5 Emerging Designers To Know From Shanghai Fashion Week SS22
Explore some of the most exciting names in Chinese fashion.
The recently wrapped Shanghai Fashion Week saw a number of incredible physical runway presentations by some of China‘s most exciting young designers. Cementing Shanghai’s status as the fashion capital of the country, emerging designers showcased a variety of vibrant, statement-making looks for the Spring/Summer 2022 season. SHUSHU/TONG took inspiration from the anime series Aim for the Ace! for a cute and preppy range, while Yueqi Qi unveiled a collection of striking punk rock looks. Samuel Guì Yang blended relaxed, contemporary designs with traditional details. Elsewhere, DIDU hosted its futuristic show in an icy venue.
Read on for five up-and-coming designers to know from SHFW SS22.
DIDU
A Royal Academy of Fine Arts alum, Di Du launched her eponymous label in 2018. Based in Antwerp and Shanghai, the designer combines futurism and femininity in her designs, drawing inspiration from both Chinese and Western cultures. Her SS22 collection was staged in an indoor space covered in ice. The models were styled in deconstructed garments in neon green, pink and blue, featuring strappy and cut-out detailing.
Ming Ma
Ming Ma
Central Saint Martins graduate Ming Ma looks to the past to create new collections. According to Vogue, for his SS22 collection, the designer was particularly inspired by the work of Cristóbal Balenciaga. Elegant, floral print bustier gowns were crafted from deadstock fabrics and embellished with beads and sequins.
Samuel Guì Yang
Samuel Guì Yang
The SS22 season was a big one for Samuel Guì Yang. Shortly after presenting his latest range in an outdoor garden space, the designer was announced as the winner of the Hu Fashion Forward Prize, winning ¥500,000 RMB (approximately $77,600 USD) according to WWD. Staying true to Yang’s signature style, the new collection featured traditional details on relaxed silhouettes including shirt dresses and loose-fitted suits.
SHUSHU/TONG
Shushu/Tong
The anime references in SHUSHU/TONG’s SS22 collection were evident, even for those unfamiliar with the series Aim for the Ace!. Inspired by the story of a high school girl who struggles to become a professional tennis player, the catwalk was splashed in a pastel pink hue, with tennis balls scattered on the floor. Models were dressed in preppy collared tops, matching pastel sets and ribbon-adorned mini dresses.
Yueqi Qi
Yueqi Qi
Yueqi Qi unveiled her SS22 collection with a digital lookbook. The designer incorporated striking, punk rock-influenced patterns and colors into dresses, tops and trousers, styling them with dramatic fringed gloves. Taking a different direction from her usual Chinese heritage-inspired designs, the collection puts emphasis on the fact that she gets inspired by those around her — like her husband, who is a rock musician.
