Venus is the goddess of love. “Venus was born from the Aegean Sea, carried to the shore
by the god of wind, welcomed by the goddess of time amid the cheers of the heavens
and the earth, draped in a celestial robe adorned with stars, with flowers blooming along the path she walked…” She brings love and beauty to the world. Venus is also the planet known as the evening star, called Hesperus in the west after sunset, and the morning star, Phosphorus, before dawn in the east. It is the brightest planet in the sky, after the Sun and Moon, and in astrology represents value and desire. “Venus” is also our seed, a
blooming strange flower that grows here. Following the successful presentation of her
collections at Milan Fashion Week, Independent fashion designer brand SHUTING QIU proudly making her mark in Paris for the first time at the Palais de Tokyo for the SS2025 collection.
We met her before the show and that’s what she told us.
Hi There!
According to you, what’s fashion?
Fashion, to me, is a language. It allows me to express a more complete version of myself that I may not be able to fully describe in words. It is my statement on life and art.
And what’s Shuting Qiu?
How do you “talk about” fashion through your collections?
My collections are inspired by my life and experiences. I love exploring different cultures and arts. I often find fresh inspiration in my favorite directors and films, generating new ideas from regional cultural differences.
How could you describe your style?
I feel that I have a very strong personal identity, and I want to express my understanding of romance and modernism. My style is shaped by my life experiences and the diverse cultures I have encountered. I believe I am bold and experimental.
We read on your brand presentation that “Shuting Qiu embodies a refined femininity, showcasing a “modern romantic archetype – bold, self-reliant, yet inherently delicate. Qiu’s creations dare to venture into asymmetry and silhouette experimentation, resulting in a vibrant clash of silk jacquards, elaborate embroideries, and a harmony of linear and floral motifs”.
According to you, how important is it to experiment in fashion? And is it still possible to experiment in 2024?
Absolutely, fashion is always moving forward and being innovative. It can be inspired by so many different elements, whether it’s culture, art, or technological advancements. I believe there are endless possibilities. Just like the theme for this fashion show, which stems from my encounter with ancient Greek mythology.
What’s your background?
I grew up in Hangzhou, which is known as the silk city of China. The landscape is surrounded by mountains and nature, and I was deeply inspired by it. I remember spending time painting it. My city is also famous for its embroidery and jacquard fabrics. In every one of my collections, I incorporate my own jacquard and silk designs. I am very much inspired from my origin overall
How much Shanghai is there in your collections? What is your connection with the city?
Shanghai attracts many young people in China who are interested in fashion and international trends. The city’s atmosphere and environment create more possibilities for understanding and exchanging information.
THE PALACE WHERE VENUS DESCENDS is the evocative name of the SS25 you’re presenting during PFW.
Let’s talk about it…
This time, I was inspired by a deeply personal experience. I took a trip to Cyprus, the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Seeing the mosaic floors used in Greek architecture and the totems I passed along the way sparked my desire to merge these elements with my brand. My goal is to create a cross-century visual feast.
Do you have any favorite piece from the collection?
I absolutely love the mother-and-child look we created this time. During the casting, I was completely melted by the child’s smile. I believe fashion should be inclusive, and our brand showcases that female strength and beauty can take many forms.
“Fashion should be a form of escapism, and not a form of imprisonment”, Alexander McQueen said.
In 2024, can fashion still be an escape route, a way to escape social conventions?
Compared to escapism, I believe fashion is my way of facing life. I believe that for most people, 2024 has not been an easy year. Economic conditions, ongoing wars, and other severe international trends have created fear and anxiety. In the midst of all this, I feel that my brand represents a kind of faith, much like the life and the people I love, guiding me to see the path forward.
