Shiatzy Chen’s shows are always a vivid lesson of ancient Chinese wisdom. For spring 2025, it was the age-old saying, “wonderful penmanship gives birth to flower,” which is often used to complement one’s beautiful writing.
The brand took a literal interpretation. Not only did a giant pen stand at the center of the venue, but florals in print, jacquards, embroidery, and chintz were all over. In its signature East-meet-West manner, the co-ed lineup also came with Art Nouveau-style graphics and brush strokes like jacquard fil coupé for Mao suit-influenced formal attire.
The collection had a stronger focus on daywear in celadon, khaki, and soft yellow hues, with striped shirts dotted with ostrich feathers, coats in creased fabric, lace boleros with pussy bows, and fringed skirts being the highlights. The red body suit that took cues from Chinese-style bellybands and diagonal lapel vests was another standout.
The evening part came mostly in black — the color of the ink — with Roaring Twenties flapper silhouettes in fabric reminiscent of brush strokes, and details borrowed from traditional Chinese outfits, like a qipao collar or court attire embroidery.
