Shanghai’s iconic Wukang Road recently transformed into an open-air catwalk, hosting a groundbreaking fashion exhibition that championed sustainability with undeniable flair. The event, a collaboration between innovative Chinese designers, sustainable fashion platform canU, and leading sportswear brand Anta, spotlighted the transformative power of upcycled materials, sending a powerful message to the global fashion industry.
The exhibition wasn’t confined to a traditional venue; instead, models – including skiers, cyclists, city dwellers, senior citizens, and even pet owners – paraded through the vibrant streets, showcasing collections crafted from repurposed waste clothing and fabrics. This dynamic presentation blurred the lines between sport and high fashion, all while promoting a crucial message of environmental responsibility.
In a nation that produces an estimated 70 billion garments annually, generating significant textile waste, this initiative marks a pivotal shift. Chinese designers and brands are increasingly embracing innovation and creativity to forge sustainable solutions. As canU founder Cui Dan noted, while Western countries have established norms and supply chains for sustainable practices, China’s movement is rapidly gaining momentum. This presents a unique opportunity for Chinese brands to leverage technology, design, and localization to meet the country’s dual-carbon goals and rising consumer awareness.
The exhibition featured the work of four prominent designers, each bringing a unique perspective to the concept of upcycling:
- Chen Peng, a London College of Fashion graduate and founder of CHENPENG, known for blending functionality and artistry in down jacket design, reimagined surplus down jackets and sports pants into striking pieces of environmental art. He emphasized China’s industrial expertise and access to raw materials, highlighting the use of recycled plastics for yarns and fillings and the development of biodegradable materials and innovative denim washes.
- Shangguan Zhe, founder of SANKUANZ, a brand recognized for its avant-garde designs and fabric combinations showcased at Paris Fashion Week, brought a street-culture edge to the exhibition. He used spray paint on surplus garments to underscore the importance of shifting mindsets and embracing sustainable practices.
- KAI KAI of ORDEREDRO, a label focused on upcycling and exploring sustainable fashion through artistic designs with social, cultural, and personal messages, addressed the challenges faced by Chinese designers in accessing recycled materials due to limited options and high costs. He advocated for increased production of eco-friendly materials and encouraged drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese crafts like seamless tailoring and bamboo weaving to create culturally unique and globally competitive designs.
A key focus of the exhibition was the commercial viability of sustainable design. By showcasing the collections on Wukang Road, a known trendsetting hub, the organizers aimed to gauge consumer acceptance and bridge the gap between concept and commerce. The displayed pieces are available at Anta’s Zero-Carbon Mission store on Wukang Road and through Anta’s online platforms, inviting consumers to actively participate in the green fashion movement. The store itself is a testament to upcycling, featuring displays, furniture, and even trash cans crafted from repurposed fabrics by Chinese artists.
Cui Dan, who also serves as Anta’s sustainability advisor, emphasized the importance of incorporating Chinese design language into the upcycling concept through collaborations with local designers. The exhibition, she explained, successfully connected consumers with brands and the broader concept of sustainability, most importantly establishing a new standard for sustainable fashion by linking unique, eco-conscious pieces to commercial opportunities. The Wukang Road showcase wasn’t just a fashion event; it was a powerful statement about the future of the industry, where style and sustainability go hand in hand.
