On September 12, 2024, the inaugural "SFDA Open Day" was held at the new headquarters of the Shanghai Fashion Designers Association .
This gathering marked the debut of this space, which will soon become a vibrant hub for local creativity and design. A space rooted in Shanghai, yet looking out to the world, ready to welcome China’s fashion and creative talents to exchange ideas and spark inspiration.
On this occasion, Madam Lv Xiaolei, Secretary General of Shanghai Fashion Week Organizing Committee & Executive Vice President of Shanghai Fashion Designers Association, announced the official launch of the Shanghai Fashion Designers Association online website > www.sfda.org.cn
Madam Lv emphasized that the website is intended to serve as a systematic platform to showcase and promote China’s homegrown creative talent. With the goal of establishing an internationally influential Chinese fashion talent information platform, the association aims to create a window through which the world can see and appreciate Chinese design.
The association will offer various training programs to enhance the comprehensive skills of local creative talents. Through the resumption of overseas projects and collaborations, the association will continue to foster international exchanges in fashion and design.
Currently, the association has signed memorandums of understanding with government bodies and industry organizations in Japan, Australia, and Hong Kong. It has also formed strategic partnerships with platforms such as Xiaohongshu and Labelhood, working hand in hand with China’s fashion and creative talent to embrace a brighter future.
Among the speakers, we would like to highlight the following:
Click on the images to open their Instagram
Tasha Liu - The Co-Founder of Labelhood
''Many people wonder why China can “nurture” so many designers today and why these designers are able to “grow” continuously through our local platforms. I think it is due to seasonal accumulation and annual continuity. It is not that one show changes everything, but that everyone continues to put their youth into this platform, ready to accompany a once immature market towards its maturation. More importantly, behind all this, there are those who have carried the weight for us. As Lv said, this association is a “home” for all Chinese designers. Today, we are here near the “mother river” of Shanghai, the Suzhou River, and we hope to expand from here to the future and to the whole world.''
Uma Wang - The Founder of Uma Wang
''Seventeen years ago, with the help of Lv, I embarked on my international journey from Shanghai Fashion Week. Back then, navigating “internationalization” felt like “crossing the river by feeling the stones,” as there wasn’t much industry precedent. Today, seeing so much emerging talent in our industry showcasing Chinese design on the global stage is inspiring. I want to say, whenever you need help, you can “feel me” as I once felt the stones while crossing the river. Now, the association finally has a “home” for all of us''.
Shaway Yeh - The Founder of yehyehyeh agency
''Sustainability has been a key focus for us since 2017-2018. The "Sustainable Innovation Asia Fashion Awards," which we co-launched, is now officially open for registration through the association’s website. This award, which we started preparing in June, is dedicated to advancing sustainable practices in the Asian fashion industry. On one hand, it supports designers, and on the other, it encourages the adoption of new materials, helping the fashion industry transform. Registration is open until October 31, and we invite everyone to visit the association’s beautiful website to learn more
> sfda.org.cn/sustasia.''
