The reason why California became the “design center of the world” in 1950’s, is because some European designers became very famous, and then they wanted to live in Southern California, to live near the movie stars. Many designers moved to California from all over the world. This is all documented. The American companies also tried to make their own California designers become famous too, and even a team of all women designers was advertised to make them famous, and increase the idea of ‘California Design’.
Wherever the best designers move to - that becomes the capital of the design world. The best designers are moving to China now. Simple logic really.
I apologize if my discussion made anyone angered. My meaning was to discuss where in the world design will move to. I do not think it is ‘misguided nationalism’ to hope that design capital of the world is near my home? Every designer wishes their country has all the design!