Curated platform for Chinese labels

With its fifth appearance at Pitti Uomo, China Wave highlighted the dynamic rise of Chinese design brands on the international stage. The joint presentation gathered Septwolves, Swof Care, Zifei Wang, Soarin, Soarin World and Kimusso, offering a compact overview of different design directions, from technological approaches and sustainable materials to traditional craftsmanship and avant garde fashion. As a business and networking platform, China Wave linked Chinese labels with international decision makers and opened up new business opportunities and long term partnerships.

Materials, craft and aesthetics

Septwolves focused on functionality, sustainability and Chinese cultural heritage. The updated Business Travel Jacket, the Wulin World Heritage Collection and a polo line made from natural fibres attracted strong interest. Buyers from Europe, South America, the Middle East and Central Asia responded positively to the way traditional craftsmanship and intangible cultural heritage were translated into a contemporary, internationally readable design language.

Soarin worked with plant based dyeing techniques, material research and a combination of traditional craft and contemporary design under the theme “I Become”. Soarin World drew on an Eastern sense of beauty inspired by ethnic cultures, nature and humanity, and received praise for its cultural identity and high quality workmanship with potential in premium retail and concept stores. Zifei Wang combined artistic expression with high end ready to wear and was noted for balancing experimental design with commercial relevance, paving the way for further presentations in Europe, including Milan Fashion Week in September.

Feedback from buyers and next steps

Swof Care presented the Super Swof “SS Super Classic” collection and the handmade Black Label line, bringing traditional Chinese hatmaking into a contemporary context. Direct feedback from buyers and industry experts fed into ideas for sourcing solutions, product customisation and future distribution and agency partnerships. The avant garde womenswear label Kimusso used the fair to refine its positioning on the global market and confirmed its strength in progressive concept stores and curated premium boutiques.

China Wave will return to Pitti Uomo 111 in Florence from 12 to 15 January 2027. Further dates include Chic Shanghai from 25 to 27 August 2026.