Shanghai Fashion Week (SHFW) has just announced its new schedule. Kicking off on 9 October, it runs for over a week, closing ten days later on 19 October.
Domestic highlights include the opening runway featuring local brand Comme Moi helmed by Chinese supermodel Lu Yan, and the return of designer Angel Chen—absent from the fashion scene for many years—who collaborates with the beverage brand Chagee.
Puffer couturier Chen Peng will debut an exclusive G-Class art project with Mercedes-Benz while menswear brand Staffonly, Short Sentence, and Xiao Li are all names to look out for. Several exciting designers debuting on the main stage include Ya Yi, Hanqing Din, and J E Cai. The showcasing platform Labelhood will host 16 homegrown names across runways, presentations, exhibitions, and lifestyle pop-ups. New brands on its roster include Joyce Bao, Ili Node, Rè Shuǐ, and Hengdi Wang.
Global presence comes in the form of events from the Italian luxury house Moncler (which brings its immersive Moncler Genius event to the fashion week) and Vivienne Westwood. Fast fashion retailer H&M will use the Shanghai Fashion Weekend—a series of innovative and experiential activities that engage various shopping districts and landmarks —to launch a temporary store. This marks the first offline sales of their collaborative series with SHFW and local label Garçon By Garçon. British retailer Harrods will host its fifth edition of The Harrods Hive including talks, exhibitions, and mentorship sessions for emerging talent. Also taking place at this time, Sir Paul Smith will open a flagship store during the event at The Bund Finance Center.
Sustainability remains a key pillar of SHFW’s mission. This season, it takes groundbreaking action to implement a more sustainable runway; such efforts include utilizing eco-friendly materials, minimizing waste, and implementing recycling practices. By adopting these environmental, social, and governance (ESG) solutions, the event hopes to inspire more fashion brands to engage in green initiatives and drive the fashion industry towards a more sustainable future. Discussions on sustainable business practices will bring together leading designers, industry associations, and sustainability advocates. Shan Future Forum from the agency Yehyehyeh will return, gathering global experts to discuss how the fashion industry can evolve in the face of climate challenges and resource scarcity.
Finally, showrooms and B2B platforms are the backbone of SHFW. This season, the official Mode Shanghai trade show will debut in the Hongqiao business district’s newly established Yi Fung Center—from Hong Kong’s real estate company Nanfung Group. Additional showrooms on the line-up include Showroom Shanghai, Tube, Not, Bridal Moda, and the Ontimeshow trade show.