Established by Samuel Guidong Yang in 2015 in London, Samuel Guì Yang has emerged as one of China’s leading fashion exports. Yang, a celebrated figure in his hometown, has cultivated an East-meets-West design philosophy that epitomizes the New Chinese Style. Since 2017, he has collaborated with his partner and co-founder Erik Litzén to design the collections. This season marked the label’s 10th anniversary with a showcase held at the Rockbund Art Museum, an exquisite representation of Shanghai’s architectural fusion, positioned at the confluence of the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek since 1932.
“It was gratifying to reflect on our journey,” Litzén remarked, “though as designers, nostalgia can be tricky since there’s a constant desire to innovate.” Yang elaborated, “Memories inspire creation; one cannot conjure something from thin air. It was refreshing to introspect on our achievements and maintain authenticity.”
The collection featured several revisited designs, including a rubber sweater vest from an earlier collection and the iconic red dress, debuted in 2017. A standout piece was a jacket from 2019 that showcases a tailored slim fit that flares at the hips. All items were crafted using superior fabrics and the expert tailoring that the brand is renowned for. Observing the show felt like a privilege, showcasing how these designers have transformed over the years.
Yet, there was a notable sense of innovation, predominantly executed with flair. “After a decade, you tend to embrace more daring choices,” Litzén explained. This newfound creativity manifested in intriguing silhouettes: ballgown-esque aprons, dramatic shoulder drapes, striking wraps, and even an utterly stylish veil atop a baseball cap. These bold designs complemented practical elements like well-tailored trousers, relaxed eveningwear, and impressive windbreakers. “We seem to have achieved a harmonious flow in this collection,” Litzén concluded.
Significantly, the duo reflected on the lunar cycle and its influence on tides—symbolizing the ebb and flow of energy, akin to the natural rhythm of the ocean. This poetic contemplation resonated deeply with their own development, also translating into the collection’s aesthetic. The garments were designed to look fabulous both from the front and the back. “We aimed for pieces that evoked a sense of grandeur, reminiscent of a mighty wave,” stated Yang. Here’s to another decade defined by such grandeur.
