WHILE established brands tend to dominate the fashion scene, new talents also have the opportunity to make a mark during fashion week by showcasing their creative vision. Wu Xizhu recently caught the attention of the fashion industry with her debut runway show at Australian Fashion Week in Sydney. The Chinese-Australian designer behind the label “Xi Wu Studio” showcased a new collection crafted around the theme of “nostalgia,” which she worked on for five months. Wu blended garment construction techniques and pattern-making inspired from both Eastern and Western cultures, creating well-tailored and detailed pieces that impressed the fashionistas. “I want to showcase some older pieces and blend them with new ideas to reflect my emotions and perceptions,” Wu commented. The designer incorporated her bicultural background into her collection, which involves her upbringing in Guangdong, China, before moving to Australia. Her pieces represent a balance between Western and Eastern styles, whereas Eastern garments are layered and with room for movement, and Western garments are often tailored to the body. One outstanding piece was the asymmetric blazer bonded with reflective knit, paired with the loose-fitting twisted pleat trousers. She also incorporated classic Chinese floral patterns into a combo of green jacket and mini skirt, adorned with a jade charm. Wu’s childhood memories in China, such as quilted clothes and peony paintings, and her experience in Australia inspired her creations. She used a Chinese character “fu” (meaning “bliss”) motif and reimagined conventional cotton fabrics into a contemporary design. With encouragement from her high school teachers, Wu decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in design at the University of Technology Sydney. Following her successful debut at the 2023 Australian Fashion Week, Wu is considering extending her collection by making a few pieces available for pre-order and creating custom garments. Despite achieving a major milestone, the 25-year-old designer takes a one-step-at-a-time approach in her career and hopes to have her solo show next year. (Xinhua) | 