From Sports to Style: Shirley Zhou’s Journey to Redefining Modern Fashion

Hello, Shirley Zhou, welcome to Marie Claire Serbia. We know that you recently presented your collaborations at the Who’s Next fashion show in Paris, which became an aesthetic celebration after the Olympics. What are your impressions of the exhibition and the opening of the event in general?

Shirley Zhou: Hi there! I was acutely aware that Who’s Next is known as the „testing ground for international fashion trends“ and is the largest and most influential fashion trade show in Paris. Having the opportunity to present my
work at such a prestigious event is truly exciting. This China-France Sustainable Fashion Fusion Exhibition is also an officially recognised event celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France. It represents a cross-cultural fashion spectacle, especially significant after the Paris Olympics. I was particularly impressed by the exhibition’s theme, “Let Beauty Walk with Responsibility,” which highlighted the designers’ dedication to intangible
heritage, culture, innovation, and sustainability through its four core sections. It was comprehensive, professional, and inspiring.

Let’s first talk about the exhibition space for the famous Chinese kitchen appliances brand Vatti, which you designed for the Who’s Next fashion show in Paris. Tell us about its design and the main concept?

The design features a modern, innovative installation that harmoniously integrates technology and nature, with a focus on speed, air purification, and human well-being. At its core is an advanced electronic device—a smart home appliance—encased within a colourful steel mesh structure symbolising air and wind. The vibrant steel mesh is interwoven with lush greenery, including a variety of plants and flowers, creating a visually striking contrast between the organic and the technological.

Your design, which combines the charm of both Eastern and Western cultures with an emphasis on green and sustainable fashion, has already managed to charm professionals and the media. Tell us what is the main highlight of your style for you?

As an athlete-turned-designer and a Chinese native raised abroad, I’ve transitioned from the sports arena to the fashion stage, moving from Olympic competitions to fashion fusion exhibitions. Due to my sports background, I love incorporating the power and beauty of speed into my designs. My aim is to create pieces that are both powerful and graceful. Nature and wellbeing are the core elements that inspire my work. I want my designs to feel as natural as breathing, evoking the beauty of life. Additionally, my work reflects the elegance of traditional Chinese culture while embracing the modern, fashionable elements of Western design. I enjoy experimenting with and bridging the gap between Eastern and Western design philosophies.

What do you think Western fashion lacks that the charm of the East has?

I don’t believe Western fashion lacks charm; in fact, it has evolved to become bold,
innovative, and imaginative. In contrast, Asian, particularly Chinese, fashion is often deeply rooted in history and tradition. Chinese designers excel at drawing inspiration from this rich cultural heritage, skilfully blending ancient elements with modern aesthetics to create distinctive designs that embody a unique Chinese essence.

At the grand show of the China-France Sustainable Fashion Fusion exhibition, the „Shanhai“ jewellery series, developed by your team for a Chinese jewellery brand, became the centrepiece of the show. Tell us about it.

In Chinese culture, „Mountain and Sea“ represents more than just natural landscapes; it also embodies the spiritual backbone of our people. Mountains symbolise resilience and determination, while the sea reflects vastness and open-mindedness. This jewellery collection draws from a deep respect for traditional Chinese culture , it symbolises a broader, spiritual reverence for the heavens, nature, and deities, reflecting a respect for the cosmic order and our
place within the universe. By pairing these pieces with sustainable fashion, we’ve integrated ancient cultural elements into modern design, creating a beautiful collision of tradition and contemporary style on the fashion stage.

What stones and materials typical of Eastern culture did you use to create the collection?

I used 24-karat gold, malachite, diamonds, and cold enamel in my design. In Chinese culture, gold symbolises power, wealth, longevity, and happiness. Malachite, another significant stone in Chinese history, dates back to the pre-Han dynasty. It was believed to connect people to the divine and grant immortality. Today, malachite is known for its protective and healing properties.

Which of the jewellery pieces from this collection would you choose for yourself personally? And why?

I would choose to wear all the jewellery pieces and wear them together, layering them for a bold yet elegant look. My personal style leans towards modern minimalism, and I enjoy using statement jewellery to create a striking contrast that complements my outfits.

How do you manage to combine the essences of centuries-old traditions and modern style in design?

The fusion of tradition and modernity in my designs is about more than just aesthetics; it’s a reflection of the unique inner world and outlook of Eastern culture. The Chinese balance traditional grace with the vitality and dynamism of modern society. This duality—seeking harmony between inner depth and outer beauty—has inspired me. I combine the rich, calm elements of tradition with the bold, avant-garde aspects of modern fashion, resulting in designs that resonate
with contemporary tastes while preserving the cultural essence of the past.

Is it important for you that your creations are sustainable?

Yes, sustainability is central to my design philosophy. I believe in exploring the close relationship between fashion and nature, and I strive to create pieces that coexist harmoniously with the environment. My creative process is inspired by natural landscapes, flora, fauna, and traditional cultures from around the world. I frequently incorporate natural elements like silk, greenery, and flowers into my designs, aiming to evoke a sense of connection and unity with the natural world.

Let’s talk about your path as a designer. You started with sports. Tell us about it. How does the career of a successful athlete affect your profession now?

Growing up in an athletic family, surrounded by male relatives and friends involved in strength and speed-focused professions, shaped my adventurous and resilient nature. I achieved great success in sports, participating in world-class events such as the Olympics and World Championships. Living abroad and travelling to many different countries exposed me to a variety of artistic styles and fashion trends, sparking my passion for design. After transitioning into
fashion, my dedication to perfection and my willingness to take risks continued to influence my approach: “I may not always strive to stand out, but I definitely don’t want to blend in. I embrace individuality and uniqueness.”

What creative plans would you like to share with readers?

I believe the fashion industry has a responsibility to the environment. By adopting ecofriendly materials, sustainable processes, and minimizing waste, fashion can play a key role in environmental stewardship. Moving forward, I aim to continue exploring the intersection of Eastern and Western cultures, creating fashion pieces that are both unique and eco-conscious.

Production: Killian Yang Studio

Model: Shirley Zhou

Photographer: Cheng Chong

Stylist: @didiwei28

Make up: Haoyuan

Jewelry: the RG Chain by MONOLOGUE BLACK 6C GOLD

Miljana Momirović

Iskustvo u medijima stekla je radom na portalima lepotaizdravlje.rs i casadesign.rs. Da je modni stil, zvala bi se minimalizam. Kao i svaka Devica, drži se jednostavne rutine šminkanja ali zato voli da pretera sa rumenilom. Bogato znanje u nezi kože stekla je iz ljubavi prema aktivnim sastojcima i kozmetici koju je prenela na Instagram profil @pegicaaa. Slaba tačka su joj slatkasti parfemi i bolonjeze.

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