SHUXUAN G. Unveils a Fashion Fusion of 3D Printing and Oriental Futurism in SS24 Collection 'Boundless' at London Fashion Week
by Molly Gymer
Founded in 2018 in Shanghai, the innovative brand showcased their newest collection, “Boundless”, on the Fashion Scout runway in Shoreditch on Sunday.
The brand has grown to be renowned for its blend of traditional and modern culture and has been seen on the likes of Hong Kong born, American singer, Coco Lee and Zhou Xun, Chinese actress and singer. Spontaneous, avant-garde designs inspired by Chinese mythology stormed the SS24 runway with an aesthetic that SHUXUAN G. describes as “oriental futurism” with endless creativity.
Futurism indeed; the designer incorporated 3D printing within her designs, in bags and tops, showing a commitment to sustainability by reducing waste as well as creating designs using innovative materials and processes. The futuristic technology blends seamlessly with the other, more traditional materials used such as the silky drapery material from China, Guangdong gauze.
The anticipation built as the first model stepped onto the runway standing for around 15 seconds before a brightly lit backdrop revealing only her silhouette at first, then stepping into lighting to reveal the details of the design. First the audience saw a long leather skirt and cropped jacket paired with an almost naked printed bodice and full face mask. The oriental futuristic tone was set for the rest of the show.
A recurring accessory featured on the runway was the small oriental umbrellas. These were inspired by oil-paper umbrellas which originated in China. The combination of these traditional aesthetics along with modern materials and shapes can only be described as masterful and a true treat for the audience.
Shapes took inspiration from Hanfu, a traditional style of clothing worn by the Han Chinese. Many models walked barefoot-perhaps a fashion statement, perhaps a nod toward Asian culture and beliefs.
Other significant oriental aesthetics included the shapes of handheld fans inspired by Nuwa, a Chinese god, along with orchid flowers.
The show saw natural colours creating timelessness in the designs as well as wearability throughout the collection.
The last model of the show stunned the audience in a low waisted maxi skirt which glistened in the studio lighting along with a large snake-like fixture covering her bare-chest.
The show ended with models taking a final walk before lining up to welcome the designer to the stage. Shuxuan, wearing her own collection, walked forwards to the claps of the audience to take her bow before retreating backstage along with her 27 models and unique designs.
You can’t help but feel emotional when seeing the face behind the designs; after months of preparation, stress and anxiety the show closed with a feeling of overwhelming support, approval and astonishment coming from the audience.