On July 2, 2024, the "Pioneering New Trends: Modern Shanghai-Style Fashion Culture Exhibition" opened at the Shanghai Social Science Museum. The exhibition is co-organized by the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences and Donghua University(DHU), in collaboration with the Shanghai Academy of Social Science Development and the Shanghai Textile and Costume Museum.

Shanghai culture illustrates historical depth and exudes modern charm. This exhibition, focusing on the fashion culture of Shanghai style, represents a part of DHU's efforts in establishing an independent knowledge system for Shanghai’s culture and fashion. DHU will continue to delve into the fields of textiles, apparel, and creative design, effectively transforming Shanghai’s rich fashion heritage into resources for Shanghai’s economical and cultural development, thereby better fulfilling its mission to serve society and innovate in cultural heritage.

The exhibition features 20 pieces/sets of costumes, 28 high-definition images of costumes, as well as 97 photographs and images of newspapers from the late Qing Dynasty and the Republican era. These exhibits showcase the evolution and characteristics of modern Shanghai fashion culture, from the "fashionable" clothing trends of the mid-19th century to the "modern" fashion of the early 20th century, and to the global reach of Shanghai style in the 21st century, which reflects the unique spirit of Shanghai culture as a pioneer.

The "Shanghai Fashion Culture" forum was held during the exhibition by DHU,  where experts engaged in in-depth discussions on the origins, characteristics, and the contemporary charm and humanistic spirit of Shanghai fashion culture. During the roundtable dialogue, experts and audience on-site exchanged views on the history, connotations, and contemporary value of Shanghai culture and fashion.