Shiatzy Chen’s Fall Winter 2025-2026 collection unfolded as an intricate narrative of migration, identity, and craftsmanship, paying homage to the revered Ten Types of Miao Embroidery from Guizhou, China. Rooted in tradition yet reimagined through a contemporary lens, the collection transformed the runway into a living tapestry of cultural storytelling.

Embroidery, long celebrated as the written language of the Miao people, was at the heart of the collection. Towering textile motifs depicted legendary folklore, while ten exquisite handbags showcased distinct Miao techniques, meticulously crafted in collaboration with seven intangible heritage artisans. Each stitch—whether Tin Embroidery, Relief Stitch, or the intricate Horsetail Stitch—became a thread linking past and present.

The color palette reflected the essence of the five Miao communities, with a spectrum of white, floral, black, red, and blue, enriched by hues of platinum, pink, black-gold, crimson-black, and cerulean. Textural innovation redefined traditional Miao pleated skirts, now sculpted in leather, fluffy textures, and shortened silhouettes, while cascading coats, structured capes, and pleated hems evoked the grandeur of nomadic journeys.

Miao silver, a symbol of status and identity, was seamlessly integrated into the collection. Detachable stud brooches, adorned with sun, butterfly, dragon, and feather motifs, reflected the sacred symbolism of the craft. Silver-chain necklaces and waist chains bridged the gap between ancestral artistry and modernity, while footwear paid tribute to traditional Miao legwear, reimagined in boots, embellished boot covers, and studded accents that exuded a warrior-like elegance.

Shiatzy Chen’s handbags—timeless icons of the house—underwent a cultural metamorphosis, embroidered with Miao motifs and presented alongside contemporary hobo and crossbody styles, designed for the modern traveler. The collection’s fusion of heritage and innovation embodied the spirit of movement—both literal and symbolic—where embroidery became not just an adornment, but a language of resilience, artistry, and identity.