Shanghai Fashion Week kicks off this Wednesday in the nation’s style capital, with dozens of local brands, a Vivienne Westwood show and a Moncler Genius event to climax the busy season.
 

A leading local star Lu Yan will open the catwalk action with her brand, Comme Moi, and a collection inspired by contemporary artist James Turrell, known for dramatic interplay of light and color.
 
While the 12-day season will feature the renowned British designer brand Vivienne Westwood with an October 17 show. One of the few remaining truly independent fashion houses, the brand still embodies founder Vivienne Westwood’s rebellious punk spirit and her commitment to environmental awareness through the Vivienne Westwood Foundation.

Westwood will be joined by fellow London-based label KNWLS, making its debut in China at ENG Concept Store, hosting a KNWLS X ENG Pop-up launch, exploring the future of feminist fashion.
 
On October 19, luxury Italian brand Moncler will bring its immersive Moncler Genius event to Shanghai, wrapping up the fashion week with its celebration of creativity. Since its inception in 2018, Moncler Genius has pushed the boundaries of collaboration, becoming a pioneering platform that unites luxury, design, fashion, art, and entertainment, and this year, it will continue its journey in the vibrant city of Shanghai.
 
In other activities, Chinese designer Angel Chen returns to Shanghai Fashion Week with her label, this time collaborating with Chinese beverage brand Change to bring together traditional craftsmanship and modern design, offering a fresh interpretation of Chinese aesthetics. Staffonly, Xiaoli, Judyhua, Short Sentence, Damowang and Pantterfly will take center stage at the main venue Xintiandi, an affluent car-free shopping and dining district. Among the emerging designers to note making debuts are Ya Yi, Hanqing Ding, and J E Cai.
 
Elsewhere, at Rockbund contemporary art museum, there will be Labelhood, a series of runways, presentations, exhibitions, and lifestyle pop-ups. This season, 16 young Chinese brands, including newcomers Rè Shuǐ, ili node, Joyce Bao and Hengdi Wang will present their collections, bringing fresh creative energy to the Chinese scene. Shanghai Fashion Week’s Glam showcase at New Bund 31 will present 12 brands specializing in modern Chinese garments and international bridal and evening couture. Under the spotlight, designers such as Shicongjin, Amusée Moi, and You Ji Young Haute Couture will debut their work in Shanghai.
 
Shanghai Fashion Week has also deepened its international collaborations. Hence Visa, a partner since 2017, will launch the Visa Creator Program, designed to pave the path to future catwalks displays by talented locals.
 
The season continue its partnership with Mercedes-Benz, and includes a Stronger Than Me event in the Museum of Art Pudong at which Lu Yan, the designer behind Comme Moi, will showcase a collab’ with the iconic G-Class vehicle. Additionally, Chinese designer Chen Peng will debut his exclusive G-Class art project, further merging the modern with the classic.
 
Anchoring the fashion trade season, the Mode Shanghai Fashion Trade Show, will debut this season at the newly established Yi Fung Center.  While other trade platforms will stage activities across key venues, including the Shanghai West Bund Art Center, Shanghai Exhibition Center, Chenfeng Fashion Creative Industrial Park and Yi Fung Center.
 
And finally, British retailer Harrods will host the fifth edition of The Harrods Five in Fotografiska Shanghai, exploring “Differentiators & Disruptive Experiences” through talks, exhibitions, and mentorship sessions for emerging designers.
 
Fashion your seatbelts for a busy 12 days.