For decades, New York, London, Milan and Paris—the “Big Four” of fashion destinations—have seen flocks of globetrotting fashion savants and A-listers year-round. But as the never-ending hunt for the next cool thing continues, many have turned towards parts of Asia for cues on what to wear and where to shop, thanks to stars such as Sabrina Carpenter and the Blackpink members who have sported multiple numbers from Asian brands on and offstage.
Enter: the new fashion capitals from Asia. In recent years, China has been synonymous with futurism—think neon lights, towering skyscrapers and cutting-edge technology—and its fashion scene is no less dynamic. Shanghai, for one, has played host to brands such as Chanel and Gucci which have staged exhibitions in the city. To its west, Chengdu has become known for its vibrant fashion scene and youth culture. Both cities have produced rising stars such as Mark Gong and Shie Lyu, Chinese designers who are internationally recognised for their innovation and creativity.
Hong Kong, a major financial hub with a historic past, is entering the global fashion arena with the newly launched Hong Kong Fashion Fest to foster dialogue between Eastern and Western brands, and is a buzzy home to brands such as Yat Pit and Athenaeum, which draw on the past to inform their designs.
Closer to home, new fashion destinations in Southeast Asia include Bangkok, Thailand, and Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. Designers behind brands such as Chato Studio and Fancì Club channel the fun, experimental spirit of fashion into their pieces, producing wardrobe staples for discerning fashionistas. Offerings from such labels are typically stocked at retail spaces such as Bangkok’s Loft Eyes, a chic one-stop shop providing respite from the heat and busyness of the city.
Shanghai
Shanghai, China’s bustling and vibrant metropolis, has attracted leading fashion brands all over the world because of its experimental and dynamic nature. Loewe, for one, held its first public exhibition, Crafted World, last year at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre, while other industry heavyweights such as Louis Vuitton presented its collections in the city. As other buzzy international labels such as Arc’teryx continue to stream into the region, the city is the place to be for the in-the-know fashionista.
But Shanghai is not short on its supply of homegrown talent either. Shanghai and New York-based designer Mark Gong, for example, went viral for his standout concepts on his runways. Each show is modelled after pop culture phenomena—Sex and The City character Charlotte York’s cream Valentino skirt with red handprint stains on the lower back, for example, or a collection inspired by Tiktok’s Office Siren core that featured knee-length skirts and blazers punctuated by cat-eye glasses and lanyards.
While Gong’s designs have been given the stamp of approval by stars such as Blackpink’s Jennie and Lisa, other local high fashion brands such as Hengdi Wang, a Shanghai and London-based brand, are also gaining recognition. Though it was founded just two years ago, it has already been lauded for its futuristic approach to fashion. Its Spring/Summer 2025 collection, a line of slinky, sheer dresses juxtaposed by statement hardware accessories, explores civilisation’s relationship with technology and nature, taking cues from the 1979 film Alien and 1995 film Species.
Hong Kong
Despite its reputation as a thriving financial centre, there’s a certain style and glamour that weaves through the storied streets of Hong Kong that one would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. The city recently staked its claim in the fashion game with the inaugural Hong Kong Fashion Fest, putting the city on track to establish itself as a robust fashion player on the world stage and a leading destination for cultural and creative events in Asia.
The city has historically been uniquely positioned as a melting pot of cultures from the East and West—something that is underscored by the fashion festival. In one programme, couture designers Charles de Vilmorin, Cheney Chan, Benchellal and Kay Kwok present their work in a singular fashion show and exhibition, perfectly highlighting the city’s global reach and presence in fashion and culture.
At home, it’s not surprising that local brands take cues from its history and culture, too. Hong Kong-based brand Yat Pit reestablishes what it means to be at the intersection of the East and West through its unique designs by founders Jason Mui and On Ying Lai. The Qipao Trench Coat—a crowd-favourite—borrows the functionality and colours of the trench coat and the silhouette and standing collar detail of the Chinese cheongsam. Marriages between cultures and the past and present are motifs in their other work, including sleeveless vests and dresses in rib knit that revive features of traditional costumes such as the keyhole neckline and knotted fastenings.
