Shushu/Tong's latest collection, 'The Invented Self,' made a significant impact at Shanghai Fashion Week, drawing inspiration from a powerful cinematic narrative to create a distinctive aesthetic that celebrates individual identity and self-expression through fashion.
Embrace Your Unique Narrative: Shushu/Tong's Fall 2026 Vision
The Allure of the 'Invented Self' and Its Cinematic Muse
Liushu Lei and Yutong Jiang, the creative minds behind Shushu/Tong, delivered a standout presentation at Shanghai Fashion Week, captivating an enthusiastic audience with their Fall 2026 collection. Titled 'The Invented Self,' the collection's essence was eloquently summarized by Lei, who described the ideal wearer as a woman forging her own character beyond familial expectations. This narrative drew direct inspiration from Claude Chabrol's 1978 true-crime art-house film, 'Violette Nozière,' which portrays a 1930s teenager's rebellion against an oppressive family, starring Isabelle Huppert.
A Distinctive Fusion of Vintage Silhouettes and Feminine Flair
The designers masterfully reinterpreted 1930s and 1940s fashion, infusing these classic shapes with a highly stylized, ultra-feminine sensibility. A recurring motif in nearly every ensemble was the ceremoniously crooked right elbow, from which a signature handbag was gracefully suspended, adding a touch of theatrical elegance. The collection showcased a rich tapestry of garments, including closely fitted opaque cardigans, structured plaid pencil skirts, elegant stirruped knee socks, and lavish ruffle-edged gowns in crushed velvet that flowed like stage curtains. Peter Pan-collared swing coats and charmingly cut shift dresses further contributed to the ladylike image Lei and Jiang crafted for their protagonist. In line with prevailing trends seen across Shanghai that week, numerous designs featured dropped waistlines and an abundance of decorative bows.
Beyond the Costume: Individual Style Emerges
While the audience's enthusiastic reception affirmed the appeal of the collection's theatrical, full-look ensembles, it was the more understated pieces, less overtly reliant on historical period details and dramatic flair, that offered the most versatile and individualistic potential. A particular highlight was Look 17, featuring a track-skirt-suit with ruffled seams, crafted from washed lemon nylon. Equally impressive were the quarter-zip, drop-waisted, pleated skirt dresses in a deep-hued, dense cotton blend, as seen in Looks 2 and 29. Intriguingly, a version of the track top, paired with shorts, was also modeled by a male, signaling Shushu/Tong's confident and convincing exploration of their womenswear aesthetic for men.
