Forme de Fluidité Spring/Summer 2023
Translating architectural shapes to the depths of fashion.
Founded just around two years ago, Forme de Fluidité may not be a household name yet, but it’s definitely an up-and-coming brand if you’re into works of art. Its founder and architect Sophia XiNLI has always taken reference from how geometric forms shape one’s perception, and in her designs, she continues to explore the relationship with an aesthetic that’s equal parts art and architecture.
By combining structural forms and sensuous textures, every single piece is created to induce a sense of edge and wonder. Playing on emotions, the brand approaches femininity in an anything-but-straightforward way, and we’re all for it.
Forme de Fluidité Spring/Summer 2023
For its Spring/Summer 2023 collection — aka the third chapter — which was showcased during Paris Fashion Week, the designer dove into her past experience as an architect to explore the concept of space and time, as well as the metaphysical theories of human existence. Her main reference?
The famous Möbius strip — a single-sided surface with no boundaries. An artist’s reverie and a mathematician’s feat, the loop is translated into designs that turn magical characteristics to life. Blurring the lines between inner and outer, each piece continuously explores the concept of space, whereas a sense of fluidity represents the rhythm. Like the Möbius Strip, the looks present multiple functions and forms, complemented by the liquid gloss-like fabric that reflects light, resulting in a vibe that plays on a futuristic mystery. Elsewhere, the delicate organza is brilliantly utilised, allowing visual penetration while still playing on the mysterious concept of space.
About Forme de Fluidité
For a brand that’s known for its architectural aesthetic, it comes as to no surprise that Forme de Fluidité’s founder is a trained architect who has practiced in Shanghai and Hong Kong for more than 10 years. Over the course of her career, Sophia XiNLI has helmed an array of notable architectural and interior projects, from the first Mercedes Me Store in Hong Kong to the award-winning Nan Wan Clubhouse in Guangzhou, China.
Having been interested in all things creative since young, Sophia first discovered painting before dabbling in photography and later, in architectural design. The one thing all three have in common? They helped honed her skills, where continues to explore and ponder upon the implicit connection between physical form and spiritual perception. Fashion designing is truly a natural progression from her architectural design work.
After deciding to pursue a career in fashion, she signed up at Central Saint Martins to learn the art of draping while working as an apprentice to experienced tailors to gain real-world training and experience.
Armed with essential pattern-making and sewing skills, in the height of the pandemic, Sophia launched Forme de Fluidité to express her philosophy of design via a more personal and spiritual lens. Since the start, Sophia has always been inspired by the dynamism of geometric forms and how they shape one’s perception. Along with her impeccable tailoring skills, she designs with space and absence in mind, breaking the standard design paradigm while championing a lifestyle of spiritual self-exploration.
