The Most Important Fashion Headlines From Asia This May
PC: @kovelee
I was wondering what the best way to bring my audience the latest fashion news from Asia was, and then realized I was way overthinking it. A simple list summarizing the headlines from the last month will do—a quick stop for you to gather all the fashion intel happening in the East. If you want my completely biased opinion (you read that right), Asia is where it’s at, at least where fashion is concerned. From Shanghai rapidly becoming a fashion hotspot to Seoul housing some of the most influential figures, you really don’t want to miss what’s happening in some of these cities if you claim to be tapped into the world of couture.
I don’t expect you to parse through the international editions of Vogue and translate every Instagram caption to get your headlines. Leave that job to me. Between my friends working at various Japanese magazines and my own consumption of overseas media, I feel like I always have a good overview of what’s happening in this region of the world.
I’m thinking of making this a monthly newsletter, giving you a run-through of the top news stories happening in fashion. From Chanel recreating its Métiers d’Arts show in Seoul to Dior opening a new flagship store in Osaka, here are all the major fashion headlines you may have missed this May.
Chanel re-stages the Métiers d’Art show in Seoul, where model Sora Choi announces her pregnancy
Matthieu Blazy re-showcases the Métiers d’Art show, initially shown in New York City in December 2025, at the Centre Pompidou Hanwha in Seoul. A significant move from Chanel that acknowledges and appreciates Korea’s influence in the luxury fashion market. It is also where Korea’s supermodel, Sora Choi, announces her pregnancy as she walks down the runway, caressing her belly bump.
Vogue Japan releases imagery from its June issue
Inside Vogue Japan’s June issue: four of Asia’s top models running around Tokyo in bright colors and playful prints. Wearing the latest from the Miu Miu, Celine, and Chloé collections, the photographs look how Tokyo feels in the height of summer fun.
Miu Miu hosts a jazz club in Japan
For one night only, Miu Miu hosted a jazz club to celebrate the reopening of its Ginza flagship store. The night featured Japanese musical guests, a cocktail reception, and a first look at the Miu Miu’s upcycled collection. “Framed by the Japanese concepts of ma (間) and shizen (自然), Miu Miu Jazz Club explores the tension, pause, and natural emergence of jazz, utilizing these expressive possibilities to amplify women’s artistic presence.” - from the official Miu Miu site.
W Magazine China reveals its own take on “Fashion is Art”
This news comes from late April, but it’s important enough to be included in the May roundup. W Magazine China invited artist Chen Ke to reinterpret the classic Bauhaus girl from a fashion perspective. The resulting images merge a 1920s painting technique with modern supermodels.
Dior opens a new flagship store in Osaka, Japan
On Friday, May 22nd, House of Dior Shinsaibashi officially opened its doors in the city’s bustling shopping district. Read the full announcement here.
Kith partners with Adidas and Lionel Messi on a ready-to-wear collection
Japanese streetwear brand Kith joined forces with Adidas and Lionel Messi ahead of the 2026 World Cup to create a line of jerseys, tracksuits, footwear, and accessories with each of the brand’s logos.
Uniqlo and Cecilie Bahnsen’s collection officially goes live
The Japanese and Scandinavian fashion brands partnered up to create a line of affordable, yet design-forward clothing. After announcing the collaboration in April, the collection is officially available to shop both in stores and online.
Auralee and New Balance drop a collab sneaker
Tokyo-based designer Auralee and New Balance collaborate on a 204L sneaker. Available in two colorways, this marks their 8th sneaker collaboration since 2020.
Calvin Klein and Jungkook collaborate on an exclusive collection
… that already sold out.
Vogue China reveals Eileen Gu as its June cover star
The woman who stole hearts with her lethal face card and jaw-dropping skiing during the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics was named Vogue China’s June cover star. The issue will touch on her relationship with rest, work, study, and how she balances it all.
Amateras is splitting into two entities
The founder of Japanese fashion label Amateras announced on her Instagram that the brand will be branching off into two entities, Amateras and Maison Amateras. The latter will focus on lifestyle and wellness, bridging the gap between tradition and modernism, Japan and the world.
There’s a trend in Korea where people are framing old Levi’s jeans and turning them into key holders
People in Korea are refurbishing their old Levi’s jeans as key holders. I figured showing you would be simpler than trying to explain, so here you go:
