Vivienne Tam has unveiled the new “La Li – Breeze of Hainan” collection at Paris Fashion Week based on China’s Li ethnic minority textilework.
Vivienne Tam’s highly anticipated “La Li – Breeze of Hainan” collection made a striking debut at Paris Fashion Week, with Paris Jackson, daughter of music legend Michael Jackson, opening the runway show on 27 September 2024. Set beneath the iconic Pont Alexandre III in Paris, this collaboration between LíJin (also known as Li Brocade) and Vivienne Tam captivated the audience by fusing ancient Chinese craftsmanship with modern couture. The collection effortlessly bridges the gap between tradition and contemporary fashion.
As the first international celebrity to wear a piece from the LíJin collection, Paris Jackson opened the show. She walked the runway in two looks. She brought a new level of global recognition and glamour to the centuries-old art of Li Brocade. Her presence on the runway also symbolized the fusion of heritage and contemporary culture. This made her the perfect ambassador for this monumental collection.
“La Li — Hainan Breeze” weaves together LíJin’s artistry and Vivienne Tam’s unique creative vision. Altogether, they fuse ancient heritage with modern sophistication. It draws inspiration from Wuzhishan (Five Finger Mountain), the tropical rainforest conservation area on the island of Hainan, China.
UNESCO recognised the traditional textile techniques from the Li ethnic minority of Hainan Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009. Taking heritage and transforming it into a contemporary fashion narrative is an ambitious challenge. However, LíJǐn and Vivienne Tam successfully create a collection that merges past and present.
The collection features intricate patterns inspired by the Li tribe’s rich iconography. This includes symbols of strength, nature, and community, such as strongmen, deers, frogs, flowers, and dancing women. Tam modernizes these motifs with contemporary design elements, including geometric patterns and playful proportions, while still honoring the essence of the heritage of LíJin.
Hainan’s Li artisans crafted the fabrics using traditional methods. This added a tactile and authentic quality to the collection. By embracing traditional craftsmanship, LíJin and Tam highlight a commitment to sustainability and the empowerment of local artisans.
In addition, the color palette bursts with tropical vitality, drawing from the natural beauty of Hainan. Hainan is known as the Hawaii of China because of its climate. Crisp whites, vibrant gingers, rich indigos, spinach greens, and red cabbage purples are paired with lace, denim, cotton, and silks. The pieces themselves also reflect a fusion of tradition and modernity. Cool blazers, cheeky miniskirts, and sporty jackets nod to athleisure, while feminine bubble skirts and fluid dresses bring a softer, more youthful vibe to the collection.
This collection reflects Tam’s vision of merging tradition with modern life. Creating pieces that resonate not only with the tropical beauty of Hainan but also with the streets of Paris, Hong Kong, and New York.
In an industry often dominated by fleeting fashion trends, “La Li – Breeze of Hainan” stands as a tribute to the enduring legacy of the Li tribe. They have thrived for over 3,000 years. LíJin and Vivienne Tam’s vision revitalise these ancient Chinese artisanal techniques. They can resonate within today’s global fashion landscape, and stand out as a timeless homage to cultural heritage.
Ms. Chang Jasmine Hsin-Tung, founder of Element of Li Pattern (Hainan) Technology Co, echoed this view. She said that this ancient Chinese craft technique is revitalised and resonates in today’s global fashion landscape.
“This collaboration allows us to validate the idea that world’s intangible cultural heritage can be upgraded and accepted by modern trends, and we have succeeded in giving Li Jin an international transformation through Vivienne Tam’s 30 years of fashion design experience.” She sadded, “The launch of whole collections was very popular and exceeded our expectations.”
Jasmine mentioned they plan to continue to collate and collect graphic fabrics of LíJin. They will also build public fabric and design standards. So that LíJin could be more easily reached by designers and brands. Furthermore, we hope this intangible cultural heritage will be inherited and that it will lead to the development of the local economy.
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