Shanghai Fashion Week to 'Push the Edge and Rewrite the Pledge'

Shanghai Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2026 will begin on October 9 with the theme "Push the Edge, Rewrite the Pledge."

More than 4,000 new apparel and accessory designs from domestic and international brands will be showcased at the main venue, Xintiandi.

This year's show will highlight homegrown independent labels celebrating milestone anniversaries that mark their growth with Chinese consumers over the past decade. Three labels are celebrating their 10th anniversaries: Xuzhi plans a grand show, Shushu/Tong with a finale showcase at Labelhood, and Le Fame with a show and thematic exhibition along the Bund. 8ON8 will celebrate its 8th anniversary at fashion week.

"It has been ten years and 20 seasons for us," said Liu Xinxia, co-founder of Labelhood. "Labelhood has hosted debut shows for over 400 Chinese designer brands."

"Our mission is to support emerging talents for Shanghai Fashion Week. These designers have evolved with the Chinese market, extending their influence beyond design. They curate their brands creatively and engage in expanding their retail market and beyond."

Adidas will celebrate its Shanghai Creative Center's 20th anniversary with its "Power of Three" series at Shanghai Old City Hall. The event will feature musicians, dancers, artists, and supermodels. H&M will introduce a new designer partnership collection during fashion week.

The main venue will include events by Korean label Eend, American brand Climate Project, and developing French, Italian, and Vietnamese voices. Danish company Only will commemorate its 30th anniversary at Shanghai Fashion Week, while Malaysian and Vietnamese designers will join the Glam showcase, underscoring the city's status as Asia's fashion hub.

This year's fashion week will combine technology, environmental protection, art, and culture. Rico Lee and Master Kong will create eco-friendly fabrics using tea residue and recycled plastic bottles.

The Shanghai History Museum will host the Oriental Neo Chinese Style Show & Exhibition, highlighting the fusion of Oriental and modern aesthetics.

The trade show segment, MODE Shanghai Fashion Trade Show, will also start on October 9th at the United Center. The exhibition, covering 17,000 square meters, will feature nearly 250 brands from 30 countries. More than half are from overseas.

"Shanghai Fashion Week is not only a stage to launch our collection but also an important platform to expand business," said Minnanhui founder and creative director Hui Minnan.

"As a designer, I always ponder how to find the best matching point with the market while retaining my unique creativity to reach a balance between art and commercial. We will also experiment with new ideas at this year's Mode exhibition."