Inside Shanghai Fashion Week: Exploring China’s Bold Style Capital

POLICY WIRE — Shanghai, China — Art curator X Zhu-Nowell recently reflected on the enduring influence of Chinese American writer Eileen Chang while enjoying traditional breakfast staples inside an Art Deco museum building in Shanghai.

During the tail-end of Shanghai Fashion Week, visitors explored the city’s distinct style identity, which stands out for its adventurous and intensely personal street fashion compared to other Chinese metropolitan areas.

Zhu-Nowell serves as executive director and chief curator of the Rockbund Art Museum, a five-story brick structure originally renovated by British architect David Chipperfield in 2010 that anchors a historic neighborhood rich with Art Deco architecture.

The surrounding Rockbund area has transformed into a vibrant backdrop for fashion enthusiasts, drawing numerous photo shoots featuring everything from brides in wedding dresses to older residents embracing classic glamour.

Sixty-nine-year-old resident Didi noted that locals tend to embrace forward-looking fashion choices while maintaining youthful spirits and a polished aesthetic.

Influencer Abigail Man highlighted that individuals in Shanghai show a greater willingness to adopt bold visual statements compared to residents in other urban centers.

Landon Du, project director of Shanghai Fashion Week’s organizing committee, emphasized that China’s fashion ecosystem benefits from youth across brands, designers, and audiences alike.

Designers Samuel Guì Yang and co-founder Erit Litzén showcased collections that merge Eastern and Western visual codes, contributing to a broader cultural movement centered on national creative confidence.

The label recently established its first physical storefront on Julu Road, located in a tree-lined corridor within the city’s former French quarter.

Visitor Ma Xue Li remarked that local fashion represents a fearless way of life where individuals feel liberated from traditional social expectations.

The Osschaert label surprised attendees with an unconventional theatrical presentation addressing memory and loss through white garment prototypes rather than a conventional runway walk.

Richard Chan, head of product development and design at Disney’s fashion department in Shanghai, observed that local brands increasingly connect with audiences through immersive storytelling.

Du noted that Shanghai Fashion Week featured over 80 runway presentations, reflecting a decade of maturation in which domestic labels have developed distinctive brand identities.

Designer Mark Gong presented a romantic collection featuring bouncy, flirty skirts that has captured the attention of global celebrities like Rihanna, Charli XCX, and Jennie.

Samuel Guì Yang drew inspiration from the 1990s Hong Kong film Green Snake alongside landscape paintings by Southern Song dynasty artist Ma Yuan for their latest fluid designs.

Adidas hosted a high-octane event at the ROJO Art Space featuring running models, tennis court activations, and detailed touches like branded bamboo serving baskets.

The Shushu/Tong runway featured a distinctly girly aesthetic paired with quasi-nerd retro styling and voluminous bubble skirts.

Backstage at Youtopia, Labelhood co-founder Tasha Liu emphasized that emerging Chinese designers are increasingly staying true to their cultural roots.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)