The following narration was distributed to attendees of SHAO's Shanghai 1930s NYFW F/W 2025 show on 2-11-2025. 

I'm Shao Yang, and I'm excited to unveil my latest collection, 'Shanghai 1930s: Paris of the East, New York of the West.' This collection is a time warp, taking us back to the golden age of Shanghai, a city that captivated the world with its glamour, decadence, and unique blend of Eastern and Western influences.

Picture this: It's the 1930s, and Shanghai is an international port, alive with energy and style. The nightlife is electric, with women strutting in decadent qipaos blended with Western influences, and men donning impeccably tailored suits. The city's transformation earned it the titles 'Paris of the East' and 'New York of the West,' a testament to its cosmopolitan allure and dynamic cultural mix.

This collection captures that electricity, translating it for today. We bring together East and West, womenswear and menswear, where sartorial tailoring meets New York streetwear. Each piece embodies the tension between tradition and rebellion, propriety and danger, just like Shanghai in the 1930s. Our cornerstone materials—wool, leather, and denim—are integral to this collection, enhanced by rich jewel tones like amethyst, sapphire, citrine, and pink tourmaline. The shapes are inspired by the traditional qipao dress, with its fitted but straight silhouette, and the formal menswear of the 1930s. You'll notice details such as button and loop closures, reminiscent of the frog closures found on qipao dresses. Tailoring is a significant element, reflecting the formal menswear of the era. I've gone all-in on the contrasts because, let's face it, Shanghai in the 1930s was all about tension and amalgamation. Traditional qipaos reimagined with modern cuts. Sartorial tailoring encounters streetwear. It's a collision of worlds, much like the city's transformation itself. As these garments strut by, I want you to feel the vibrancy of 1930s Shanghai—the jazz clubs, the bustling streets, the sense of adventure. This isn't about creating period pieces but capturing the spirit of cultural commixture and refashioning it for today.

This collection is deeply personal to me, a love letter to a revolutionary era that resonates with my journey as a Taiwanese-born, Brooklyn-raised designer. 'Savile Row meets the streets of New York' is my motto and the DNA of SHAO New York. I'm interpreting those sartorial styles through the lens of New York street culture. My pieces are made to live and breathe in the canyons of New York's concrete jungle.

Much like how 'Class of '98' paid homage to a generation caught between analog and digital, this collection captures a city that stood on the brink of change. Shanghai in the 1930s wasn't imitating Paris, or NYC; it was creating its identity by fearlessly merging East and West. Women mixed qipaos with Western hats, making bold statements about identity and metamorphosis—themes that resonate with my journey.

Thank you for joining us in this immersive experience where tradition meets innovation. This isn't just a show—it's a journey through time and culture. Leave your expectations at the door and step into a world where East meets West, and history collides with the present. It's going to be a captivating ride.