PFW SS25: Shuting Qui
Chinese fashion designer Shuting Qui recently released her new 2025 collection at Paris Fashion Week which embodied refined femininity, bold and unique designs that you won’t see anywhere else on the runway. We got the chance to catch up with the busy designer to get an inside look at what goes into preparing her modern romantic fashion line and designs. Keep reading to learn all about how she does it!
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
What was the main inspiration behind your latest collection showcased at Paris Fashion Week?
The collection inspiration stems from my journey to ancient Greece last spring when I travelled to Cyprus. I was surrounded by the mythological birthplace of Venus so the idea was to encompass womanhood through this mythological figure that bring Love and Beauty to the world.
How did you decide on the color palette and fabric selection for this season’s collection?
This season palette is really an encounter of ancient Greek Mosaic and Mythological Motifs with the Brands signature. The house of Dionysus Mosaic greatly inspired me for this collection to create.
Can you walk us through your design process from concept to runway?
Normally I start with Collage from the pictures I take and paintings I do. After that I transpose these concepts on sculpture to get a representation in relief. At the same time I prototype the prints, the embroidery, select the fabric and all start to take form in what will the upcoming collection.
How do your cultural roots influence your designs, and how is that reflected in this collection?
I grew up in Hangzhou which is the silk city of China. The landscape surrounded by mountains and nature. I was very much inspired by it and I remember spending time to painting it . My city is also famous for its embroidery and jacquard fabrics. In every of my collection I incorporate my own jacquard and silk design. When I was young, I used to immerse myself in the nature and mountain of regions to paint my hometown.
What steps are you taking towards sustainability in your fashion creations?
Sustainability is very important to me. Planet resources are scarce and I am very aware of it. 60% of my fabrics are from deadstock’s, I use them as a canvas to my embroidery and prints. Yarn and beads are also upcycled and finally we also use plastic bottles to make new fabric.
How do you balance staying true to your brand identity while incorporating current fashion trends?
I think I do have a strong brand identity . I focus on my own aesthetics to keep the brand essence true to myself. My creation process is very personal.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while preparing for this show, and how did you overcome them?
It is the very first time I show in Paris. This is already a challenge itself because you need to collaborate with new teams. I am think you just need to go for it, remain positive and believe in what you do. And everything will follow.
You have done some dynamic collaborations over the years from Adidas to more who is your dream collaborator?
I think collaboration is a great way to explore new horizons and universe. Having collaborated with Sportwear brands to cosmetic brands, I think my next wish is to translate Shuting Qiu aesthetics into fields of art objects or soft sculpture.
What are your future plans for the brand following Paris Fashion Week?
After this first show, I want to deeper my connection to the city of Paris. Create more events, gather Shuting Qiu community and build something long term here.
How is your creativity disrupting Paris fashion week and beyond?
My ambition is to bring my Chinese heritage alongside my personal DNA to the Paris scene. Shuting Qiu has a vibrant, romantic and experimental silhouette to offer here.
How has your personal style evolved over time, and how does it influence your work as a designer?
My personal style has evolved as I moved places. After living 5 years in Europe and moving back to Shanghai, how I dress of course have to adapt to my living environment.
Overall, I think myself and Shuting Qiu kept on progressing seeking for a better self, but my original intentions for the brand remained unchanged.
What trend do you expect to explode on social media for 2025 fashion girlies?
It is a good question, I think in our time, self confidence and identity affirmation are the driving forces of any trend explosion.
TEAM CREDITS:
Interview By Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa (@princechenoastudio)
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
