Italian knitwear brand Stefanel is poised to expand in China taking its chain to 50 stores in the mainland’s department stores and shopping malls.

Stefanel has signed a five year joint venture with Chinese company Carnival International for distribution of its products and to open stores in China and Taiwan. An affiliated company of Taiwanese corporation Yulon Group, Carnival International also distributes global brands such as Armani and Diesel.

“The Chinese market has enormous potential and it’s crucial to be present there,” said Stefanel president Giuseppe Stefanel.

Stefanel, which has four stores in Changsa, Nanjing and Shanghai, will open the first new stores in Chengdu, Beijing and Shenyang in spring 2012. Outside China’s mainland, it is present in South Korea, Japan and Hong Kong.

The stores’ design will be based on a template by London-based architectural company Sybarite which characterises the values and exalts Stefanel’s collections.

Stefanel operated by Stefanel Group since 1982 focuses on ethically sourced and eco-friendly products and materials.