The Shanghai Four: Spring 2026 Fashion Stars

PetitePaulina – This Spring 2026, four standout designers from Shanghai Shushu/Tong, Oude Waag, Samuel Gui Yang, and Mark Gong have firmly positioned themselves in the spotlight. They didn’t just show clothes; they presented bold identities.

While many brands struggle to maintain relevance, these four are growing stronger. Each one has crafted its own cultural tribe, fueled by storytelling, community, and authenticity. Consequently, their names are now echoed far beyond China’s borders.

Together, they represent not just a trend, but a shift. A movement. A new wave of Chinese luxury that’s confident, narrative-driven, and culturally rooted.

Shushu/Tong: The Girlhood Rebels Growing Up

For years, Shushu/Tong has stood for dreamy, doll-like femininity. However, this season signals a distinct evolution. The SS26 collection still leans into charm but with added grit.

Instead of perfection, we saw imperfection elevated. Distressed leathers, muted tweeds, and raw edges replaced clean bows and soft pastels. As a result, the looks felt more grounded, more real.

Moreover, the silhouettes played with contrast soft versus structured, childlike versus adult. Clearly, this is a brand no longer content with aesthetic alone. It’s exploring emotional terrain with remarkable sophistication.

Oude Waag: Sculpting Femininity with Shadows and Silk

At first glance, Oude Waag’s SS26 lineup feels quiet. But look closer, and it speaks volumes. Designer Jinwei Yin takes minimalism and adds just enough tension to keep you leaning in.

This season, he worked with satin, organza, and sheer layers. Interestingly, the silhouettes appeared padded but were entirely shaped through clever draping. Thus, garments floated instead of clinging evoking an ethereal kind of strength.

Additionally, his exploration of self-perception and the gaze created a philosophical underpinning. Not only do these clothes dress the body they also question how it’s viewed.

Samuel Gui Yang: Fashion as Character Study

Unlike most anniversary shows, Samuel Gui Yang’s wasn’t just a greatest hits compilation. Instead, it became a cinematic deep dive into his creative psyche.

From latex-layered trench coats to anime-referenced windbreakers, every piece told a story. Furthermore, subtle upgrades like softer closures on his classic Lee jacket proved that function and emotion can coexist beautifully.

Gui Yang doesn’t just create garments. Rather, he crafts personalities. Each collection becomes a living archive, linking past, present, and imagined futures into one continuous dialogue.

Mark Gong: Rebels, Road Trips, and Western Dreams

With Mark Gong, drama meets wearability in the most unexpected ways. Inspired by Thelma & Louise, his SS26 collection was bold, cinematic, and unapologetically fun.

He combined hardware, fringe, and soft knits to reflect both toughness and vulnerability. Additionally, car parts transformed into high-fashion embellishments making the mundane feel magical.

Most importantly, he maintained control. Despite the showy references, each outfit felt grounded. As a result, the line walked the perfect line between fantasy and functionality.

The Shared DNA Behind the Shanghai Four

Despite their stylistic differences, these four designers share something crucial: intention. They don’t design for trends they design with purpose.

Together, they’ve redefined what Chinese fashion can be. On one hand, they honor cultural nuance. On the other, they embrace innovation and storytelling.

As they step confidently onto the global stage, it’s clear: this isn’t a fleeting moment. Rather, it’s the foundation of a new fashion narrative one that’s proudly Chinese, refreshingly honest, and deeply human.