SHAO Styles Chen Chusheng for ELLE MAGAZINE'S 2026 New Year Cover
We're thrilled to announce that acclaimed Chinese singer Chen Chusheng (陈楚生) graces the cover of ELLE Magazine's 2026 New Year issue wearing pieces from SHAO's SHANGHAI 1930'S Collection, a perfect fusion of timeless elegance and contemporary edge. Welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse, the story channels strength, passion, and forward momentum, capturing a spirit that is both nostalgic and boldly modern.
A Style Story Written in Leather
For this striking editorial, Chen Chusheng wears two signature pieces from our SHANGHAI 1930'S Collection: the Black Leather Bomber With Detachable Dickie and the Jet Black Leather Asymmetrical Pleated Trousers. The combination captures the essence of old Shanghai glamour reimagined for the modern era-bold, sophisticated, and unapologetically refined.
The Black Leather Bomber, with its distinctive detachable dickie detail, embodies the versatility and craftsmanship that define SHAO's design philosophy. Paired with the architectural lines of our Asymmetrical Pleated Trousers, the look creates a powerful silhouette that mirrors Chen Chusheng's own artistic evolution, rooted in authenticity, always moving forward.
The Perfect Ambassador
Chen Chusheng's journey from winning Happy Boys Voice in 2007 to becoming one of China's most respected singer-songwriters mirrors SHAO's commitment to authenticity and artistic integrity. Fresh off his victory as the champion of "Singer 2025" (歌手2025), Chen continues to captivate audiences both on stage and in front of the camera.
As ELLE Magazine notes in their feature, Chen uses his voice on stage to express his passion, while in front of the lens, he interprets style through every frame, each telling its own story. This narrative-driven approach to fashion aligns perfectly with SHAO's vision for the SHANGHAI 1930'S Collection.
Heritage Meets Modernity
The SHANGHAI 1930'S Collection draws inspiration from one of the most glamorous and culturally significant periods in Chinese history. During the 1930s, Shanghai emerged as the "Paris of the East," a cosmopolitan hub where East met West in a dazzling display of cultural sophistication, artistic experimentation, and sartorial excellence. The city's jazz clubs, art deco architecture, and fashion-forward elite created a unique aesthetic that still captivates us nearly a century later.
SHAO's collection channels this golden age while speaking directly to today's discerning fashion connoisseur. The pieces aren't mere reproductions of historical garments; rather, they capture the spirit of that era—the confidence, the cross-cultural dialogue, the willingness to push boundaries and translate it into contemporary designs that feel both familiar and fresh.
Crafted in luxurious jet black leather with meticulous attention to detail, each piece in the collection represents hundreds of hours of pattern development, material sourcing, and construction refinement. The choice of black leather itself is significant: timeless yet edgy, classic yet modern, it serves as a canvas for architectural silhouettes and innovative design elements. To see Chen Chusheng bring SHAO's vision to life in ELLE Magazine's 2026 New Year issue is a celebration of Chinese artistry, timeless style, and the power of authentic self-expression.
Looking Ahead
As we begin 2026 and welcome the Year of the Fire Horse (火马年), this collaboration couldn't be more fitting. In Chinese astrology, the Fire Horse represents passion, independence, freedom, and unstoppable energy, qualities that resonate deeply with both Chen Chusheng's artistic spirit and SHAO's fearless approach to design. The Fire Horse gallops forward with confidence and conviction, never looking back, always blazing new trails. It's a symbol of breaking free from convention while honoring one's roots, of embracing transformation while staying true to one's essence.
We invite you to explore the full SHAO SHANGHAI 1930'S Collection and discover how these pieces can become part of your own style story.
