Origin · Boundless: Collaboration at Shanghai Fashion Week

A new chapter for outdoor baselayers

Shanghai Fashion Week became the launchpad for a bold vision in outdoor performance wear. For the first time, UTO, Südwolle Group and LYCRA® presented the AW25 Origin · Boundless collection, redefining the outdoor baselayer through material innovation and functional aesthetics.

This collaboration is built on shared principles: combining natural fibre performance and technical functionality to meet the needs of active consumers.

A model walks the runway at Shanghai Fashion Week in a gradient pink and white fitted outfit with red boots and a red headband. The background features mountain imagery and event sponsor logos.

A female model in a red patterned bodysuit, black snow boots, and a helmet walks the runway holding skis at Shanghai Fashion Week SS2026, with sponsor logos in the background.

A model walks the runway wearing a blue and yellow sporty outfit with a backpack, blue beanie, and sunglasses at Shanghai Fashion Week SS2026. The backdrop features a mountain landscape and event sponsor logos.

A model wearing a white and pink bodysuit, red fur hat, and red boots stands on a runway holding matching boots. The backdrop displays a mountain landscape. Text reads SHANGHAI FASHION WEEK SS2026.

A male model in a white, form-fitting athletic outfit with red accents walks the runway at Shanghai Fashion Week. He wears sunglasses, carries climbing rope over one shoulder, and holds a white helmet in his hand.

A female model walks the runway in a white dress with red accents, sunglasses, a white visor, and a large beige bag at Shanghai Fashion Week SS2026. Logos and event text are displayed in the image corners.

Why Shanghai?

As one of Asia’s most influential fashion platforms, Shanghai Fashion Week is synonymous with innovation and trend leadership. UTO’s debut here signals its ambition to shape the future of functional fashion. For Südwolle Group, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate how premium worsted yarns transform outdoor apparel. LYCRA®s involvement highlights the role of advanced fibre technology in delivering adaptive fit and durability.

Three lines, one vision

UTO’s AW25 collection interprets Origin · Boundless through three distinct lines, all incorporating Südwolle Group yarns and LYCRA® fibre:

Traditional Culture – Ancient charm meets modern functions. Inspired by Tang Tri-Colour and Song brocade, this line blends cultural motifs with seamless knitting, Chloe yarn and LYCRA® for flexibility and comfort.

National Team – Performance beyond the podium. Using ultra-fine Merino wool (16.5 microns) and LYCRA® fibre, these pieces offer breathability, odour resistance and stretch for multi-day wear. Woolmark-certified and machine washable, they maintain shape and softness over time.

NeoSkin – Designed for layering or standalone wear, this line merges technical aesthetics with adaptive fit, pointing to the future of outdoor baselayers.

A male model in sunglasses and a cream outfit poses next to a plush sheep holding a südwollgroup flag. Behind them are blue logos and text promoting Unlock to Origins at Shanghai Fashion Week SS2026.

A smiling person in a cap and UTO T-shirt poses with a thumbs up, holding a UTO flag, sitting behind a fluffy sheep doll and a blue UTO bag at Shanghai Fashion Week SS2026.

A smiling woman in winter attire holds a fluffy sheep plush and event signs at a photo booth during Shanghai Fashion Week SS2026. Logos for UTO, LYCRA, and südwollgroup appear above her.

Material innovation

The yarns feature high-count worsted spinning and polyamide blending, creating lightweight, smooth fabrics that resist abrasion. Combining ultra-fine Merino wool with LYCRA® fibre delivers comfort, durability and stretch for active use.

This approach addresses common challenges in outdoor apparel: bulkiness, itchiness and limited flexibility.

"Wool’s natural elasticity and moisture regulation make it ideal for outdoor sports. UTO’s seamless knitting and LYCRA®s performance technology enabled us to create baselayers that combine comfort and flexibility"

A woman with long hair, glasses, and a neon green shirt sits in a white armchair, speaking into a microphone at Shanghai Fashion Week 2026. Event sponsor logos are visible on a blue background behind her.

Sammy Ye

Sales Director @Südwolle Group

Why does it matter?

Outdoor sportswear is one of the fastest-growing segments globally, driven by consumers seeking versatile, high-performance garments. The AW25 Origin · Boundless collection responds to this demand with products that combine technical excellence and contemporary design.

Looking ahead

Südwolle Group will continue working with UTO and LYCRA® to develop yarns and fibres for sport, outdoor and functional apparel – supporting a shift towards longer-lasting, high-performance garments.