Shanghai Fashion Week kicks off on Wednesday, with Vivienne Westwood and Moncler climaxing the season

Shanghai Fashion Week kicks off this Wednesday in the country's style capital, with dozens of local brands, a Vivienne Westwood show and a Moncler Genius event to cap off the peak season.

A prominent local star, Lu Yan, will open the runway with his brand, Comme Moi, and a collection inspired by contemporary artist James Turrell, known for his spectacular interplay of light and color.

While the 12-day season will feature renowned British designer label Vivienne Westwood with a runway show on October 17. One of the few truly independent fashion houses left, the brand still embodies the rebellious punk spirit of its founder Vivienne Westwood and her commitment to environmental awareness through the Vivienne Westwood Foundation.

Westwood will be joined by London-based brand KNWLS, which will make its China debut at the ENG Concept Store, presenting a pop-up launch of KNWLS X ENG, exploring the future of feminist fashion.

On October 19, Italian luxury brand Moncler will bring its immersive Moncler Genius event to Shanghai, closing out fashion week with its celebration of creativity. Since its inception in 2018, Moncler Genius has pushed the boundaries of collaboration, becoming a pioneering platform uniting luxury, design, fashion, art and entertainment, and this year it will continue its journey in the vibrant city of Shanghai.

Elsewhere, Chinese designer Angel Chen returns to Shanghai Fashion Week with her brand, this time collaborating with Chinese beverage brand Change to unite traditional craftsmanship and modern design, offering a new interpretation of Chinese aesthetics. . Staffonly, Xiaoli, Judyhua, Short Sentence, Damowang and Pantterfly will take center stage at the flagship venue, Xintiandi, a thriving car-free shopping and dining district. Among the notable emerging designers making their debut are Ya Yi, Hanqing Ding and JE Cai.

Elsewhere, at the Rockbund contemporary art museum, there will be Labelhood, a series of catwalks, presentations, exhibitions and lifestyle pop-ups. This season, 16 young Chinese brands, including newcomers Rè Shuǐ, ili node, Joyce Bao and Hengdi Wang, will present their collections, bringing new creative energy to the Chinese scene. Shanghai Fashion Week's Glam showcase at New Bund 31 will feature 12 brands specializing in modern Chinese clothing and international bridal and evening couture. Under the spotlight, designers such as Shicongjin, Amusée Moi and You Ji Young Haute Couture will debut their works in Shanghai.

Shanghai Fashion Week has also deepened its international collaborations. Therefore, Visa, a partner since 2017, will launch the Visa Creator Program, designed to pave the way for future runway shows featuring local talent.

The season continues its partnership with Mercedes-Benz and includes a Stronger Than Me event at the Pudong Art Museum where Lu Yan, the designer behind Comme Moi, will showcase a collaboration with the iconic G-Class vehicle. Additionally, the designer Chinese Chen Peng will present his exclusive G-Class art project, further fusing the modern with the classic.

Anchoring the fashion trade season, the Mode Shanghai Fashion Fair will debut this season at the newly established Yi Fung Center. While other business platforms will organize activities in key locations including Shanghai West Bund Art Center, Shanghai Exhibition Center, Chenfeng Fashion Creative Industrial Park and Yi Fung Center.

And finally, British retailer Harrods will host the fifth edition of The Harrods Five at Fotografiska Shanghai, exploring “Differentiators and Disruptive Experiences” through talks, exhibitions and mentoring sessions for emerging designers.

Buckle up for 12 busy days.