Shanghai Fashion Week (SHFW) has officially kicked off its Fall 2025 season, which will run through March 31. While Chinese designers such as Mark Gong and Ao Yes continue to play a pivotal role in the event’s programming, designers from other East Asian countries are increasingly making a noticeable impact. In particular, brands from Japan, Vietnam, and Korea are bringing fresh perspectives and global appeal to the runway.
The Seoul-based brand Andersson Bell made a notable debut last October, and this Fall 2025 edition promises an even broader international representation. Platforms like Labelhood are championing emerging talent, with one standout being Le Ngok. Led by Carla Zhang, a China-born, Philippines-raised designer, the brand is celebrated for its whimsical and artistic patchwork designs that combine bold colors and textures.
Vietnamese label LSoul has earned a spot on the official schedule, showcasing its grunge-glam aesthetic and attracting high-profile celebrity clients, including Blackpink’s Jennie and Lisa, Katy Perry, and Bella Poarch. Additionally, MIK (Made In Korea) Fashion is elevating Korean fashion with a dynamic showcase of 12 top Korean brands.
Streetwear continues to carve out space at SHFW, with Hypebeast’s Hyperoom showroom offering a platform for Seoul-based Thugclub, which boasts a devoted underground following, as well as Project G/R, another Seoul-based label, and Tokyo’s Libere.
While the Spring 2025 edition was marked by high-profile global activations such as Moncler’s star-studded event with A$AP Rocky and Rihanna, and a Vivienne Westwood show, the Fall 2025 season sees fewer international fashion houses — with the notable exception of Dolce & Gabbana, who is hosting a conversation with Susan Fang. However, global brands like Disney and Nike still engage through curated events, and Boss aligns its Shanghai store opening with both the Chinese Grand Prix and Fashion Week.
As SHFW continues to carve out its identity, it faces competition from the established fashion capitals of Paris, London, Milan, and New York. Each of these cities holds its own distinction — Paris and Milan represent luxury powerhouses, London is known for its emerging talent, and New York is a commercial fashion hub. Shanghai, however, is positioning itself as a platform that celebrates the dynamism and creativity of East Asian fashion.
This season, over 200 brands and nearly 1,000 trade shows will take place, surpassing Paris in scale. While the sheer volume of events raises questions about the focus and coherence of the overall experience, SHFW’s growing international participation — with half of the participants coming from overseas — solidifies its place as a premier platform for East Asian fashion.
SHFW’s commitment to showcasing non-Chinese designers is a testament to the region’s growing influence on the global fashion stage. By supporting talent from Vietnam, Korea, and other neighboring countries, the event not only enriches its own fashion landscape but also fosters cross-cultural collaborations that resonate worldwide.
While international brands like Moncler and Vivienne Westwood continue to bring prestige and global attention to Shanghai, there is a growing potential for a more curated approach that focuses on the region’s unique fashion narratives and innovations. By highlighting emerging designers, Asian talent, and culturally rich storytelling, SHFW is establishing itself as a compelling alternative to established fashion weeks.
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