There’s more to Chinese fashion than nouveau riche flexing and brand name hunting.
As contemporary Chinese fashion builds its own identity, it faces the challenge of dismantling overpowering stereotypes — ones attached to stigmas of bootleg culture and flamboyant displays of luxury branding. While there are certain social and cultural factors that help explain these perceived Chinese tastes — a generation of uniform dressing, an exam-based education system, and a sudden influx of new money in the 21st century — China’s fashion scene is rapidly evolving, and there’s great potential beyond the growing pains.
Amidst the sartorial frenzy, a new wave of design talent is reclaiming the term "Made in China," whether it’s by revisiting traditional motifs or presenting original perspectives. This styled editorial, titled "SINO-MODE," celebrates the labels and designers that are ushering in a new era of Chinese fashion.
For this feature, we visited Hong Kong’s Ping Pong 129,
a former table tennis court that has been converted into a modern gin bar. The nine featured brands include a mix
of old guards and new players. Heritage sportswear brand
Li-Ning and 90-year-old sneaker imprint WOS33 (previously known as Warriors) show their ability to stay relevant in today’s trend circuit. Exciting young visionaries Xander Zhou and SANKUANZ indulge in heritage elements, reimagining kung fu jackets, yin yang coats and retro tracksuits from an assertively modern standpoint. Chinese designers Feng Chen Wang, Wan Hung and Private Policy display their mastery in textiles and construction, while Necessity Sense and Yang Li flaunt slick, laid back tailoring.
From left to right:
Xander Zhou coat and pants, WOS33 sneakers.
Xander Zhou jacket, Yang Li pants, WOS33 sneakers.
All SANKUANZ clothing and SANKUANZ x ASICS sneakers.
From left to right:
Li-Ning track top and track pants.
Feng Chen Wang gold top, pants and white shirt, Li-Ning sneakers.
Xander Zhou jacket and pants, SANKUANZ shoes.
SANKUANZ coat, Yang Li shirt, Xander Zhou pants.
Feng Chen Wang jacket and jeans, SANKUANZ T-shirt.
All clothing and sneakers by Li-Ning.
From top to bottom:
Wan Hung sweater, pants and scarf, Li-Ning sneakers.
SANKUANZ jacket, Li-Ning top, shorts and sneakers.
Necessity Sense coat, sweater, pants and Necessity Sense x Mykita sunglasses.
All clothing, shoes, and bag by Private Policy.
From left to right:
Yang Li jacket and shirt, Necessity Sense pants, WOS33 sneakers.
Necessity Sense jacket, Wan Hung top, Necessity Sense pants.
Necessity Sense jacket, Wan Hung shirt, Necessity Sense pants, Xander Zhou tie and Private Policy shoes.
Top: Necessity Sense jacket and pants, Wan Hung shirt.
Bottom: All Private Policy.
Special thanks to Ping Pong 129 and Li-Ning.
Styling/Creative
Joanna Fu
Photography
issac lam
Design/Creative
Nirvana Garreffa
Hair/MUA
kolen but/michelle kwan