Say goodbye to the runway, and hello to dim sum.

Snow Xue Gao’s first, solo debut collection was anything but the ordinary. Held at the enormous Jing Fong Restaurant in Chinatown, NYC, the Parsons School of Design alum debuted a collection full of gender-bending pieces that fused together Chinese culture and the grittiness of New York City. Inspired by her upbringing in Beijing, China, Gao drew upon fashion references such as the traditional Qipao dress, 1930’s inspired pajama wear, along with her unique style of structured tailoring most often associated with menswear.

Traditional suiting made from Italian wool plaids and jacquards were deconstructed by Gao, and re-interpreted into architectural bustiers or butterflied skirts. Chinese grocery store bags and bold accessories played into the Chinatown feel of the collection, with Chinese-style house slippers worn by many of the models. Gao played with color in this collection, featuring bright silk dresses and jewel-toned shirts, worn by both men and women.

Gao’s unique venue choice was inspired by an important aspect of Chinese dining: “coming together, family style.” While the models stomped down the runway, attendees were treated to a selection of traditional dim sum and tea. Shirking away from the typical runways and stark lighting, Gao’s NYFW debut is certainly not one we will forget.  

Email Thomas Chou at [email protected].