Quick Takeaways
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Growing Global Attention: Shanghai Fashion Week is gaining recognition, with increased visibility for local designers and a higher turnout of Western reporters, indicating a shift in the global fashion landscape.
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Resilience Amid Adversity: Despite a volatile market leading to fewer shows and reduced foot traffic, Shanghai’s designers are adapting with innovative and commercially viable collections.
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Diverse Talent Showcase: Notable collections came from emerging designers like WeiRan, Joyce Bao, and GG in Red, who pushed creative boundaries and showcased unique design aesthetics.
- Sustainability and Style: Designers like Karmuel Young and Lin Guan from Short Sentence emphasize modular and comfortable fashion, proving that sustainability and commercial appeal can coexist successfully.
Everything You May Have Missed From Fall 2025 Shanghai Fashion Week
SHANGHAI — “I had no idea they were cooking this hard there!” That was the buzz in my Instagram inbox while I reported from Shanghai Fashion Week. As the event follows the Paris collections closely, it often flies under the radar. However, that trend is shifting.
This season marked my fourth time in Shanghai, and I noticed more Western reporters attending. Increased recognition for brands like Mark Gong and Shushu/Tong played a significant role. Celebrities such as Jennie and Olivia Rodrigo have spotlighted these labels, boosting their global visibility. While the Chinese market remains volatile, local talents demonstrate resilience.
Despite fewer shows and reduced foot traffic, this season thrived on creativity. Shanghai designers are navigating challenges by focusing on commercial aspects. Additionally, international brands, including Gucci and Prada, hosted prominent exhibitions. Prada even launched its first stand-alone dining experience in Asia.
Top Collections of the Week
One standout moment came from WeiRan at her “Y3K” show. A recent Parsons graduate, she introduced her label Weiraen with a stunning collection inspired by Hieronymus Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights. WeiRan’s daring designs showcased her ambition to create a unique made-to-order business.
Emerging Designers
Labelhood’s Lab showroom featured fresh talents this season. Designer Joyce Bao returned with a whimsical collection characterized by artful laces. GG in Red, a Central Saint Martins graduate, impressed with menswear that blended old-world charm and contemporary styles.
Boho Vibes
Ili Node and Xu Zhi embraced bohemian aesthetics this year. Node’s designs featured moody layers, while Zhi drew inspiration from the lively yet carefree 1970s. Both collections appealed to the curiosities of Chinese consumers.
Sustainable Fashion
Hong Kong designer Karmuel Young presented an innovative take on workwear. His modular jumpsuit transforms effortlessly into separate pieces. This highlights a trend toward sustainable fashion without sacrificing style or function.
Commercial Success
Short Sentence, celebrating a decade in business, showcased a vibrant collection. Their colorful knits and playful styles offered fresh wardrobe inspiration. Designer Lin Guan, a Calvin Klein alum, prioritizes comfort and creativity, proving that commercial can be chic.
Lu Yan also made waves with her brand Comme Moi. After over a decade, she continues to captivate audiences with polished runway shows reflective of her sophisticated aesthetic.
Shanghai Fashion Week’s growing reputation signals a shift in the fashion landscape. Designers and brands pursue innovation while balancing creativity and consumer interests. The event may not have reached the heights of its Western counterparts yet, but its momentum is undeniable.
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