“I had no idea they were stepping up their game like this!” That was the message waiting in my Instagram inbox while I was covering Shanghai Fashion Week. Because it follows right after Paris Fashion Week and doesn’t get the same social media buzz as Western shows, Shanghai’s event often flies under the radar—but that’s starting to change.

This was my fourth time covering Shanghai Fashion Week, and I’ve never seen so many international journalists in attendance. With rising global recognition for brands like Mark Gong and Shushu/Tong (thanks to celebrity fans like Jennie, Sydney Sweeney, and Olivia Rodrigo), Shanghai’s fashion scene is gaining well-deserved attention. That said, China’s unpredictable market has hit the local industry hard—this season had fewer shows and lighter foot traffic than usual.

The silver lining? Shanghai’s designers have shown incredible resilience, with some focusing on commercial appeal while others pushed creative boundaries. International brands also made a strong showing, with exhibitions from Loro Piana, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana, plus the debut of Prada’s first standalone dining concept in Asia. Here’s what stood out this season:

**Top Collections**

**WeiRan’s Futuristic Vision**
Parsons grad WeiRan made waves with her second runway show, presenting avant-garde “Y3K” designs inspired by Hieronymus Bosch’s *The Garden of Earthly Delights*. Instead of chasing commercial trends, she’s doubling down on bold creativity to build her made-to-order business.

**Emerging Talent to Know**
Labelhood’s Lab showroom spotlighted fresh faces like Joyce Bao, whose dreamy lace designs dazzled, and GG in Red, a Central Saint Martins grad blending old-world craftsmanship with modern menswear in wool and raw silk.

**Boho Goes East**
Ili Node and Xu Zhi brought bohemian flair to Shanghai—Node with moody, layered silhouettes and Zhi with a playful 1970s-inspired take that avoided fussy details.

**Sustainable Innovation**
Hong Kong’s Karmuel Young, a SustAsia prize finalist, reimagined workwear with a modular jumpsuit that transforms into separates—proof that eco-friendly design can be sleek, not clunky.

**Celebrating Commercial Appeal**
Short Sentence marked its 10th anniversary with a standout collection of colorful knits and clever twists on classics, while Comme Moi (founded by supermodel Lu Yan) cemented its status as a Shanghai staple.

Shanghai’s fashion scene may face challenges, but its creativity and ambition are undeniable. This season proved the city’s designers are ready for the global stage.She plans her week meticulously, crafting glamorous runway shows and collections that reflect her own stylish persona—it’s no surprise she has admirers across China.