The r.l.e Spring/Summer 2025 collection explores the intricate relationship between designer Qixin and her lifelong connection to ballet.
This connection has evolved from childhood curiosity into a profound symbol of self-discovery and independence. Inspired by the whimsical narrative of The Nutcracker ballet, the collection intertwines themes of memory, transformation, and the power of femininity, using a dreamy and dramatic approach to guide the audience on a journey of reflection and personal growth.
Ballet first entered Qixin’s life as a child—a fleeting yet impactful encounter with its duality: an art that dazzles with elegance yet demands unrelenting rigor. Although she left the practice behind in her youth, the memory of ballet lingered like a shadow cast by her early dreams. In adulthood, she returned to ballet, rediscovering an inner strength and confidence that transcended the physical art form, transforming her from within. This newfound strength has deeply influenced her design language, shaping her into a more independent and confident individual.
R.L.E
This collection brings that journey to life with fabrics like airy organza and tulle, capturing both the lightness of memory and the weight of resilience. Ribbons, carefully crafted using smocking and crochet techniques, flow through the designs like memories—sometimes free, sometimes tangled—symbolizing the winding path of growth. These threads evoke the natural elements she encountered on her way to ballet classes as a child. Wisteria, grapes, and tulips—vibrant symbols of life and perseverance—are subtly woven into the collection’s narrative through embroidery and knitting, embodying the cycle of growth.
In line with r.l.e’s sustainable vision, the collection breathes new life into fabric scraps by weaving threads and fabric strips into fresh forms, continuing the use of the Yuan (圆) Technique to recreate garment structures from discarded materials. The Yuan (圆) Technique, meaning “circle” in Chinese, embodies r.l.e’s commitment to a fully cyclical approach to sustainability. This innovative method, developed by designer Cici and her team, transforms leftover fabrics into stretchable textiles through a streamlined and accessible process, making it more practical than traditional techniques like crochet or knitting. Like memories revived with new meaning, these reimagined materials symbolize rebirth.
The r.l.e Spring/Summer 2025 collection celebrates the quiet yet powerful strength that women find as they navigate their own journeys. Each piece carries a story of past experiences and future possibilities, inviting women to embrace the beauty and resilience that define their paths.
ABOUT r.l.e
r.l.e is a London-born, sustainability-focused designer brand founded in 2021 by Chinese designer Qixin (Cici) Zhang. The brand’s name, derived from the word “rule” without the “u”, reflects its s upbringing in an artistic, multicultural environment has deeply influenced her work, with floral and water elements becoming signature features in her designs. Her commitment to sustainability, shaped from a young age, has led her to create a brand that not only uses eco-friendly materials but also aims to reduce waste at its roots. Looking ahead, Qixin plans to combine traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques like 3D printing to further her vision of a sustainable, introspective fashion industry.
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With love,
FWO
