Shanghai Fashion Week 2023 was a vibrant and international affair, bringing together renowned designers and emerging talents from around the globe. The city pulsed with a contagious energy, fueled by the excitement surrounding the latest collections and the anticipation of the season’s hottest trends.
International Stars Light Up Shanghai
The week kicked off with a flurry of international names making their mark on the Shanghai scene. Vivienne Westwood, known for her bold and unconventional designs, showcased her spring collection, captivating audiences with her signature style. Daniel Roseberry, the creative director of Schiaparelli, hosted an exclusive dinner, bringing a touch of Parisian elegance to the city. Kiko Kostadinov, renowned for his innovative collaborations, held a special dinner celebrating his partnership with ASICS. And Rick Owens, a designer known for his darkly romantic aesthetics, threw a series of pre-show parties that kept the city buzzing with anticipation.
Homegrown Talents Take Center Stage
While international names stole the spotlight, Shanghai Fashion Week was also a celebration of homegrown talent. Vogue China crowned Louis Shengtao Chen the winner of the second edition of the Vogue China Fashion Fund, highlighting his promising future in the industry. Jacques Wei and Samuel Guì Yang both presented stunning off-calendar shows, demonstrating the rising power of Chinese designers on the global fashion scene. Yayi Chen Zhou made her runway debut to great fanfare, showcasing her unique vision. Ximon Lee’s steamy runway show and after-party kept the energy high, setting the stage for a memorable night of fashion and celebration.
Moncler Genius: An Unforgettable Spectacle
The highlight of the week, however, was undeniably the Moncler Genius event. Held at a historic shipyard along the Huangpu River, the spectacle was a testament to the brand’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries. The event attracted an estimated 8,000 guests, filling a space spanning over 300,000 square feet. Rumors circulated about the event’s hefty production cost, estimated at €30 million, highlighting the scale and ambition of the production.
The event featured a star-studded lineup of designers, including Rick Owens, who showcased his signature darkly romantic aesthetic with a mesmerizing interstellar installation. The highlight of the evening was a performance by rapper A$AP Rocky, bringing the energy of the event to a fever pitch.
Rick Owens: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Rick Owens, with his partner Michèle Lamy, was a force to be reckoned with at Shanghai Fashion Week. Their presence was felt throughout the week, culminating in the Moncler Genius event. The couple hosted several pre-event parties, including a rave the night before the Moncler show, leaving a lasting impression on the Shanghai fashion community.
“I love China,” Owens declared with enthusiasm after the show, reflecting the positive reception he received from the Chinese fashion scene. His popularity in China is undeniable, and his presence at Shanghai Fashion Week cemented his status as a global fashion icon.
A Future of Fashion Brilliance
Shanghai Fashion Week 2023 showcased the dynamic evolution of the fashion industry, merging international influence with homegrown talent. With its vibrant energy, innovative collections, and captivating events, it cemented its place as a global fashion powerhouse. As the week came to a close, anticipation for the next season began to build, leaving the fashion world wondering what new and exciting trends will emerge from the vibrant heart of Shanghai.