You may be used to hearing about Paris or Milan when people talk about fashion capitals. But something new is happening. Fresh energy is rising across BRICS plus countries. New cities are stepping in. Quietly. Confidently. With their own voice.
So let us kick off with the simple truth. Style does not live in one place anymore. It is spreading fast.
Take São Paulo. The city runs on bold colour, street markets, plus a huge young crowd that loves mixing thrift pieces with luxury. Local designers are turning everyday Brazilian life into runway stories. I once walked through Rua Oscar Freire and saw three completely different styles on the same block. All effortless. All original.
Move east. Mumbai is building its own rulebook. The city blends Bollywood sparkle with new-age minimal lines. You see it in local brands that turn cotton, silk, and recycled fibres into clean silhouettes. Mumbai’s young designers are shaping a fresh identity for Indian fashion. It is modern. It is rooted. It travels well.
Then there is Shanghai. The city treats fashion like a fast-moving lab. You see tech-driven stores, AI styling tools, and digital fashion drops. Streetwear meets luxury. Traditional prints meet sharp tailoring. Shanghai reflects the pace of China itself. Fast. Inventive. Ready for the next thing.
Shift to the Middle East. Dubai is rising as a global style magnet. It sits at the centre of Asia, Africa, plus Europe. The city pulls in designers from everywhere. You see modest wear, couture, street style, and resort fashion all in one place. Tourists shop. Locals curate. Trends move quickly because the city loves newness.
Now look south. Johannesburg is turning African culture into global fashion currency. Rich prints. Handmade craft. Upcycled fabrics. Young creators tell their stories through texture and colour. Many global brands now look to African textile ideas for inspiration. That says a lot.
A small shift to North Africa. Cairo is bringing back ancient craft in a modern way. Egyptian cotton remains a global favourite. Designers mix it with new cuts and lighter shapes. The result feels fresh. Familiar. Easy to wear.
So what ties these power cities together. Not one single thing. But a shared hunger to stand out. A shared talent pool. A shared belief that fashion can grow outside traditional centres.
You see young designers using local culture as their starting point. You see global retailers entering these markets. You see consumers shaping trends through street style rather than runways. The movement is steady. Then it becomes strong.
These cities are not waiting for approval. They are building their own lanes. Piece by piece.
If you want to understand the future of fashion, watch these places closely. They are setting the tone. And they are doing it in their own way.
If you enjoyed this read, you may like the next one. Stick around for more stories from the BRICS plus world.