FATALE Womenswear Collection

Inspired by the term Femme Tatale and Milla Jovovich’s performance in movie franchise Resident Evil, this womenswear collection aims to discuss the meaning of modern femininity through angled cut line and fitted silhouette. Refined construction with an active wearer in mind. A project of reimagination for every-day categories, yet comfortable for an urban fast-paced environment. Printed 3D metallic artwork illustrates a dynamic between danger and sophistication.

From electronic blue raindrop prints on asymmetrical dresses to drawstring sleeves and skirt hems, these designs endow the garments with a unique aesthetic, enabling the wearer to maintain vitality and freedom in everyday life. The sharp cutout, shoulder-padded suit jacket offers a novel dressing choice for working women, facilitating a seamless transition between office and party settings. The close-fitting bodysuits highlight sensuality while prioritizing wearer comfort and experience.

The eye-catching fashion pieces, while accentuating and flattering the body’s lines, also offer unparalleled comfort. Representing resilient women, the apparel uses upright silhouettes and futuristic prints to facilitate a transition between professional and personal identities. Close-fitting tops with special cut lines and high-slit long skirts adorned with various belts reflect the city’s nightlife, creating a tension that exists within and beyond the rules.

All fabrics are digitally printed with original 3D artwork, created using adobe illustrator. Cutouts are treated differently in each garment according to the fit and movement of the body, hollowed out cutouts are finished with self binding, some are mesh cutout in order to maintain shape of the curve, the cutout on the blazer is connected by thin drawstring. Half glove construction is utilized for some of the dresses and tops, an activewear element to keep sleeve in place while user is in motion. Oversized shoulder pads can be seen on the blazer and sweater dress, to exaggerate the human form and maintain an hourglass silhouette.

The design of the collection started with color and silhouette research into the movie Resident Evil. Then it expanded into trend search from runway images to physically going to stores such as Macy’s to see what our target customers are into. Later I combined all research elements to create clothing that accentuate the female form, but at the same time give it some masculinity from activewear elements and sci-fi colored geometric prints. The process of making all the unique 3D prints, starts with thinking what objects can best represent male or female identity. So objects such as watches and belts are more male energy driven. Prints that are including jewelries, scissors and thorns are female energy driven. All artworks are drawn and made 3D in Adobe Illustrator. We followed shadows and reference from actual photos of the objects to make sure the prints look as realistic as possible. All prints are transferred on fabric through digital printing. In order to provide a well fitted activewear inspired look with eccentric cutting and styling of the fabric, we have done several rounds of sample making, fitting and experimentation of technics to get to the final result. All design and style of hardwares are individually specified and illustrated in New York, then locally sourced in China.

The design of the collection started in May 2023. Sample production started in September 2023. Collection launched in December 2023. Designed in New York, produced in China.

• Project Images:
  Title: Look 1 - Raindrop Print Cut Out Asymmetrical Neck Bodycon Dress
  Description: Length: Long Fit Type: Slim Fit Fabric: Medium Stretch Material: Knitted Fabric Composition: 89% Polyester, 11% Elastane
  Title: Look 1 Detail - Raindrop Print Cut Out Asymmetrical Neck Bodycon Dress
  Description: Front Cutout
  Title: Look 2 - Bejeweled Print Cut Out Thumb Hole Bodysuit
  Description: Fit Type:Slim Fit Fabric: Medium Stretch Material: Knitted Fabric Composition: 89% Polyester, 11% Elastane
  Title: Look 2 Detail - Bejeweled Print Cut Out Thumb Hole Bodysuit
  Description: Half Glove Construction
  Title: Look 3 - Belt Print Split Thigh Skirt
  Description: Fit Type: Skinny Fabric: Non-Stretch Material: Woven Fabric Composition: 100% Polyester
  Title: Look 3 Detail - Belt Print Split Thigh Skirt
  Description: Belted Construction
  Title: Look 4 - Watch Print Cut Out Front Tee
  Description: Fit Type: Slim Fit Fabric: Medium Stretch Material: Knitted Fabric Composition: 92% Polyester, 8% Elastane
  Title: Look 4 Detail - Watch Print Cut Out Front Tee
  Description: Mesh Cutout. Drawstring embedded neckline
  Title: Look 5 - Quilted Metal Print Lapel Neck Single Breasted Blazer
  Description: Fit Type: Regular Fit Fabric: Non-Stretch Material: Woven Fabric Composition: 94% Polyester, 6% Elastane
  Title: Look 5 Detail - Quilted Metal Print Lapel Neck Single Breasted Blazer
  Description: Cutout connected through drawstring
  Title: Look 6 - Scissors Print Raglan Sleeve Button Front Shirt Dress
  Description: Fit Type:Regular Fit Fabric: Non-Stretch Material: Woven Fabric Composition: 100% Polyester
  Title: Look 6 Detail - Scissors Print Raglan Sleeve Button Front Shirt Dress
  Description: Back Cutout
  Title: Look 7 - Zipper Print Cut Out Drawstring Hooded Dress
  Description: Fit Type:Loose Fabric: Slight Stretch Material: Knitted Fabric Composition: 100% Polyester
  Title: Look 7 Detail - Zipper Print Cut Out Drawstring Hooded Dress
  Description: Front Cutout. Oversized shoulder Pad
• Creators: Xiaowu Zheng
• Company: Xiaowu Zheng

Designers/Architects

Xiaowu Zheng

Company

Xiaowu Zheng