Saturday 16 June 2012

Xander Zhou / Spring Summer 2013 Show / From East to West

GQ China and Lenovo are proud to present Xander Zhou at the pioneering London Collections: Men showcase. Xander Zhou is the first Chinese Menswear Designer to show outside of China, highlighting the growing importance of both Chinese menswear on the global stage and London as an international menswear capital.
The Xander Zhou Spring/Summer 2013 co
llection, entitled ‘Fleurdelism’, draws inspiration from the big outdoors, camping and scouts. Fleurdelism is derived from 'fleur-de-lis', the emblematic lily from heraldic coats of arms and the Scouts badge. It expresses the principles of environment, design and the great outdoors.







Xander Zhou explores and plays with shape to create the image of young men in slightly oversized garments, with freedom of movement and space to grow into their clothes. This is mixed with more precise cut shapes and silhouettes. In some outfits the wind seems at play and a sense of motion is suggested. Some collars are reminiscent of the typical neckerchiefs worn by boy scouts, while super-sized colorful patterns are derived from striped tent canvas. An outdoor palette runs throughout the collection with woody greens and earthy brown tones prevalent. The textures of silk fabrics recall the patterns in tree barks and cracks in the ground.







Silk is the main fabric used throughout this collection, in various blends of silk and wool, and nylon. Double-layered silk fabrics are thin and light, yet stitched together to create strength and creased to create volume. Although the fabrics do not suggest heavy-duty use, some details are inspired from outdoor clothing, such as elastic drawstring around the waist and magnetic buttons. In the same fashion, the collection features high-waisted dungarees that are only inspired in form by the original, yet made of delicate fabrics and adapted to look more formal with a trouser leg silhouette. Function and form are alternated with detachable double collars on jackets and coats.







Stylized boots, sandals and shoes reminiscent of uniforms are supported by platforms up to 6 centimeters, adding to the boyish silhouettes.
















xanderzhou.com

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