For the Spring/Summer 2021 collection designer Shangguan Zhe draws inspiration from diverse ethnic cultures while retaining SANKUANZ specific signatures as the bassline.

High-shoulder suits channeling traditional Mongol costumes carry a grasslands hero spirit, while shirts and tailored pieces feature spins on traditional Chinese cheongsam dresses, Mandarin collars and ancient shawls in a wardrobe blending ethnic codes with nods to Western garb and pop culture symbols.

Dressy looks are either stiff and constructed or loose and sensual, such as laser-cut tuxedo suits or long draped gowns and skirts inspired by Pieter Hugo’s images of marginalized African communities dressed in simple cloths knotted around the body. A soft and fluid jersey fabric is used on disheveled slogan T-shirts paired with military cargo pants or on long printed dresses draped at one shoulder that exude effortless grace. 

Honing a balance between polished and raw elements, uniform references rub shoulders with casual streetwear pieces emblazoned with the brand’s signature elements, including weapon-inspired metallic details, tribal motifs in crystal studs, graffiti denim pieces and military camouflage prints.

Graphic embellishments ranging from the Othla Rune symbol to metallic daggers evoke ceremonial props, anchored by the SANKUANZ -Kill the Wall- slogan, the banner of this mystery tribe. These highly distinctive details surface as shiny blazon attached to the shoulder’s straps of the new “Dagger” bag made in collaboration with Chinese handbag brand ZESH.

Following the teaser for the Solution sneakers unveiled in this collection, the brand’s collaboration with adidas Originals continues to gain momentum, with a new capsule set to launch in October 2020. Other footwear designs such as chunky soled combat boots with lime green contrast stitching, shiny black cowboy boots and plain pointy shoes in metallic or glossy finishes complete the looks.

The collection’s incisive interpretations of ethnic and pop culture elements are captured in a powerful video by artist Zhang Ding generating a digital world peopled by phosphorescent forms.
Reality disintegrates into phosphorescent beings.