womanthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2026 INTERVIEW 94 Style Without Borders Bahrain has always had the world woven into its fabric. So why not let our wardrobes reflect that global spirit? This Autumn, we swap souvenirs for style inspiration as WTM pays homage to the dynamic fashion scenes of eight cities across Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America. Consider this your fashion passport for the season. Shanghai, China Colour Rush Shanghai Fashion Week turned up the saturation. Candy pink and vivid red swept through collections by Susan Fang, Shuting Qiu and 8ON8, while expressive textures and confident silhouettes signalled a move towards something bolder. That boldness reflects Shanghai’s contemporary fashion scene. Chinese references meet modern design language. Shuting Qiu incorporated silks from her native Hangzhou, while Samuel Guì Yang approaches Chinese identity through a contemporary lens. Rather than relying on familiar motifs, these designers find contemporary expressions for their heritage. Bring it to Bahrain: Let colour travel. A cherry-red dress, vivid pink tailoring or saturated accessory can bring Shanghai’s energy into a Bahrain wardrobe without reproducing culturally specific design elements. Mumbai, India Woven Air Rahul Mishra gave autumn an unexpectedly light touch as AFEW opened Lakmé Fashion Week in Mumbai. His White Gold collection returned to cotton and handloom, including a fine cotton-silk blend developed with Chanderi master weaver Hukum Kohli. Sari-inspired drapes met structured forms as translucent Chanderi created movement without weight. The fabric carries a story of its own. Chanderi weaving has centuriesold Indian roots, while cotton has long been central to its textile traditions. For Mr. Mishra, it also marked a return to the handloom and cotton of his early career two decades ago. Bring it to Bahrain: Let fabric create the impact. Look for movement and craftsmanship. Fine cotton-silk and translucent layers offer autumn richness without winter weight. Tokyo, Japan Shape Shifters Tokyo is playing with the shape of clothes. Pillings stretched knits over crinolines, shifted shoulders forwards and buttoned cardigans asymmetrically. Fetico cinched waists and sculpted leather into precise feminine forms. Silhouette experimentation has deep roots in Japanese fashion. Japanese designers have long challenged conventional proportion and beauty, and that spirit continues through a new generation. At Pillings, designer Ryota Murakami deliberately finds beauty in awkwardness and imperfection, while Fetico’s Emi Funayama uses construction to reconsider how femininity can be expressed. Bring it to Bahrain: An exaggerated sleeve, sculptural peplum or asymmetric top can deliver the idea in lighter fabrics better suited to the Kingdom. Bangkok, Thailand Sport Meets Luxury Bangkok brings an adventurous edge to polished dressing. SIRIVANNAVARI mixed technical nylon, sport-infused bombers and windbreakers with fluid dresses. Mountaineering-inspired drawstrings and hooks transformed function into decoration, while volume softened the technical edge. The experimentation is grounded in Thai textile heritage. Koh Kerd silk brocade from Ayutthaya Province was reworked alongside technical materials, while artisans from the SIRIVANNAVARI Atelier & Academy contributed intricate embroidery. Bring it to Bahrain: Make contrast the styling trick. Try a lightweight utility jacket over something fluid or add a drawstring or buckle to polished separates.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==