Moncler’s “The City of Genius” event, held on October 19, 2024, marked the grand finale of Shanghai Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025. This event, which emphasized reigniting the creative genius in everyone, brought together a fusion of fashion, art, and entertainment across 30,000 square meters at the CSSC Pavilion on the Huangpu River waterfront, showcasing a variety of immersive experiences and co-creations from a global lineup of visionaries.
Renowned Chinese artist Xu Bing played a central role in “The City of Genius,” connecting its theme with his distinctive calligraphy art. Upon entering the venue, guests were welcomed by an archway installation designed by Xu, setting the tone for the immersive creative experience that unfolded throughout the evening. Speaking about his work during an interview at the event, Xu explained, “It’s like the real city we lived in is condensed. The creativity of the city is condensed inside this evening’s event.” He further elaborated on his artistic process, saying, “I used four words to explain the concept of the ‘The City of Genius.’ I used English but written in Chinese style… it has this culture and this feeling of shuttling with each other,” highlighting the fusion of cultural elements within the event.
As part of a broader Moncler campaign highlighting the importance of preserving creativity throughout life, a short film was directed by acclaimed Hong Kong photographer and filmmaker Wing Shya. Starring Chinese singer Leah Dou, a Moncler global brand ambassador, the film chronicled her journey from childhood to adulthood, showcasing her efforts to maintain her creative spirit while navigating life’s challenges.
The event was star-studded, attracting celebrities from around the world. Famous icons like Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, American actress Anne Hathaway, Korean idol Yeonjun from the group TXT, Hong Kong–Taiwanese actress and model Shu Qi, and Hong Kong actor, singer, songwriter Nicholas Tse attended, making the event a true blend of global talent. Chinese celebrities, including actor Jiang Qiming, also graced the occasion, further amplifying its cultural significance.
Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, Henry Lau, the popular Chinese-Canadian actor and singer, delivered a dynamic musical performance that captivated the audience. His performance, along with the star power present at the event, underscored Moncler’s aim of merging art, music, and fashion.
Moncler’s “The City of Genius” also featured works from other global creatives like Hiroshi Fujiwara, Willow Smith, Chinese multidisciplinary artist Lulu Li, Rick Owens, Jil Sander, and British editor and stylist Edward Enninful. The event was live streamed across multiple platforms, reaching a wider audience beyond the 8,000 guests that attended in-person.
Banner image via Xiaohongshu.