on Chinese traditional culture such as the famous classic novel the “Dream of Red Mansions” set in Nanjing during the Qing dynasty. With tradition at the core of its design concept, Keyi creates luxury pieces that chime with the local culture and art of Nanjing.

• Man Wuzhi – a collaboration of designers, artists, writers and artisans committed to researching and creating handmade products that revive elements of traditional folk art, for example Chinese calligraphy.

The Art of Chinese Living Exhibition will take place:
9 Shorts Gardens, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9AT
From Friday 16th – Sunday 25th November, from 9.30am to 5.30pm daily.