XU ZHI’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection, titled A Monologue With Time, reflects on a romantic journey across eras, interpreting classic influences with contemporary sophistication. The London-based fashion house, led by designer Xuzhi Chen, invites viewers on a poetic exploration through history, combining minimalist Art Deco inspirations from the 1920s with iconic cultural figures like Jane Birkin from the ’70s, and Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe from the ’80s. Photographer Sohom Das captured the energy behind the scenes at the Xu Zhi FW25 show , exclusively for DSCENE Magazine.
BACKSTAGE
Inspired by pioneering architect Eileen Gray and Colombian textile artist Olga de Amaral, the AW25 line thoughtfully blends architectural minimalism and warm, textural richness. Gray’s elegant simplicity informs clean lines and structural elements, while Amaral’s experimentation with vivid color and metallic textures contributes to the detailing. The use of finely crafted metallic accents adds a sophisticated luxury, balancing understated elegance and sensory appeal, indicative of XU ZHI’s distinctive aesthetic approach.
Since its inception in 2015, XU ZHI has continuously emphasized the emotional resonance of fashion, valuing artisanal craft and thoughtful storytelling over trends. Each piece in the FW25 collection demonstrates careful attention to detail, from stitchwork to the deliberate use of fabric, embodying the brand’s belief that fashion should serve both aesthetic and spiritual purposes. Rather than surrendering to rapid consumer cycles, XU ZHI persists in creating garments that speak authentically, balancing contemporary desires with deeper, introspective meanings. Reflecting on a decade of innovation, A Monologue With Time represents XU ZHI’s ongoing commitment to exploring the deeper language of fashion. By consciously slowing down the relentless pace of modern life through poetic design, the brand reaffirms its role in nurturing meaningful expression.
