Here's what went down at the Moncler Genius event in Shanghai
Ten neighbourhoods to narrate ten new collaborations
October 21st, 2024
Elio Cheng
Last night, Moncler Genius concluded the Shanghai Fashion Week with The City of Genius, an immersive experience that brought together artists and creatives from diverse fields in a unique collaboration. At the CSSC Pavilion, an old shipyard overlooking the scenic Huangpu River, celebrities, stars, and numerous figures from the worlds of music, fashion, technology, and entertainment attended an unprecedented show. The city of Shanghai was represented by Moncler Genius across ten different districts, each dedicated to one of the ten collections presented at the show, created in collaboration with some of the most prestigious figures from the international arts scene: Edward Enninful, Hiroshi Fujiwara, Donald Glover, Lulu Li, Mercedes-Benz by Nigo, Palm Angels, A$AP Rocky, Willow Smith, with special participation from Rick Owens and Jil Sander.
The evening was marked by unique moments presented in a magical setting: from an installation by artist Xu Bing to the direction of Wing Shya, who directed the manifesto film The City of Genius featuring the brand ambassador Leah Dou, and the final performance by Henry Lau, enlivened by a dance troupe and dazzling light effects. “The City of Genius is a demonstration of how creativity reaches its peak when boundaries disappear, allowing different worlds and cultural contexts to inspire each other, creating something new together,” commented Moncler’s Chairman and CEO, Remo Ruffini. «With the energy of Shanghai, The City of Genius is the place where local and international talents meet, guided by the creative genius within each of us. Year after year, Moncler Genius continues to express the power of creativity, transforming ideas into reality, uniting people in communities, and opening the world of luxury to a universe of new opportunities.»
Each talent involved in The City of Genius project offered a personal interpretation of Shanghai through new collections. Edward Enninful presented a weather station suspended in time and surrounded by elements of nature, featuring garments designed to withstand the harshest weather conditions. Hiroshi Fujiwara collaborated with sculptor Richard Wilson RA on a minimalist installation, where garments—inspired by the theme of calm waters—hung above a dark liquid floor. Donald Glover found inspiration in his Californian farm for his collection, reflecting the colors of the peaches and oranges grown on his Gilga Farm. Artificial intelligence was the starting point for Lulu Li, who expressed her vision of The City of Genius through digital volumes, with references to Zen, functionality, and workwear. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz and Nigo conveyed the brand’s street style through a collection deeply rooted in the aesthetics of the 1980s and 1990s.
The Italian brand Palm Angels chose to tell the story of the world of motor racing through its collection, presented within a circuit reflecting a 1970s aesthetic. A$AP Rocky explored the world of motorcycling for The City of Genius, incorporating thick padding and hats echoing the silhouette of motorcycle helmets. Willow Smith transported the audience into a post-apocalyptic universe through her collection, developed entirely in black and white. Longtime Moncler collaborator Rick Owens showcased new designs in a brutalist mountain retreat. Finally, Jil Sander immersed the audience in a serene and purifying reality, where nature served as the backdrop for a collection centered on the concept of circles and completeness.