Sasha Fan Returns to Shanghai Fashion Week with Unique Knitwear Collection
The highly anticipated return of designer Sasha Fan to the runway took place during the spring of 2024 at Shanghai Fashion Week. Her distinctive take on knitwear captivated audiences and showcased her commitment to craftsmanship, standing out amidst a sea of high-energy fashion events.
A Personal and Creative Journey
At the time of her return, Fan, who was pregnant, faced the challenge of balancing her personal life with her professional aspirations. Despite this, she successfully developed a collection that has since emerged as one of the festival’s best-selling labels. Fast forward nearly two years, and her latest show space bore testimony to her new chapter as a mother, featuring a knitted blanket adorned with images of baby feet.
Show Presentation Styled as a Village Retreat
The ambiance of the runway was crafted to resemble a quaint village house. Welcoming guests were several women knitting as part of the introduction to the show. As the atmosphere shifted with dimming lights, these women concluded their work, leaving behind a sense of completion as they moved backstage.
Highlighting Comfort and Design
In a pre-show statement, Fan emphasized her intention to focus on pieces that evoke comfort during the fall season. “It’s fall season, so I just want to focus on the pieces I feel comfortable with,” she declared, an acknowledgment of her design philosophy.
The runway presented a series of cozy, thick-patterned sweaters and vests in rich autumn hues, complemented by spacious cargo and knit skirts. The layering technique featured knit button-downs and second-skin tops, with some designs highlighted by delicate sequin stripes. Accessories included thick socks, slender knit gloves, and belts with softly tied leather straps, further enhancing the ensemble’s warm aesthetic.
Among the standout elements were intricate details such as miniature crocheted scissors, crystal amulets, and tiny keys and vases, which added a unique touch to her collection. Demonstrating a wide array of techniques, the show included everything from flat machine knits to luxurious shaggy mohair sweaters.
The Business of Fashion
Discussions during Shanghai Fashion Week revolved around the significance of creating commercially viable collections, reaffirming the balance between artistic expression and market demands. Huang’s work exemplifies how personal stories can be woven into fashion narratives that resonate with a broader audience.