Yuhan Wang Spring Summer 25 collection, titled “The Rose Fist,” strikes a balance between strength and femininity, drawing on the legacy of women in boxing. The designer takes inspiration from trailblazing fighters such as Alaia Ali, Barbara Butterick, Bridget Riley, and Jane Couch, women who redefined the sport and carved a space for themselves in a male-dominated field.
The collection marries athleticism with Wang’s signature romantic touch. Athletic leotards, biker shorts, and tank tops made from delicate Chantilly lace offer a striking contrast. The incorporation of swinging skirts, reminiscent of ballerina tutus, adds another layer of elegance to the collection. Silk tops, structured with voluminous shoulder pads and adorned with lace trains and 3D floral motifs, reference the protective gear worn in the ring.
A playful edge is introduced with waist-cinching corsets, decorated with ribbons and numbers that evoke the competitive spirit of sports. Boxing shorts in leather, silk, and lace further blur the lines between the ring and runway, offering a stylish take on a typically rugged garment. The juxtaposition of toughness and elegance is reinforced by the boxing gloves, crafted from either silk or soft leather.
One of the standout influences in the collection is the Fighting Cholitas, a group of female wrestlers from Bolivia. Wang draws inspiration from their voluminous skirts, crafting low-slung exaggerated panniers in lace and nylon. Yuhan Wang’s use of repurposed fabrics, including off-cuts from dead stock, reflects her focus on sustainability and innovation. The fabric is reconstructed into form-fitting slip dresses and mini skirts.
Footwear in this collection takes a surprising turn, with dainty 19th-century-inspired court shoes adapted for a more modern, athletic look. The addition of block color panels and mesh inserts gives these traditionally feminine shoes a sportier feel, again highlighting the duality at play throughout the collection. Take a closer look at the Yuhan Wang Spring Summer 25 collection in the Gallery below: