Shanghai Fashion Week: the Silk Road and martial arts on the runway
Nearly 1,000 brands and around 100 debuts: Shanghai Fashion Week for spring/summer 2027 is betting on Chinese craftsmanship – and on many guests from abroad.
Archive image · Photo: 406618197yang / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 (cropped and resized)
Shanghai's fashion week for spring/summer 2027 has been running since 8 October. According to business outlet Yicai, nearly 1,000 brands are presenting new collections, including almost 100 debut shows. More than half of the brands come from abroad, among them South Korea, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy and the United States. The MODE trade show in Changning district served as the commercial hub from 8 to 12 October.
The shows were opened by Chinese brand Hemu with its "Silk Road" collection, inspired by the Hexi Corridor, the Dunhuang caves and ancient textiles. It used techniques such as yunjin brocade, kesi silk weaving and Su and Miao embroidery. "The vitality of intangible cultural heritage lies in it being used," Hemu founder Yang Fengrui told Shanghai Daily. Label Sevenlong showed loose trousers and wrapped tops in its "Jianghu" collection, drawing on tai chi and the world of wandering martial artists.
European labels also used the platform, such as Italian brand Transit with earth-toned tailoring and Milan-founded womenswear label Stivanano with feathers and sheer panels. According to Yicai, an Adidas show follows from 15 to 18 October, and on 16 October a preview of the Elie Saab and H&M collaboration at an H&M concept store.