SHAO New York Brings 1930s Shanghai to Life at NYFW Fall/Winter 2025

New York Fashion Week has always been a stage for innovation and spectacle, but SHAO New York’s Fall/Winter 2025 runway show went beyond fashion—it transported audiences to another era. Designer Shao Yang’s latest collection, titled “1930’s Shanghai: Paris of the East, New York of the West,” reimagined the glamour, complexity, and cultural fusion of Shanghai’s golden age.

Photo Credit: Daniel Quintanilla

Held on February 10, 2025, at the House of the Red Pearl within the Tin Building by Jean-Georges, the show was a breathtaking blend of history, fashion, and technology that captivated fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.

A Tribute to Shanghai’s Legacy

Shao Yang found inspiration in the cultural dynamism of 1930s Shanghai, a time when Eastern traditions converged with Western influence, producing an era of bold artistic expression and modernity. Her collection perfectly embodied this spirit, combining traditional Chinese motifs with Western tailoring and contemporary streetwear aesthetics. The result was an elegant yet rebellious collection that embraced heritage while looking toward the future.

“For me, this collection is about celebrating the electricity of cultural blending, reinterpreted for today,” Yang explained. “Every piece was designed to showcase the delicate balance and tension between tradition and rebellion, propriety and danger—all feelings that resonated throughout Shanghai in the 1930s.”

Making a strong statement on representation and cultural pride, Yang cast only Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) models, reinforcing her commitment to inclusivity within the fashion industry.

Blending Innovation with Tradition

SHAO New York didn’t just transport audiences to the past—it also offered a glimpse into the future. The show incorporated cutting-edge holographic technology, made possible by DataVault’s ADIO system, to create immersive visuals that elevated the experience. A holographic parlor singer filled the space with the essence of Shanghai’s nightlife, while intricate embroidery and pleating details were highlighted through digital projections. These elements seamlessly merged historical storytelling with digital innovation, engaging audiences in an entirely new way.

The Creative Minds Behind the Show

A production of this caliber required a team of industry veterans to bring Shao Yang’s vision to life. Hairstyling was crafted by celebrity stylist Ted Gibson, while makeup was directed by Romero Jennings for MAC Cosmetics. Fashion stylist Altorrin curated the looks, ensuring each piece embodied the collection’s bold essence.

Creative director Michael Eland played an instrumental role in the artistic execution and casting process, helping to create a powerful and cohesive presentation. Production and photography were handled by Nolcha Productions and HAPPYMONDAY, while sponsorships and collaborations with MAC Cosmetics, BrightCheck, and DataVault further elevated the show’s prestige.

A New Standard for Fashion Storytelling

SHAO New York’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection was more than a fashion show—it was an immersive experience that breathed life into an era of cultural vibrancy while embracing modern technology. The fusion of history, gender-fluid silhouettes, and digital artistry set a new standard for storytelling in fashion.

Shao Yang has once again demonstrated that fashion is about more than just clothing. It is a vehicle for cultural dialogue, artistic innovation, and representation. Her tribute to 1930s Shanghai is not only a celebration of the past but also a bold vision for the future of fashion.