We are already in the second half of Shanghai Fashion Week, after intense days of plenty of fairs and presentations. And the problem faced by designers and brands that unveil their collections in the last days of the great event that last so long in time is that the specialized press and buyers seem to be exhausted after so many shows. It is not easy to keep up with the rhythm that prevails during these two weeks, in which the audience encounters an infinity of visual stimuli which the latest creators of the calendar must overcome, making an extra effort to surprise people. And there is no better way to get the public’s attention than by unveiling Dior’s new proposal.
It is not the first time that Maria Grazia Chiuri turns her attention to China, a country that she takes into account in her vision of fashion for the future (and present), which she tries to captivate with proposals that do not leave anyone indifferent. In this case, a fashion show full of glitter, festive airs, and disco inspiration, hosted by the Shanghai Long Museum. A very successful bet that coincides with the still incipient improvement in terms of the health crisis, which has allowed the Maison to celebrate its great event physically with the support of more than 1000 guests, always ensuring the recommended safety measures. Dior embraces pop culture, and Giorgio Moroder is in charge of the soundtrack. The museum turns into a nightclub that has nothing to envy Studio 54.
Albeit much of Dior’s Fall 21 collection had already been unveiled on the European catwalks (digitally), the four dresses that close the show have been presented exclusively in Shanghai. And in addition to being an ode to optimism, hope, and a celebration of life, it has nothing to do with digital runways despite the efforts that have been made in recent months. In fact, it is still quite strange to see so many people congregated, with no safe distance, in such an event. But this act shows us that we are getting closer to regaining the desired “normality.” Or at least a situation more similar to the one that prevailed before the pandemic.
But there is much more besides Dior. Pronovias precedes the national and local brands that present their new works, among which Luooifstudio stands out, being committed to its psychedelic style, in which sculptural silhouettes and the attention given to details complement each other. Memory In perfectly embodies the importance of achieving the balance between creativity and business vision, and its more than twelve years of experience since the brand was founded proves it. And Mithworld, one of the last fashion houses to present its proposal, continues to claim the importance of wearing garments with own soul, making clothes “a little surprise in our wardrobe”.
After a day inevitably marked by the stellar appearance of Dior, Inxx is one of the first brands to present its collection, shortly after noon, betting on a vision in which free expression prevails as the fundamental factor, emphasized by East legacy culture and social issues. Next, it is the turn of The Atelier, Puma Kids, and Lyfy, which is inspired by courage and self-determination, making these emotions its best weapon to fight the fateful situation the world is suffering from (though we are overcoming it). They are followed by iD, NBA Kids, Supield +, and Nu, which deserves a special mention for their great work in children’s clothing, until landing in Mayali, in charge of saying goodbye to the day.