The ZIGGY CHEN Spring 2025 collection, revealed at Paris Fashion Week, delves into the captivating dichotomy of nature’s strength and fragility. Designer Ziggy Chen looked to the Chinese idiom “盘枝错节” – Intertwining Roots – as the foundation for his latest offering. This idiom embodies the unseen power of a plant’s root system, responsible for its sustenance and resilience.
Chen translates this concept into a visual representation of gnarled, intertwined branches that sprawl with untamed energy. No longer concealed beneath the earth, these branches emerge as the focal point, their chaotic beauty on full display. The resulting aesthetic, dubbed “GNARTRICATE” by Chen, explores the captivating interplay between opposing forces: elegance and comfort, chaos and order, beauty and decay.
This exploration manifests in the collection’s color palette and material choices. Chen draws inspiration from the weathered hues of traditional Chinese architecture, echoing the faded grandeur of structures that have withstood the test of time. Shades of purple, reminiscent of aged brick and stone, feature prominently, juxtaposed against earthy greens and grays that evoke the lush vegetation found within walled gardens.
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The silhouettes themselves exude a sense of ease and naturalness. Soft, flowing lines dominate, prioritizing comfort without sacrificing style. The intricacy of the collection lies in the interplay between texture and form. Chen utilizes fabrics that mimic the rough textures of bark and branches, contrasting them against the smooth flow of the garments. This deliberate juxtaposition creates a tactile experience, where the wearer can sense the strength and resilience of nature embodied in each piece.
ZIGGY CHEN’s Spring 2025 collection serves as a potent reminder that true strength often lies beneath the surface. By embracing the untamed beauty of nature and its inherent contradictions, Chen delivers a powerful and thought-provoking collection.
© Photos: ZIGGY CHEN