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| Photography by Magdalena Golembiewska |
A funky jungle-like beat filled the room; heads turned from front row to back craning to see the first look of a collection which promised to ‘unlock the secret oriental garden door.’ Haiping Xie’s collection treated us to a riot of Summer colour: the opening gown heavily decorated with neon blue and gold pattern. Almost baroque from a distance, the symmetrical intricate motifs illustrated Chinese legend.
This kaleidoscope of pattern was splashed across a strong collection of glamourous evening dresses. Prolific use of layered pleated tulle only strengthened the high glamour aesthetic.
A series of strapless taffeta cocktail dresses were structured with multiple layers of neon tulle, splaying out from the hips in an exaggerated silhouette. The pattern riot featured on tulip-like peplums over the tulle skirts, creating a sensual womanly shape.
A series of strapless taffeta cocktail dresses were structured with multiple layers of neon tulle, splaying out from the hips in an exaggerated silhouette. The pattern riot featured on tulip-like peplums over the tulle skirts, creating a sensual womanly shape.
The juxtaposition of ancient Chinese imagery onto western silhouettes seemed to capture the overwhelming way China has catapulted itself into a world leader of technology and innovation, yet remains seeped in rich tradition.
In neon climax, yellow blue and red dragons encircled a body-conscious column gown, finishing in a dramatic flamenco-like fishtail of tulle. Trailing poignantly behind the model as she exited the catwalk we were left a lasting memory of the neon Chinese kaleidoscope that was Haiping Xie.