Dolce & Gabbana Backs Susan Fang’s Shanghai Showcase After Milan Debut

Dolce & Gabbana is doubling down on its commitment to nurturing young designers, with a particular emphasis on China’s creative talent. Following Susan Fang’s solo debut at Milan Fashion Week—made possible through the Supported by Dolce & Gabbana initiative—the Italian luxury house is bringing her Fall/Winter 2025 collection to Shanghai Fashion Week. The collection is displayed at Casa Dolce & Gabbana, the brand’s experiential space in Zhangyuan, as part of a broader effort to bridge Chinese and Italian fashion dialogues.

Launched in 2022, the Supported by Dolce & Gabbana initiativeis designed to provide emerging designers with the resources to translate their creative vision into reality. The program offers comprehensive support, from access to fabrics, jewelry, and accessories to runway exposure and international marketing. For Fang, this backing not only enabled her Milan debut but also allowed her to infuse her collection, titled Air•Memory, with highly personal and culturally resonant elements.

Fang’s collection reflects themes of memory, love, and family, with a specific homage to her mother. Her mother’s oil paintings of lush landscapes are reinterpreted as intricate embroidery and sequins, while accessories such as floral-shaped sunglasses and handbags draw inspiration from Chinese porcelain and jade. Other details, including headpieces reminiscent of imperial court jewelry and motifs from China’s ethnic minorities, further root the collection in a rich cultural narrative.

For Dolce & Gabbana, Fang’s Shanghai showcase is part of a broader strategy to deepen engagement with China’s creative community. Beyond the Supported by Dolce & Gabbana program, the brand also runs the Gen D initiative, which focuses on emerging talents in furniture and interior design. These efforts come amid a wider push by global luxury brands to align themselves with China’s next generation of creatives—a demographic that is increasingly influential in shaping fashion’s future.

The Shanghai presentation will also feature industry discussions, bringing together experts, scholars, and media to explore the role of global fashion houses in supporting emerging designers. Topics will include talent development, cross-cultural collaboration, and the evolving dynamics of China’s fashion landscape.

As Chinese designers gain greater visibility on the global stage, initiatives like Supported by Dolce & Gabbana demonstrate how international luxury brands are not only selling to the Chinese market but also investing in its creative potential. 

This moment represents a significant milestone in Fany’s career. “Thanks to this opportunity, our brand gained direct access to Dolce & Gabbana’s exquisite atelier and artisans, which inspired our designs and techniques back in our own studios,” she shared with Jingzhi Chronicle, reflecting on her collaboration with the Italian house. Meanwhile , the initiative underscores Dolce & Gabbana’s commitment to China’s fashion ecosystem—one that extends beyond commerce into cultural exchange and industry development.