Introduction:
Get ready for sunshine, style, and a sartorial symphony! Shanghai Fashion Week has unveiled its Spring/Summer 2024 calendar, and it’s bursting with vibrant energy. We’re thrilled to invite you on a journey through nearly 100 runway shows, where established icons and fresh talents alike will paint the city with fashion’s finest brushstrokes. Imagine a kaleidoscope of creativity, where past and future mingle, East meets West, and sustainability takes center stage. Witness the magic as veteran labels like Private Policy and Xuzhi unveil their latest masterpieces, alongside exciting newcomers ready to steal the spotlight. But the runway isn’t all! Immerse yourself in a vibrant Fashion Carnival, pulsating with eco-workshops, live music, and artistic wonders. It’s a fashion fiesta for everyone, whether you’re a trendsetter or simply curious about the world of couture.
So mark your calendars, gather your fashion posse, and let’s lose ourselves in the dazzling dance of Shanghai’s Spring/Summer 2024! Buckle up, because this season promises to be truly unforgettable.
When Lorenzo Hadar, the famous Italian luxury retailer, came back to Shanghai Fashion Week after a break due to the pandemic, he noticed some impressive changes.
“The last time I was here was before the pandemic,” says Hadar. “Since then, China hasn’t been in the international fashion scene much. Now, standing in vibrant Shanghai, I’m happy to see the fashion industry here growing fast.”
Thinking about Sustainability
The recent Shanghai Fashion Week from October 8 to 16 was not your usual fashion event. It wanted to show that China is ready to redefine its fashion with a focus on being sustainable and innovative.
The eyes of the fashion world were on Shanghai, curious about the trends and messages from one of the world’s biggest markets.
Stella McCartney, a famous British designer, is known for promoting sustainable fashion. As the main international designer at the event, she shared a simple message: “It’s crucial to support new fashion designers who care about sustainability. If they don’t, our industry has a tough future.”
New Generation in Focus
Everyone agreed that the new generation is key to the future. The world needs designers who care about the planet. But in such a big and diverse country like China, with its rich culture and history, what should guide designers? Xander Zhou, a notable designer, thinks it’s about being true to yourself. “Chinese designers don’t have to stick to traditional designs. Being honest in our own expression is most important.” This feeling was clear in many collections during the week. From modern takes on ancient Chinese styles to futuristic designs, the designers showed a wide range, rooted in their culture but not limited by it.
Fashion Exhibitions:
The MODE Shanghai Fashion and Clothing Exhibition partnered with showrooms, bringing together materials, manufacturers, and brand promotion. They offer a variety for both domestic and international buyers.
Emphasis on Emotions
After the pandemic, shoppers care more about emotional connections with brands. Brands now focus on connecting with emotional and spiritual needs. Many now offer products that focus on emotions and life attitudes.
Cultural Mix and Heritage
Hadar noticed a promising trend: young Chinese designers studying abroad and then bringing a mix of Western and Eastern influences back to China. This blend enriches China’s fashion industry.
Shanghai, historically a city of diverse influences, stands as a metaphor for what’s happening in Chinese fashion — a blend of the old and new, East and West.