Vivienne Tam unveiled her SS25 collection, titled “La Li — Hainan Breeze,” at Paris Fashion Week on September 27, with Paris Jackson opening the show beneath the iconic Alexander III Bridge. Drawing inspiration from China’s Hainan Island, often called the “Hawaii of China,” Tam presented a line that pays tribute to the island’s rich cultural traditions.
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The collection is influenced by the Li Jǐn ethnic minority of Hainan’s Wuzhishan region, whose 3,000-year-old brocade weaving techniques have been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Tam journeyed to this remote area to explore these ancient crafts, reinterpreting them for a modern, resort-ready audience. Her designs incorporate intricate patterns inspired by the Li tribe’s iconography, featuring symbols of strength, nature, and community such as strongmen, deer, frogs, flowers, and dancing women.
Tam modernized these traditional motifs by integrating contemporary design elements like geometric patterns and playful proportions. The fabrics were crafted using indigenous methods by Li artisans from Hainan, adding an authentic and tactile dimension to the collection. By working closely with local craftspeople, Tam underscores her commitment to sustainability and the empowerment of artisan communities.
The color palette is vibrant and evocative of Hainan’s natural beauty, featuring crisp whites, vibrant gingers, rich indigos, spinach greens, and red cabbage purples. These hues are paired with materials such as lace, denim, cotton, and silk. The garments themselves reflect a blend of traditional and modern styles: cool blazers, cheeky mini skirts, and sporty jackets reference athleisure trends, while feminine bubble skirts and fluid dresses offer a softer, more youthful feel.
This collection embodies Tam’s vision of harmonizing tradition with contemporary life, creating pieces that resonate not only with the tropical ambiance of Hainan but also with urban settings like Paris, Hong Kong, and New York. Her Paris show reinforces her longstanding presence on the international fashion scene. Known for her signature combination of Eastern and Western aesthetics, Tam has consistently impressed Paris Fashion Week audiences with designs that merge traditional Chinese artistry with modern global style.
Since the early 2000s, Tam has used her platform in Paris to celebrate cross-cultural influences, sustainability, and innovation, building a loyal international following. Her ability to create a cultural dialogue through fashion has solidified her status in one of the world’s most prestigious fashion capitals.
View the collection in the Gallery below:
