Lorenzo Hadar, owner of fashion boutique H. Lorenzo

Faced with challenges posed by e-commerce and the virtual expansion of overseas shopping websites in China, domestic retailers have been struggling with sluggish growth for years. Organizers of MODE believe their event has the ability to change this as it raises more awareness about the creativity of local designers, and can in turn drive people to stores to find out more.

“The first and second floors of Shanghai’s department stores and shopping malls (usually where the retail shops are located) have been empty for years. MODE may be able to change the situation and save the retail scene,” said Du Wenxia, a staff of the Shanghai International Fashion Center that organizes the event twice a year.

Lorenzo Hadar, owner of West Hollywood’s famed multi-label fashion boutique, H. Lorenzo, added that the only thing Chinese designers need to remember is that “less is more”. Otherwise, he believes that it is just a matter of time before Chinese people and even foreigners begin to wear designed-by-China pieces.

“Consumers no longer care about the nationality (of designers) nowadays,” said Hadar. “Chinese designers are also very creative.”

xujunqian@chinadaily.com.cn