Grace Ling’s Spring/Summer 2025 runway show was an enticing exploration of the relationship between humans and objects, delivering an earthy, primal collection featuring both ready-to-wear and couture.
Drawing inspiration from a primitive time, Ling’s designs evoked the raw beauty of nature’s forces. The models appeared as if they had emerged from the wild, with garments that seemed scorched, torn, burnt, and windswept – capturing the essence of being overtaken by natural elements. The collection featured alluring textures and lots of neutral and earth-tone colors; the ethereal quality of these pieces was balanced with Ling’s signature sharp tailoring, sophisticated knitwear, and surrealist metal sculptures, which have defined her distinctive design language.
This season, the New York-based Singaporean designer continued to build on the aesthetic that has earned her a place as a CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund finalist and a favorite among celebrities. While the garments themselves were a statement, Ling’s use of innovative accessories highlighted her forward-thinking approach to fashion.
A key moment of the show was the debut of the Grace Ling x Humane HANDAXE BAG, a collaborative piece designed with Humane. Inspired by the stone-age tools crafted by early human ancestors, the HANDAXE BAG fuses primal simplicity with cutting-edge design, showcasing Ling’s interest in bridging historical symbolism with modern-day functionality. The collaboration also spotlighted Humane’s Ai Pin, a wearable AI device that represents the evolution of personal tools in the age of technology.
Fire also played a thematic role on the runway, thanks to a partnership with Gotham, a well-known cannabis concept store in New York. Gotham’s scorched joint bouquet added a visceral, elemental touch to the show, connecting the idea of fire as a force of both destruction and rebirth. Front-row guests were treated to this moment as a reminder of nature’s beauty intertwined with fashion’s creative potential. The inclusion of Gotham and its luxury cannabis offerings highlighted Ling’s ability to accentuate New York City's culture.
Model and influencer Meredith Duxbury made a statement herself, carrying the ever-popular BUTT BAG, this time filled with pre-rolls, an unexpected nod to the utility and versatility of Ling’s best-selling accessory. The playful combination of high fashion and practicality embodied the collection’s mix of dark romance and contemporary design.
As Ling continues to push boundaries with her focus on form, technology, and sensuality, her Spring Summer 2025 show felt like a bold step forward, connecting the past to the future in a way that only she can. From the debut of sculptural, AI-inspired bags to the scorched elegance of the clothing, Grace Ling once again demonstrated why her designs have become a staple for the fashion-forward elite.
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