Shanghai’s emergence into the global art and fashion scene neither started nor ended with the introduction of Shanghai Fashion Week in 2002. Just this past week, the exclusive Shanghai-based not-for-profit art platform, The Dark Mattress (TDM), kicked off the inaugural Alternative Fashion Week in Shanghai. Held at a different venue each night, it’s safe to say at the culmination of the event that the week-long spectacle was a success.

Although the concept of Alternative Fashion Week isn’t new as a whole, with others ranging from Berlin to London to Columbus, Ohio, TDM’s introduction of the event to Shanghai is no less significant. As with other Alternative Fashion Weeks held worldwide, Shanghai’s Alternative Fashion Week emphasized originality by showcasing local up-and-coming designers. TDM also maintained their not-for-profit standard and didn’t charge designers and artists to be featured, whereas Shanghai Fashion Week is known to charge showcased brands. This anti-corporate vibe is what Alternative Fashion Week is all about. While the guys behind The Dark Mattress (Danny, Tak, and Moe) aren’t necessarily against Shanghai Fashion Week in itself, they obviously found the need to establish a more unorthodox and innovative platform to feature fashion and arts in Shanghai.

Friday (Daliah):

Perhaps it is due to the new-ness of the program, but Alternative Fashion Week definitely had an overall sense of modesty and lack of pretension that one wouldn’t experience at a traditional fashion show. At Friday evening’s show held at Daliah, doors opened at 8 PM and attendees trickled into the corner space before the first show started at 9 PM. Seating at the event included a mix of pop-up stools and small tree stumps littered around the edge of the runway, and as per the humble nature of the event, seating wasn’t reserved but rather operated on a first-come first-serve basis.

Three designers were featured at Friday’s show with a womenswear, menswear, and shoe collection. In accordance with the “alternative” theme of the shows, models entered the runway via a swirly slide, which, paired with platform heels, did not cease to cause a few trips and blunders here and there. After the shows ended, attendees continued to mingle at Daliah for a casual afterparty of sorts, equipped with picturesque plates of “model-portioned” bites and free-flow beer and soft drinks.

Saturday (Factory 54):

The closing show of Alternative Fashion Week was held on Saturday night at TDM’s avant-garde warehouse space, Factory 54. The final night showcased the winning collections of the past week, ending with an awards ceremony to award the best male model, female model, menswear designer, womenswear designer, make up artist, product designer, hairstylist, artist, and music.

Following the end of The Dark Mattress’ inaugural Alternative Fashion Week, we’re keeping our eyes peeled for any future events organized by this eclectic group, and hopeful that Shanghai Alternative Fashion Week continues as an annual event. For more information on The Dark Mattress, check out their Facebook page via the link below.

www.thedarkmattress.com This article was written by Betsie Wilson. Send an email to [email protected] to get in touch. Photo Credit:Betsie Wilson