INSPIRATION: SEVERING THE EGO
SANKUANZ presents its Fall/Winter 2025-2026 collection, “Chöd – Laughter of the Dakinis,” the seventh chapter in its ongoing exploration of the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Himalayas. Derived from the Tibetan word for “severing,” Chöd refers to an ancient meditative practice in which practitioners retreat to remote locations in the middle of the night, equipped with a bone trumpet and hand drum, to chant mantras and meditate with the goal of transcend- ing attachment to the physical self and embrace the wisdom of selflessness. This season deepens the brand’s study of life and death, reimagining these abstract spiritual philosophies as tangible design elements. The collection epitomizes the recurring SANKUANZ ethos of blending tradition and modernity, high fashion and streetwear in ever-evolving forms.

ICONIC TAILORING AND FABRICS: CONTEMPORARY INTERPRETATIONS OF TRADITION
Traditional Himalayan attire remains a cornerstone of SANKUANZ’s ongoing exploration, with this season offering a more nuanced and refined reinterpretation through a contemporary lens. The flowing silhouette of the Tibetan robe inspires oversized seamless coats with a relaxed cocoon shape, imbued with subtle oriental details. The robe’s characteristic drapery is reimagined as a neat fold that forms a large, discreet kangaroo pocket on the front of outerwear. Tailored jackets retain their asymmetrical wrap design, perfectly balancing heritage and functionality. These design elements extend to staple garments such as tailored suits, denim jackets, coats, and shirts. The collection features fabrics intrinsic to the Himalayas, such as yak wool and silk, which are innovatively adapted into denim streetwear pieces and luxurious velvet eveningwear,seamlessly merging cultural authenticity with modern versatility.

JEWELLERY: THE EYE OF DAKINI
The collection’s jewellery reflects the Himalayan philosophy of embracing life’s impermanence and detaching from the fear of death. SANKUANZ channels this perspective into jewellery designed in the form of humans and body organs, combining the triangular symbol of femininity with motifs from the previous collection. These designs embody spiritual insight while serving as wearable art.

FOOTWEAR AND LEATHER GOODS: SYMBOLS OF FAITH
Accessories in this collection also draw deeply from the ceremonial attire of Himalayan practitioners. Masked headdresses used in ancient rituals influence the design of baseball caps, which are reimagined with intricate beadwork and tassels. A clutch bag is shaped to resemble Tibetan scriptures. Stoles and large hobo sling bag straps are crafted in the form of human figures. These details emphasize the collection’s central theme of transcending life and death while honouring Himalayan spirituality through a modern aesthetic.

ARTIST COLLABORATION: A NARRATIVE OF INCLUSION
SANKUANZ collaborates with the experimental Young Boy Dancing Group (YBDG) this season, blending fashion and immersive performance art. The dancers, bodies painted red as a nod to last season’s chapter, “Dancer in the Void,” convey raw, primitive spiritual energy through their movements, echoing the meditative and transcendent philosophies of Chöd. This collaboration embodies the tension between body and spirit, life and death, offering a co-inclusive narrative that connects traditional culture with contemporary artistry. Through this show, SANKUANZ continues to build its brand spirit as a bridge between past and present, fashion and art.