Shiatzy Chen Fall Winter 2024-2025 “Scene of Ink“. Story by RUNWAY MAGAZINE. Photo Courtesy: Shiatzy Chen.
Amidst the contemporary splendor of the Palais de Tokyo, Shiatzy Chen Fall Winter 2024-2025 collection, titled “Scene of Ink,” weaving a poetic tapestry that transcended the boundaries of fashion. As guests stepped into the venue, they were greeted by an artful display of ink in varying shades of black, setting the stage for a collection that explores the depths of Oriental culture through the lens of modern design.
Design Director Shiatzy Chen drew inspiration from the four treasures of the study—a cornerstone of Oriental art and literature—to craft a narrative that celebrates the art of ink making and its philosophical implications. The collection’s journey begins with the traditional ink slab, expanding into a visual exploration of ink spreading across Xuan paper, embodying the fluidity and perpetual motion of rain, rivers, and oceans. This natural, ever-changing process is beautifully translated into the collection’s fabric, patterns, and craftsmanship, particularly through the motif of “flower within flower,” where embroidered ink blossoms and casually placed jade ink orchids emerge as central themes.
The runway itself became a canvas, with the illusion of horizontal and vertical ink slabs forming an ethereal sky above and a puddle of translucent black ink below. This setup extended along the runway, reminiscent of a poetic ink drizzle, perfectly encapsulating the show’s rhythm and aesthetic depth. The collection’s opening pieces—clean-cut, rectangular silhouettes inspired by the 1960s Western-style suits—highlight Shiatzy Chen’s mastery over combining Eastern techniques with Western fabric, a testament to the brand’s 46-year legacy of cultural fusion.
This season’s palette, dominated by the mesmerizing depth of ink hues, brings forth an array of sensually stunning garments. Hidden gold yarns in black metallic jacquard and Oriental-style embroidery atop Western ribbon speak volumes of the collection’s intricate layers and the dynamic interplay between stillness and motion. The ink theme transcends its monochromatic origins, revealing a spectrum of colors from the majestic gold on black to emperor purple and jade green, reminiscent of the Ming Dynasty’s “Ink Collection.”
Accessories further underscore the collection’s thematic coherence, with revisited virgule heels featuring hexagonal metallic grille toes and jade bangle handbags adorned with jade ink orchids. These elements not only complement the clothing but also add a structured harmony to the assortment of ink tints showcased throughout the show.
Shiatzy Chen collection is an avant-garde homage to the scholarly, where dots, streaks, and dashes are not merely design elements but narrators of the profound relationship between ink and culture. It presents a forward-looking vision that marries the brand’s rich heritage with a bold exploration of individuality, promising a season brimming with unique possibilities. This collection is not just a fashion statement but an immersive experience into the heart of Oriental aesthetics, inviting us to ponder the essence of beauty and tradition in our contemporary world.
See All Looks Shiatzy Chen Fall Winter 2024-2025
