A total of 50 shows will be held at Xintiandi, along with other activities and parties open to the public during the event. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2018 Fall Winter Shanghai Fashion Week (SFW) will kick off on March 28, event organizers Shangtex Group announced on Tuesday.

In addition to the 50 shows that will be held at the white tent at Xintiandi, a dozen of other activities and parties will be open to the public during this 16th edition of the event.

The government-sponsored SFW first started as a platform for international luxury brands to host their debut shows in China before becoming a stage for domestic designers to connect with buyers and retailers from around the world.

The SFW is also partnering with a host of international fashion institutions to bolster its influence around the world. This year, it is collaborating with the French Federation of Couturiers and the Business of France to set up exhibitions and initiate dialogues between the two nations.