The company plans to build leather goods and accessories factories in Shanghai, extending its vertically integrated model into categories where many luxury brands have traditionally relied on specialized European suppliers.

　　The company has also strengthened its creative organization, recently appointing former Gucci creative director Sabato De Sarno as creative director. De Sarno will oversee creative direction across womenswear, menswear, accessories and eyewear, with his first collection expected for the autumn/winter 2027-28 season.

　　"In the past, Chinese companies often exported products," Yang said. "Today they are building global organizations."

　　Visitors shop at the Icicle Paris Faubourg Saint-Honore flagship store in Paris in October. CHINA DAILY

　　Made in Shanghai

　　One of Icicle's biggest differences from many luxury brands is its control over manufacturing.

　　While many luxury companies rely heavily on external suppliers, Icicle has invested in a vertically integrated production system covering fabric research and development, material sourcing, manufacturing and retail.

　　More than 80 percent of its products are manufactured in-house at two production facilities in the Shanghai region.

　　The company sources premium natural fabrics from Italy, Japan, domestically and other markets before completing manufacturing and finishing processes in Shanghai.

　　For Icicle, maintaining control over production is not only about efficiency. It is about preserving craftsmanship, shortening product-development cycles and strengthening the credibility of the brand.

　　This approach comes at a time when luxury consumers are becoming more selective.