Shiatzy Chen grows orchids in Paris – from petal to aerial root

Taiwanese fashion house Shiatzy Chen presented its Spring/Summer 2027 collection at Paris Fashion Week on 5 October. Titled “Xu Lan” (序蘭), it takes the orchid as its model – one of the “Four Gentlemen” of East Asian plant symbolism. According to the South China Morning Post, the house is continuing its series on the “Four Gentlemen” of Chinese painting; the resort collection was devoted to bamboo, focusing on the orchid's structure and resilience rather than mere decoration.

According to Taiwan's United Daily News, the show comprised 60 looks for women and men. Long, flowing A-lines and layering echo the open posture of the bloom; laser-cut perforations and sequin tassels mimic aerial roots. Techniques include digital denim prints, hidden jacquard and semi-transparent embossing, with colours ranging from deep blue to peach pink and grass green.

For men there were short jackets over long shirts, sheer materials and three-dimensional florals. According to UDN, accessories included straw hats with bamboo and jade details, baguette bags with bamboo handles and leather sandals with flowers. Those walking the runway included actress Chen Yanxi and Taiwanese model Wu Yi-hua.