Maness Ko, the creative director and designer of the Hong Kong-based Athenaeum, is heavily influenced by the romance in poetry and has elements from different time periods and cultures on her drawing board. The result? Designs such as sheer lace skirts with bow closures, soft knits in a muted colour palette and ruffled, voluminous dresses that are ethereal yet wearable.
Ho Chi Minh City
Another Asian fashion capital to watch out for? Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. While the city is better known for its cuisine and history, local labels such as Fancì Club and La Lune are behind the fashion-forward outfits of Internet darlings such as Bella Hadid, Sabrina Carpenter and Blackpink’s Lisa. It is no surprise then that the street style-inspired pieces from such brands are in high demand all over the world.
If you are in the city, stop by Fancì Club’s spacious riverside store in the Thao Dien ward to see what the hype is all about. Expect offerings such as fur-lined tops and sheer miniskirts alongside studded crossbody bags and metallic bandage dresses, a style from the late ’00s set to make a comeback soon. Many of their pieces are crafted from upcycled vintage fabric, which might strike a chord with the eco-conscious fashion lover. The label is the brainchild of Duy Tran, who sees ’80s and ’90s fashion as a major source of inspiration.
But if you are on the hunt for something more subversive, look for LaTui Atelier, whose edgy ready-to-wear line sees ruched mesh tops, ripped hoodies and their low-slung distressed denim that has gained a cult following. Makeup artist Xi Quan Le is the founder and creative director of the brand founded in 2018, and through her work she champions diversity and authentic self-expression.
Chengdu
Chengdu has not-so-quietly become China’s capital of cool. Compared to the sophisticated high-fashion pickings in Shanghai and Beijing, Chengdu is better known for its modern street style blended with hints of heritage. This is no coincidence: the city is the capital of Sichuan province, the birthplace of Ba-Shu culture which emerged after the conquest of the Ba and Shu kingdoms in 316 BC by the Qin state. From this came cuisine and practices such as the Sichuan Opera that are unique to the region.
Get a glimpse of Chengdu’s rich history at Taikoo Li, an alfresco mall with architecture inspired by traditional West Sichuan-style buildings. It is home to the first Lemaire store in China—which opened just last November— and a plethora of other international labels such as Maison Margiela, Loewe and Hermès. Taikoo Li is a short distance from Chunxi Road, where you’ll find Basement FG, a store offering trendy and affordable pieces geared towards the youth.
And as for the city’s designers to watch? Liushu Lei and Yutong Jiang, the Chengdu-born fashion- forward duo behind Shushu/Tong. For the uninitiated, the Shanghai-based label has made quite a name for itself in the international fashion scene for its playful designs featuring bows and floral motifs incorporated into elevated basics such as demure knee-length dresses and vests.
Shie Lyu, based in both Chengdu and Shanghai, is also one to keep on your radar. The designer was selected by Vogue in 2023 for a collaboration with Stella McCartney. Lyu represents the city’s forward-thinking spirit in her pursuit of creating futuristic collections with zero material waste.
Bangkok
Though Bangkok is well-loved for its bargain buys, its pool of local designers catering to cool girls around the globe has been growing. Hidden in the alleys of Bangkok’s buzziest neighbourhoods are several fashion hotspots frequented by the sartorially conscious.
Case-in-point? Loft Eyes, a concept store tucked away in quiet corners of Thong Lo and Siam, spotlighting bags, jewellery, ready-to-wear pieces and fragrances from homegrown designers. The minimal and airy space serves as a backdrop to the store’s vibrant offerings that reflect the passionate, adventurous and fun-loving spirit the city’s people are known for. Think: corporate- ready separates given a trendy spin with bows or lace and whimsical jewellery sculpted from recycled silver.
Bags for It-girls of every kind can be found all over the city. At Loft Eyes, you’ll find Ciclo Bangkok’s silky mini tote bags embellished with a spiral of ruched fabric. And at EmSphere—a new addition to the shopping belt in the Sukhumvit district—Pipatchara’s beaded bags and sleek, cargo-style shoulder bags from Chato Studio, a local favourite.
For those with a penchant for pastel-hued knits, acquaint yourself with Sasi Knits, a label selling an array of patterned and textured pieces made in the founder’s home studio.
This story first appeared in the March 2025 issue of GRAZIA Singapore.
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