RUNWAY: Xander Zhou SS16

Chinese designer Xander Zhou seemed to be inspired by The Metropolitan Museum's new exhibit called China: Through the Looking Glass. In season's past, Zhou has opted to look to Western cultures for inspiration but for SS16, he went back to his roots and reinterpreted what he sees as modern Chinese culture, through a Chinese designer. This is important mostly because fashion rarely allows the general public to see a certain culture through the eyes of its citizens. In fashion, it's usually European or American designers interpreting Chinese culture or African culture. Not here. Zhou offered a stunning take on Chinese iconography, seen on intricately embroidered tops; other notable pieces included chic biker jackets with applique flowers and elegant silken robes. All of it done with zero cultural appropriation, well done.