From Vivienne Westwood’s captivating spring collection to the electrifying performances at the Moncler Genius extravaganza, Shanghai Fashion Week 2023 was an international spectacle of style, creativity, and unforgettable moments. Explore the must-see collections, the top designers, and the biggest highlights of this fashion extravaganza.
Moncler Genius, the brand’s platform for multi-faceted collaborations, transformed Shanghai into a sprawling urban jungle of creative expression. With an impressive lineup of designers, artists, and cultural icons, the event showcased a fusion of fashion, art, and technology, leaving a lasting impression on the industry.
Hong Kong-born, Berlin-based designer Ximon Lee returned to the Shanghai runway with a collection that blends youthful awkwardness with a cool, rave-ready aesthetic. Inspired by Japanese cult film ‘All About Lily Chou Chou,’ the collection embraces the tensions of youth through playful cuts and unexpected details, culminating in an after-party that showcased his designs in their natural element.
Vivienne Westwood’s return to the runway after a four-year hiatus brought a collection to Shanghai Fashion Week that mixed familiar Westwood signatures with unexpected elements, leaving some questioning the direction. While the show featured classic Westwood pieces, it also included surprising choices like athleisure, swimwear, and a single Mao suit jacket, leaving some questioning the collection’s cohesiveness.
Vivienne Westwood’s return to the runway after a four-year hiatus brought the designer’s signature style to Shanghai Fashion Week. While some looks showcased the brand’s iconic tailoring and gender-bending aesthetics, others fell flat, leaving some questioning the collection’s overall direction. The show offered a mix of ready-to-wear, athleisure, and swimwear, but the inclusion of a Mao suit jacket sparked debate about cultural sensitivity. Ultimately, it was the classic Westwood designs like tailored jackets, corsets, and signature plaid that truly captivated the audience.
Designer Ming Ma draws inspiration from the adventurous spirit and meticulous botanical illustrations of Marianne North, resulting in a spring collection that is both playful and mature. From floral prints to bead clusters, Ma blends natural fabrics with bold design elements, creating a collection that is both wearable and captivating.
Shanghai Fashion Week’s resident romantic, Louis Shengtao Chen, presented a cinematic spring collection titled ‘Echos in the Fog.’ This introspective collection, inspired by his hometown of Chongqing and the films of Lou Ye, reflects on the struggles of youth in a changing China. Chen also experimented with new techniques, resulting in his most successful collection yet.
Designer Donghui Wei, known for his opulent and artsy creations under the label Jacques Wei, returned to Shanghai Fashion Week with a collection brimming with glamour and a playful disregard for contrived narratives. His latest designs, featuring luxurious fabrics, intricate embellishments, and a touch of whimsy, highlight the designer’s unabashed love for all things extravagant. Wei’s collection showcases a clear departure from the trend of narrative-driven fashion, instead celebrating a pure, unfiltered expression of style.
Ao Yes, a rising star in the Chinese fashion scene, showcased a collection at Shanghai Fashion Week that seamlessly blends traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern design elements. Drawing inspiration from the classic romance novel ‘Fantasies Behind the Pearly Curtain,’ the designers created a collection that exudes sensuality and sophistication through sheer fabrics, billowing silhouettes, and delicate details.
