On Monday, September 16, 2024, independent designer brand ZIFEI WANG unveiled its highly anticipated Spring/Summer 2025 collection, “Endless River,” at the Waldorf Hilton, as part of London Fashion Week’s official schedule. The showcase marked a significant milestone, celebrating the brand’s first appearance at London Fashion Week and tenth anniversary, under the visionary leadership of founder and creative director, Zifei Wang. Drawing inspiration from the Haihe River in Tianjin, China and its surrounding folk culture, the “Endless River” collection explores the healing power of traditional arts in an industrialised world. The collection represents a cultural fusion, where international creativity intersects with classical Oriental elements, highlighting a harmonious blend of the East and West.

The theme, “Endless River,” metaphorically bridges the historical, architectural, and cultural ties between Tianjin and London—symbolised by the confluence of the Haihe and River Thames. This concept underscores the significance of Zifei Wang’s London show, which serves as a cultural exchange between these two iconic cities, enhanced by collaborations with Tianjin's cultural and tourism sectors.

This season, ZIFEI WANG delves deep into Tianjin’s rich folk traditions, seamlessly integrating innovative elements to reveal the city’s unique cultural charm. The collection presents a vivid contrast of vibrancy and tranquillity, blending ancient and modern, high-end luxury with folk culture. Emphasising sustainable fashion, the collection incorporates bamboo fibre fabrics alongside traditional craftsmanship, featuring Hua Luo and Xiangyun silk. Collaborations with five fabric companies and seven jewellery brands have resulted in pieces inspired by the Haihe River, the Yangliuqing New Year’s Painting Museum, and Tianjin’s industrial heritage, weaving a narrative that shares Tianjin’s cultural legacy with a global audience. The designs feature oriental-inspired patterns, creating a multi-dimensional texture that evokes the essence of Tianjin. This immersive experience combines Eastern aesthetics with Western modernity, inviting the audience to explore the transformation of Haihe River's folk culture through a futuristic lens.

In this season's three distinct collections, Zifei Wang masterfully merges Western draping methodologies and deconstruction techniques with traditional Chinese cutting methods. Techniques such as abstract hand-drawing, dyeing, fabric modification, patchwork, and pleating are employed to bring contemporary innovation to ancient cultural motifs. Zifei Wang celebrates timeless aesthetics, using a modern, international language to highlight the unique charm of Eastern wisdom, specifically drawing from Tianjin’s rich heritage. The Haihe and River Thames symbolise a cultural, economic, and artistic exchange, representing a dynamic collision between Eastern and Western cultures—from classical to modern, literature to art—telling a shared story of urban development while fostering a dialogue across time and space.

The “Endless River” series embodies the harmonious coexistence of modern industry and nature. Each piece respects history while envisioning the future, inviting exploration of the historical depth and fashion innovation on both sides of the canal. Drawing inspiration from Tianjin's industrial past, the collection incorporates metallic tones and textures, creating a visual and emotional journey through the fusion of cultures.

Words Courtesy of I.DEA PR
Images By: Ellis T Carroll