Alessio Ascari discusses Capsule Plaza arrival in Shanghai

Event details and location specifics

The annual roaming event takes over the IYOUTH STUDIO space for five days. This marks the first time Capsule Plaza visits Shanghai after holding four editions in Milan. The next stop is scheduled for Tokyo in 2025. Ascari founded both KALEIDOSCOPE and Capsule to translate design ideas into physical spaces.

Local design ecosystem observations

Ascari noted a strong collision between tradition and innovation within the current Shanghai creative scene. He highlighted independent studios where young creators practice outside mainstream channels like Mario Tsai. The industrial designer opened his own space to build a platform for specific work ideas. Ascari also expressed interest in Atelier Guo and their distinct architectural approach to local projects.

Institutional partnerships and history

The founder praised cultural programming at Prada Rong Zhai and the stunning architecture of that building. Curator X Zhu-Nowell works at the Rockbund Art Museum where David Chipperfield handled the renovation. Ascari pointed out a long history of exchange between Chinese aesthetics and Italian fashion collections. Giorgio Armani utilized Chinese influences in his collections during the 1980s and 1990s decades.