Sankuanz Outfits Modern Mystics With Western Flare for FW25

Sankuanz, founded by Chinese designer Shangguan Zhe, landed in Paris to present its FW25 collection titled “Chöd – Laughter of the Dakinis.” Drawing his core inspiration from the Tibetan Buddhist meditative practice of Chöd, Zhe’s latest offering hovers between the poles like ancient spirituality and modern functionalism, past and present, and East and West.

The presentation opened with all-black numbers characterized by Chinese collars and diagonal plackets, recalling the designer’s heritage while maintaining a decidedly contemporary sensibility. A bright orange hue added a bold contrast to the darker looks, starting with a crinkled robe jacket and skirt, much like the traditional garb worn by Buddhist monks, followed by an oversized black leather jacket worn with orange trousers.

A run of looks completed with fringe veils obscured the faces of the models, turning the focus towards the dramatic garments —first, a full-coverage burgundy ensemble, then a black two-piece set with traditional embroideries, and finally, a baggy jacket and skirt made with intensely creased fabric.

Zhe then introduced clean denim-focused numbers including roomy trousers, architectural trucker jackets, and maxi skirts. A range of plaid flannel and distressed brown canvas pieces brought even more Western flavors to the collection, before opening the floor for the unconventional closing looks.

Full face coverings and all-black styling returned to the stage again, this time crowned with red-eyed ravens forming tall headwear, and fringe tassels falling over the shoulders, recalling American cowboy attire. Finally, the presentation ended with what appeared to be an avante-grade bridal number featuring the model completely veiled in white lace and sporting reptilian-embossed cowboy boots.

See Sankuanz’s full FW25 collection in the gallery above and stay tuned to Hypebeast for the latest runway coverage.