Shang Xia Presents Its New Spring/Summer 24 Collection
Luxferity, 25.10.2023
The second chapter of Yang Li’s exploration of flight aesthetics takes off with understated flair. A coalescence of streamlined postmodern designs and chinese minimalism, Shang Xia’s SS24 collection weaves a contrasted, airy-yet-grounded, perspective on contemporary eastern aesthetics.
Twenty traditional kites — commissioned for the occasion — were hand-crafted by sichuan master artisans to hover around the casper sejersen-shot campaign. Printed on rice paper and articulated on bamboo and carbon fibres spars, they act both as an ode to li’s roots and metaphor for future-bound adventures.
Free-flowing in liquid variations, the fluidity, lightness and transparency of fabrics clash with rigorous tailoring and the precise geometry of cuts — subtly paralleled by the kites’ structures. Pieces fold and unfold in overlaid modular combinations; an emphasis on versatility and a balance point on the edge of outerwear.
From Qipao mini dresses and boleros to cotton voile ensembles and ming stripe smocking coats, the collection meanders through a wide array of cuts, oscillating between formal and leisurewear. Delicate ruched details on garments and accessories experiment with texture and optics, while satin trenches, shirts and double-faced petal-hem dresses add a playful shimmer of light to the aerial palette.
A reflection of Yang Li’s distinct chinese minimalist approach for Shang Xia, exquisite han purple, jade and celadon tints infuse the garments with clear vibrancy, accompanied by characteristic festival icon prints — symbols of prosperity and longevity. The blue rose symbol harks back to li’s childhood memories, sketching a nostalgic echo of china’s rich print-making culture.
Punctuating silhouettes with a floral touch, delicate ronghua silk flower brooches and necklaces are unveiled as the brand’s first jewellery creations.
Edgy teacup enamel-heeled leather mules — a reference to shang xia’s trademark ceramic glazed homeware — join last season’s trademark bubble soles, which evolve into a laced-up, punkier platform pair.
The iconic triangle bag emerges once again as a baguette iteration, this time shaped from raffia, along with leather lady-moon bags.
Aloft in the atmosphere, this season’s murmuration evokes the ambiguous, potent femininity of birdlike creatures.
