By Jessica Ye (Jessica Yap)
Something exciting is happening in Shanghai from now till 31 March 2026. As Shanghai Fashion Week returns for the Fall/Winter 2026 season, the city once again proves why its fashion scene has become one of the most compelling to watch right now. There’s a confidence running through Shanghai’s designers — a willingness to experiment, reinterpret tradition and inject personality into clothes in ways that feel fearless, playful and refreshingly modern.
This season’s calendar brings together a group of designers who have steadily built their reputations not just within China, but increasingly on the global stage. Each offers a distinct point of view, but together they capture the creative pulse of Shanghai today.
Here are five designers shaping the conversation this season.
Mark Gong
Few designers understand the power of attitude quite like Mark Gong. A graduate of Parsons School of Design, Gong has built a reputation for clothes that balance sharp tailoring with a touch of irreverence. His silhouettes often feel confident, a little playful and unapologetically glamorous — fashion that knows exactly the effect it wants to have.
Shushu/Tong
Helmed by Liushu Lei and Yutong Jiang, Shushu/Tong has perfected the art of sweet with a twist. Bows, pleats and girlish silhouettes appear frequently, but they’re rarely straightforward. There’s always something slightly subversive beneath the surface, a contrast that keeps the brand feeling fresh season after season.
Jacques Wei
Jacques Wei approaches fashion with a sense of exuberance that’s hard to miss. His collections often embrace rich textures, decorative details and vibrant colour, blending nostalgic references with a playful modern spirit. There’s a certain theatricality to his work — pieces that feel celebratory rather than restrained, and that bring a sense of joy and personality to the runway.
8ON8
8ON8 brings a sharper, more urban energy to the runway. Known for confident tailoring and bold silhouettes, the label blends contemporary street influences with polished construction. The result feels modern, directional and very much aligned with the rhythm of Shanghai itself.
Xu Zhi
Xu Zhi celebrates craft and materiality. His collections showcase inventive techniques; braiding, textural layering, and subtle embellishments, creating pieces that feel expressive, tactile, and playful without losing sophistication. Every garment demonstrates a curiosity for technique, giving his runway shows a distinctive personality.
What makes Shanghai compelling right now is that its designers are moving with a confidence that feels entirely their own. Rather than echoing the established fashion capitals, they’re building something distinct, shaped by the city’s energy, its cultural references and its rapidly evolving fashion audience.
If anything, Shanghai Fashion Week reminds us that the future of fashion rarely stays in one place for long.
