Shang Xia Spring Summer 2024 Lookbook

The Spring Summer 2024 collection by Shang Xia, designed by Yang Li, delves into the world of flight for its inspiration. Building upon the previous season's rock 'n' roll bird motifs, Li shifted his gaze towards the earliest form of human flight: kites.

To bring this vision to life, the designer collaborated with a master kite artisan based in Szechuan, resulting in the creation of 20 exquisite, handmade kites. The shapes and vibrant colors of these kites seamlessly translated into the patterns and motifs that define this collection. These kites not only influenced the clothing but also served as a captivating backdrop for the season's look book images.

In a departure from traditional runway shows, the brand opted for appointments at its Paris office, a decision meant to symbolize its multifaceted nature, spanning various areas like furniture and food and beverage concepts for China, as noted by Li.

Throughout the collection, Li aimed to achieve a sense of minimalism infused with an Eastern touch. This was achieved through the use of folding techniques and geometric lines. Smocking, both decorative and structural, was applied to a trenchcoat, and cleverly designed darts transformed drawstring trousers into sophisticated wear.

Li also explored '90s floral motifs reminiscent of his childhood in Beijing. Additionally, he drew inspiration from Ming-style furniture, resulting in coats featuring striking rectangular color blocking. The collection also included mini-length quipaos, exemplifying Li's vision of creating a "uniform for a new urban Chinese generation." This vision transcends geographical boundaries, catering to individuals in Shanghai, Sydney, San Diego, and beyond, although the brand's retail presence remains predominantly centered in China for the time being.