Celebrating their tenth anniversary, designers Jun Zhou and Yushan Li of Pronounce have unveiled their Fall 2026 collection, "Wooden Pagoda," a thoughtful exploration of their brand's foundational principles. The collection signifies a return to their cultural heritage, drawing profound inspiration from China's architectural marvel, the Yingxian Pagoda. This line masterfully combines precise tailoring with a sophisticated vision of sportswear, reflecting a philosophy where fashion embodies an attitude rather than a mere declaration. Each garment is crafted with structural intelligence, reminiscent of the pagoda's intricate, nail-free construction, promoting balance, durability, and a fusion of Eastern and Western aesthetics.
Pronounce Celebrates a Decade with "Wooden Pagoda" Collection, Bridging East and West in Fall 2026 Line
In a significant milestone marking ten years since the brand's establishment, fashion innovators Jun Zhou and Yushan Li, the creative forces behind Pronounce, have launched their Fall 2026 collection, poetically titled "Wooden Pagoda." This collection, a profound journey into their origins, finds its muse in the historic Yingxian Pagoda, located in China's Shanxi province. This architectural wonder, once the world's tallest wooden pagoda, was renowned for its intricate, nail-less Sun-Mao interlocking system, which allowed it to endure centuries of upheaval. Pronounce has ingeniously translated this structural integrity into their latest designs, emphasizing a seamless blend of relaxed yet precise tailoring with an unconventional, refined interpretation of sportswear.
The collection's palette is a harmonious interplay of primary colors—vibrant yellow, blue, and red—rhythmically interspersed with classic cream, black, taupe, gray, and caramel. Material fluidity is paramount, with silk treated to mimic nylon, providing an ethereal lightness that elegantly counterbalances the inherent rigidity of wool and other heavier fabrics. This thoughtful selection of materials underscores the brand's commitment to versatility and comfort. A compelling East-meets-West dialogue is evident throughout the collection, further highlighted by the inclusion of select archival pieces on the runway. These historical garments, such as Look 25, which pays homage to their Spring 2019 show in Italy, serve as a testament to Pronounce's journey and growth. Yushan Li articulated that the brand's inspiration often stems from their customers, who envision sharing their purchases with their close circles, reinforcing Pronounce's dedication to creating a shared wardrobe experience. For Pronounce, tradition is not a fixed concept but a dynamic web of connections, exemplified by the collection's ability to juxtapose Tangzhuang jackets with denim, classic ties with hooded shirts, and tailored shorts with technical trousers, all coexisting harmoniously within a single wardrobe.
Reflecting on Tradition and Innovation
The latest collection from Pronounce offers a compelling insight into the evolution of fashion design, illustrating how deep cultural roots and historical resilience can inspire contemporary aesthetics. By drawing inspiration from the Yingxian Pagoda, Jun Zhou and Yushan Li underscore the timeless value of craftsmanship and structural wisdom, translating these principles into modern apparel. This approach challenges the ephemeral nature of trends, advocating for thoughtful design that prioritizes longevity and wearability. The integration of traditional Chinese elements with Western fashion sensibilities highlights a powerful narrative of cross-cultural dialogue, suggesting that true innovation often lies in reinterpreting heritage. This collection serves as a reminder that clothing can be more than just fabric; it can be a wearable philosophy, a bridge between past and present, and a testament to enduring style that resonates with individual identity and shared experiences.
