Fresh Wave of Chinese Design Talent at Shanghai Fashion Week

Shanghai Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025 kicks off on October 9, showcasing a new wave of Chinese design talent and distinguished international brands, aiming to promote global fashion collaboration.

As the opening show of Fashion Week, former supermodel turned designer Lu Yan will present her COMME MOI brand with a glamorous show that draws inspiration from contemporary artist James Turrell. This season, the collection plays with dramatic light and color to create a mesmerizing atmosphere, embodying the multi-faceted nature of modern femininity.

“Whatever path you choose, you have to walk it yourself — there are no shortcuts,” Lu said.

The week ends with a stunning finale from iconic British designer brand Vivienne Westwood, known for her bold, punk-inspired designs and independent spirit. Westwood’s commitment to sustainability will resonate throughout the presentation. With a mantra of “buy less, choose well, make it last”, the brand encourages the audience to consider the impact of fashion while enjoying a visual feast that celebrates creativity and awareness.

This season, Shanghai Fashion Week continues to emphasize the rich expression of Chinese culture in the world of fashion.

Fashion brand Ao Yes will unveil its latest collection on Oct. 13, with co-founder Liu Yansong showcasing an “Oriental boudoir” theme that balances subtlety and boldness. “The new Chinese style can be uniquely defined by everyone, reflecting our 5,000 years of culture with confidence and openness,” he said. The brand aims to connect with younger consumers through a fun, accessible expression of Eastern culture that is in line with modern life.

Designer Chen Anqi travelled extensively to rediscover nearly lost crafts, weaving traditional art and culture into her designs after three years of exploration.

This season will also see the spotlight on brands such as STAFFONLY, XIAOLI, JUDYHUA and PANTTERFLY, representing the diverse voices of Chinese design. Emerging talents such as YA YI, HANQING DING and JE CAI will make their debuts, while HLA will present its “Mountains Are Not High” collection, drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese poetry and painting to reinterpret classic elements.

The 18th season of LABELHOOD Pioneer Fashion and Art Festival will kick off at Rock Bund, hosting fashion launches, exhibitions and lifestyle bazaars. This season showcases the latest works from 16 Chinese designer brands, including newcomers such as Rè Shuǐ, ili node, JOYCE BAO and HENGDI WANG, each bringing a fresh perspective and vibrant creativity to the Chinese design landscape.

As part of the fun, the KIDS WEAR show will showcase the “Infinite Cube,” encouraging children to explore the unknown with their boundless curiosity, providing a platform where imagination can flourish.

Additionally, KNWLS will debut in China at the modern concept store ENG, where it will present a limited-edition collection that explores the future of feminist fashion.

As Shanghai Fashion Week comes to a close on October 19, Italian brand Moncler will present an immersive event, Moncler Genius, which will bring together creatives from different fields and promote collaborations in the areas of design, luxury, fashion, art and entertainment.

“This is not just a fashion show; it is a dialogue between cultures, a clash of creativity,” said Patrick Cha, President of Moncler (Shanghai) Trading Co. “Moncler’s decision to host this year’s event in Shanghai, where its first flagship store opened 15 years ago, reflects the city’s dynamic spirit and commitment to excellence. The event will provide a unique, multi-sensory experience, allowing attendees to discover the rich mosaic of global fashion.”

As the cornerstone of Shanghai Fashion Week’s procurement season, MODE will be relocated to the city’s new landmark Yi Fung Place. This season, it will be a professional showroom platform, bringing together official collaborators such as HCH, TUDOO, XIN SHOWROOM and BRIDAL MODA, as well as industry partners such as Yuyi, HATTERS’HUB and MIX SHOWROOM, and South Korean newcomers such as showroom by VIOLET and Ledome.

There was an impressive increase in foreign participation, with over 50 percent of exhibitors coming from countries such as France, the UK, the US, Germany and Italy. Notably, emerging brands from South Korea and Southeast Asia brought designs and market insights, attracting attention and driving interest in the Chinese market.

“Shanghai Fashion Week’s international projects not only fuel the startup economy, but also strengthen global fashion collaboration. We are committed to nurturing emerging designers and fostering partnerships with international brands,” said Liu Min, deputy director of the Shanghai Commerce Commission. “We will continue to implement policies that support new launches and invite foreign brands to collaborate with our local talents. Our goal is to showcase both international brands and the innovative spirit of young Chinese designers on the global stage.”