There is no better way to celebrate fashion than by recognizing and rewarding the talent of designers, fundamental agents of the sector in charge of making this industry a universe full of meaning, in which a myriad of inspirations from different realities come together. This is why Shanghai Fashion Week has decided to inaugurate its new edition, which will last until April 13, with the coveted Yu Pize. An award that supports the most promising Chinese creators, whose winner has been chosen after months of deliberation by a jury made up of Giambattista Valli, Jason Wu, and Edison Chen, among other professionals in the sector.
The major prize, consisting of an endowment equivalent to $150,000, the opportunity to sell at Harrods, and a year-long mentoring program with Italian entrepreneur Renzo Rosso (Only the Brave) went to Chenpeng, a brand established in 2015 led by Peng Cheng based in London. Its clients include such important figures as Lady Gaga or Bella Hadid, and its founder, defender of the “one-size fashion” concept and graduated from London College of Fashion, has become of the great names nationally and internationally. However, there was not just one award. Susan Fang, Donsee10, and Wanbing Huang were the other three brands that the exceptional jury wanted to highlight, for their great work in terms of innovation, sustainability, and creativity.
Then the parades started. Shanghai Fashion Week is especially important, now more than ever, because it resumes the physical calls after months of confinement and social distancing. And it does so with more than a week full of presentations, fairs, and events. After Mark Fairwhale kicked off the edition, celebrating twenty years since its creation and vindicating the importance of multiculturalism and synergies between different creative disciplines, it was the turn of the brand that revolutionized cashmere four years ago, betting on self-love and self-confidence: Chau Rising.
The presentations follow one another at a dizzying pace, and there is a great desire to witness first-hand the events created by the most respected designers in the country. Dawei, one of the great promises of the creative scene, unveils his new work today. After starting his career in fashion with Balenciaga and John Galliano, and after having led the artistic direction of house Cacharel, Dawei leaves Paris (where he already presented his work in 2019) to return to China. And his collection, in which greens, yellows, and violets stand out, organized by color blocks in monochromatic looks, is one of the highlights of the day.
Youwei, Veeco Zhao, Nicole, and Comme Moi come back to the catwalks showing that the future is hopeful. Fivekoh is one of the brands that best represent the young generations, approaching through the urban concept, rebellious spirit, and innovative materials. Toile, the emerging brand founded by Dai Yuanfeng, is one of the projects that deserve special attention. And it is that the designer has started his own brand at only twenty years old, and already parades in the great appointment with Chinese fashion. “In fact, I do feel afraid sometimes, but I’ve never have been confused because I know it will arrive”, he explained. Sorgenti also emerged in 2020, during the global pandemic, and is committed to self-knowledge as the first step to achieve acceptance and enjoy life (and fashion).
There is also space for a presentation led by Converse x Yutopia. Momonary takes us on a journey through East cultural legacy, and Anno Mundi projects romanticism in its proposal. A first day marked by heterogeneity, young talent, and the celebration of fashion to express emotions and share unique moments.
