Ming Dynasty Meets Eurotrash: Exploring the Fashions of Designer Kim Shui
Image Courtesy: Highsnobiety
Pushing the boundaries of conventional high-end fashion through the inclusion of various body types and diverse models in her runway shows, fashion designer Kim Shui is no stranger to embracing new and innovative ideas.
Born in the United States to Chinese parents, Shui was raised in Rome, Italy from the age of three. Not originally intending on entering the world of fashion, Shui graduated from Duke University in 2011 with a double major in economics and French before attending Parsons School of Design. Following her decision to pursue fashion design, her eponymous New York-based label was founded in 2016. Her career was kickstarted after being selected as one of the VFILES Runway winners for her Autumn/Winter 2016 collection at New York Fashion Week. The VFILES organization allows creators in underrepresented communities to showcase their ideas to the public as well as to potential collaborators or investors. From her collaborations with Jeffrey Campbell and Samsung to her features in Vogue, the 32-year-old has made a name for herself in just a few years.
Image Courtesy: Elle
Shui’s works act as a melting pot of her American, Italian, and Chinese backgrounds. She incorporates various textiles, textures, and patterns while simultaneously subverting traditional Chinese fabrics and silhouettes. Her pieces are worn by celebrities like Kylie Jenner and her daughter, Stormi, as well as Halsey, Dua Lipa, and Gigi Hadid.
Although her collections often integrate Chinese culture and fashion, Shui stresses that her clothing is meant for everyone to enjoy. “It’s a celebration – not a costume or mockery”, arguing that her works are an appreciation rather than an appropriation. Shui ensures that her clothing is labeled appropriately according to her Chinese culture, whether it be a Qipao or Cheongsam (traditional Chinese gowns) inspired article of clothing. In the past, she has described her collections as Ming Dynasty meets Eurotrash, reworking Chinese silk textiles to create sexy and playful ensembles.
Image Courtesy: Fashion Bomb Daily
Her newest Fall/Winter 2022 collection, which debuted on February 13th, features an array of tweed, wools, and furs in various pastels. Unlike her previous collections, often comprised of sultry, mesh garments consisting of psychedelic swirls and patterns, Shui aimed to stray away from her usual style. She asked, “How do you create something sexy that isn’t just about showing skin? How do we give the effect of sexy in a different way?” Shui does just this by presenting kitschy, tweed two-pieces, as well as layering blue, purple, and pink lace garments.
Image Courtesy: Door 11
Shui’s latest collection also ambitiously integrated fashion and technology, preceding the show with an unveiling of her very own collection of NFTs. The collection, called the Serenity Keys, included an NFT of one of three unique jade keys in addition to a physical version of a dress of choice and two invitations to the runway show. Shui’s decision to implement NFTs into her most recent collection was motivated by the desire to encourage women to get involved and participate in the latest inventive technologies.
Despite her short career, Shui’s impact on the fashion world is already evident. Whether it be on Instagram or the red carpet, Shui’s designs allow women of all shapes and sizes to feel sexy, feminine and empowered in their own skin.
Strike Out,
Writer: Jayna O
Editor: Roxy Rico
Tallahassee