Introduced on the Théâtre de l’Odéon on a sunlit Sunday afternoon, Shuting Qiu’s spring 2026 present unfolded like a lucid dream, merging private reminiscence, dynastic inspiration, and the delicate armor of femininity. The theater, nestled beside a park stuffed with households, created an uncommon backdrop: passersby paused to peek inside on the unfolding style spectacle of Tender Revolt, a title that captured the gathering’s temper exactly.
“It’s a reminiscence from childhood,” Qiu stated backstage, recalling how she as soon as painted by lakes and mountains, dreaming of the girl she’d develop into. “I needed to convey these goals to life, how I imagined dressing up then, and what it means now.” This season, her signature florals and hyper-feminine prospers—ruffles, embroidery, flou—took on new readability. Silhouettes had been extra streamlined, with simplified shapes anchoring her exuberant textiles, whereas exact tailoring balanced the bows and lace.
Crimson made its debut within the Shuting Qiu universe: a saturated, lacquered tone impressed by the Tang dynasty. “It’s the primary time I’ve used that coloration,” she famous. “It feels highly effective, and I needed to combine that custom with one thing playful.” The palette additionally featured softer neutrals like beige, ivory, and brown, marking a shift away from the pop hues of her earlier collections. As ever, craftsmanship was central. Qiu collaborated with Chinese language artisans to provide intricate bead embroideries and, for the primary time, launched crochet purses made out of leftover yarn. “It’s my first time working with crochet, and the response has been superb,” she stated, emphasizing the undertaking’s sustainable values. Footwear echoed the tactile richness of the garments: simplified shapes had been adorned with pearls and beading to enhance the textures above.
Lace performed a starring position, showing in pink, black, ivory, layered over organza, embroidered netting, and striped georgette. A standout finale look, solely in white, layered a number of lace textures like a bridal collage. The distinction of fragility and power ran all through, channeling what Qiu described as a unique sort of female energy: “Generally softness is just not fragility,” she stated. “It’s one other strategy to specific power.” In comparison with her earlier outings in Milan, this second Paris present felt without delay extra intimate and extra assertive. “It’s a unique expression,” the designer mirrored. “Extra mature, however nonetheless me.”
