Dezeen's Benedict Hobson picks out six Chinese design studios and brands that made an impression at the Design China Beijing trade show earlier this month.
Design China Beijing featured over 200 exhibitors including a host of international brands, but also a significant contingent of design studios and companies based in China.
"We want Design China Beijing to become the platform that fosters design discourse and addresses the critical issues facing Chinese designers and brands today," show director Tan Zhuo told Dezeen.
The fair featured several emerging Chinese studios and brands, alongside more established names, each of which draw from Chinese culture in different ways to produce contemporary furniture and lighting.
Here is Dezeen chief content officer Hobson's selection of the top six Chinese designers and brands at the show:
Frank Chou Design Studio
Local designer Frank Chou presented a trio of new products at Design China Beijing ? a new lamp, a coffee table and a seating collection called Combo.
Comprising a sofa and an armchair, the series features rectangular cushions upholstered with fabrics in a variety of contrasting colours and textures.
"For me, furniture is very important. Furniture is a kind of sculpture in people's everyday life ? sculpture you can touch, sculpture that you can surround yourself with," Chou told Dezeen.
Born and educated in Beijing, Chou has become one of China's best-known independent designers. He said he felt a r...