Zifei Wang Presents her SS25 Collection 'Endless River' at London Fashion Week
After starting her brand independently in 2014, Zifei Wang presented her triumphant first collection on the London Fashion Week calendar. The collection was more than a successful debut for the designer and has no doubt solidified her well-deserved place on the schedule.
Zifei Wang took their inspiration from the Haihe River in Tianjin, China, as well as the surrounding folk culture and the healing capabilities of traditional arts. Within the theme of an “Endless River” Wang bridges the gap between East and West, the collection creating a dialogue between the cities of Tiajin and London. The two cities - connected by Wang’s travels- are mirrored in the rivers they are home to: the Haihe and the Thames.
The influence of water upon the collection was immediately apparent, Wang’s use of fabric and pattern demonstrated her incredible talent from the very first look. Hua Luo and Xiangyun silks shimmered under the runway lights like morning sun on wild waters. The expertly varied proportions - oversized Chinese-style sleeves, fringed coats and skirts, moved as if they had taken a life of their own. It was impossible to not imagine them as in flux and existing in their own free flowing, natural world.
In contrast, there were also more rigid and sculptural pieces. Balloon-like, oversized sleeves, held together by heavy leather stitching stood in contrast to the soft trailing silks we saw before. Blazers and coats adorned with harnesses and belts, not dissimilar to weapons slings of an ancient era gave a toughness and seductive confidence to the collection. Even with these harsher elements, reflective leathers on lapels, trousers and boots maintained the glistening water theme, providing an assertion to an organic form.
Softness reappeared throughout the collection, especially in the menswear looks which gave us an unexpected but welcome fluidity and gentleness. Boxy jackets were tied at the wrists with delicate ribbons, while standout look saw a mesh asymmetrical top paired with trousers that revealed striking cutouts. Painted florals made their way into several pieces, and the collection stayed grounded in the rich and earthy palette with aquatic blues that unified the overall presentation.
In this way, Zifei Wang took her audience on a beautiful and adaptive three part story, each act marked by changes in lighting and soundtrack. Held together under the cohesive theme of the “Endless River”, the collection felt a part of the same narrative, yet never failed to surprise and delight the audience with each new offering.
Zifei Wang’s London debut is a testament to the remarkable brand she has crafted over her ten years as founder and creative director. Her approach to world-building and storytelling is both romantic and captivating, seamlessly blending themes of untamed nature with rich cultural symbolism. She impressively balances softness with strength and tradition with innovation, creating a truly compelling experience for her audience.
