Xiao Li spring/summer 2017 collection presentation for LFW

Knitwear was at the forefront of the collection, using innovative yarns to create transparent knits or block tones with highlighted feminine frills. The designer pushed her signature use of volume  in her garments in a new direction, creating much lighter, wearable pieces. These included loose, open dresses exposing bandeau bra’s, draping, bell bottom trousers and waist-tied jackets with exposed shoulders. A relaxed soundtrack, cacti and a scatter of green plants stood against plain, white washed walls, providing an appropriate backdrop for the girls and doing well in not taking the focus away from them. Every ten or so minutes, one model would float away from the show space and another would appear in her place, showcasing a fresh, new look. The colour palette this season made way for bold navy’s and stripes although Li’s soft pastel shades were still very much present. Woven and knitted fabrics developed in-house gave a far more personable touch, showing just how passionate the designer was about every part of the design and development process. Although Li’s recent trip to the Greek island of Santorini inspired the colours, prints and setting of her collection, she was more drawn to the signs outside the island’s schools saying ‘No Photos’. This went against the rules of the ‘Instagram Age’ she believes we live in now where people are more obsessed with the creation of a new personality, life and image for themselves instead of naturally living for the moment in a social media-free environment.

Jade Fubara
Photos: Federica Cembran

For further information about Xiao Li visit here.