MarkGong FW25 Said "Thank You," to Paris, Lindsay, and Kim
A love letter to the rebellious icons of the early 2000s.
An office siren, Charlotte York, and a modern socialite: these are the cosmopolitan women who have dominated MarkGong’s recent runways. Without coming across too kitsch, and while still having a little bit of fun, the Shanghai-born, New York-trained designer frequently captures a myriad of elusive feminine archetypes. Titled “NOT INNOCENT,” the Shangai Fall/Winter 2025 runway was an ode to the grungy and sometimes messy icons of early 2000s tabloids.
Likewise, the runway was littered with papers titled “MarkGong News” reading scandalous reports like “Ex GONG GIRL Luna…Down To Her Underwear,” referencing the designer’s customer base. As models trampled over yesterday’s news, the set called on nostalgia from the Mean Girl’s burn book fiasco to Perez Hilton’s heyday and everything in between.
Though the collection still retained the designer’s signature sharp shoulders and statement silhouettes, each look was overcome by a more sleazy, undone feel, nodding to the enviously reckless it-girls who filled the moodboard and our screens. Sequins, lace pussy bows, dark lipstick, oversized sunglasses, and velvet chokers were so back. Corsets were cinched, jeans slung low, and shirts underneath piles of fur were incredibly optional.
However, the apparent messiness doesn’t mean an un-self-aware mess. MarkGong’s woman revels in the power of the paparazzi (not unlike Paris Hilton’s flashing camera art piece). Some are everlasting digital stars and some might even be Oscar winners (shoutout to the FW25 runway piece Lisa already wore to the awards ceremony earlier this month). For the obligatory off-duty office appearance came short sleeve knits paired with baseball caps and pleated trousers while fur trimmed blazer lapels added touches of sleazy luxury.
If MarkGong’s previous shows were defined by their playful portrayal of characters, this season rebelliously rebuffed boundaries altogether. You can check out the full MarkGong FW25 runway in the gallery above, and stay tuned to Hypebeast for more Shanghai Fashion Week updates.
