Locally-based designers put Shanghai at the top of the list of boutique fashion brand cities.

“Made in China" labels usually conjure up images of cheap plastic toys or hilariously misspelled t-shirts, but a group of up-and-coming designers are giving it a whole new rep. Drawing from their global backgrounds and working from one of the most international cities in the world, these small boutique fashion houses are bringing sleek design with fine craftsmanship back to the Shanghai name. And with summer already making its muggy mark on the city, they've got some great fashion tips to keep you and your style nice and cool.

Megan Fischer

Matsu, Founder and Designer

The Facts: Canadian-born fashion artist has been designing for over a year in Shanghai.

International Cred: Educated in Canada, the U.S. and China; studied fashion business at NYC's Parsons School of Design and Montreal's McGill University.

The Concept: This fashion maven designs by a few rules: capture individual style, everyday luxury, the perfect fit and simplicity.

Summer Trend Forecast: "This summer is all about the naughty preppy girl." Fischer's designs are inspired by menswear and invoke the saucy girl who saunters home in the morning wearing her boyfriend's clothes. Shanghai's Creative Energies: Although her latest designs are more culture-neutral than previous collections, the Shanghai imagination cannot help but seep its way into her sketches, with traditional closures and pearl buttons finishing off some pieces.

You'll love her designs if …you appreciate outfits that can flawlessly transition from day to night and are one of a kind.

Gotta Have It? Schedule a private appointment to preview her collection and order your favorites, custom-made. Watch out for her upcoming sample sale. www.matsudesign.com

Jonathan Hasson and Spencer Dodington

SDJHShanghai, Founders

The Facts: Hasson, an Italian entre-preneur, has been living in Shanghai for seven years; Dodington, hailing from Texas, has been living in Shanghai for 10 years.

International Cred: Hasson, though Italian, is Belgian-born and grew up in Africa. Dodington is fluent in Mandarin, Shanghainese and Japanese.

The Concept: This duo collects traditional Chinese grill-covered windows of old-fashion houses built during the 1920s-40s and licenses these grill designs for men and women's accessories. Summer Trend Forecast: Grill designs are now also being applied to stylish home décor, such as wooden trays and boxes.

Shanghai's Creative Energies: Compiling a database with over 250 grill designs, they play an active role in preserving Shanghai's legacy.

You'll love their designs if … you're a history buff who appreciates good design.

Gotta Have It? Visit Shanghai Tang. Designs are available in a variety of cufflinks, wooden boxes, photo frames and melamine trays.

www.sdjhshanghai.com

Alison Yeung

Mary Ching, Founder and Designer

The Facts: This British-Chinese shoe designer has been living and designing in Shanghai for one-and-a-half years.

International Cred: Educated in England, France, Italy and China; attended Central St. Martin and King's College.

The Concept: This shoe guru's philosophy is to "make the best possible future from the elements of the past." Expect lots of references to Old Shanghai.

Summer Trend Forecast: Yeung is traveling back to the Silk Road for inspiration in her summer collection. This stylish trendsetter is predicting lots of silk textiles adorned with rich patterns.

Shanghai's Creative Energies: Always inspired by her Shanghai surroundings, "I find design ideas from even the simplest of shapes and patterns, such as archways or street tiles."

You'll love her design if … "you're a strong-willed gal bold enough to seek out boutique labels and tread your own stylishly-heeled path."

Gotta have It? Experience a personalized shopping trip by chatting at her studio while slipping on shoes and sipping on an afternoon cocktail.

www.marychingshanghai.com

And the People Say...
Fashionistas roaming the streets of Shanghai tell us what they'll be wearing this summer.

Belen Hedrick (Visitor): Shorts dressed up with bright accessories keep you looking and feeling cool this summer.

Cici (Student): Neutral tones keep the summer classic, especially when paired with comfy airy dresses.

Nicky Hu (Student):Keeping it simple is always a summer do, with cropped jeans and tank tops.

Jenny Li (NYU Student): Patterns are a must during the summer, whether they be plaid or floral.