Kim Shui FW26 Rings in the Lunar New Year
The show set sail along the East River.
Photography by Moment Department
Despite the choppy waters and large snowflakes on the East River, over 200 people boarded the Eternity Yacht to kick off the Lunar New Year with Kim Shui’s Fall/Winter 2026 collection. As we enter the Year of the Fire Horse, this season symbolizes moving forward, prospering, and exploring—also known as Qi, a Chinese cultural and philosophical concept that represents vital energy and life forces.
The 41-piece collection draws inspiration from Mongolia’s transient migration and history. This season, Shui blends her heritage with early silhouettes, using warm-toned materials such as thick velvet, felt, suede, leather, and faux fur.
Photography by Moment Department
The brand nodded to Shui’s Chinese heritage with traditional Chinese knotting that serves as a structural element. Dresses, jackets, and skirts are detailed with tensioned cord and handwork that combine ancient tradition with architecture. Each knot represents a memory, a cultural tie that is never too far from its origins.
In addition to warm hues reminiscent of the Year of the Fire Horse, the collection brings the migration to life with faux-fur detailing, tiger and leopard patterning, and long, claw-like, fierce nails inspired by zhijiatao, a traditional Chinese royal nail ornamentation, as interpreted by Sojin Oh for Sojinails. This motif is paired with opulent components of gold, silver, metallic, and beaded finishes, deep reds and greens, jewel-toned silks, and oversized metal jewelry.
Photography by Moment Department
Not only was the boat itself moving, but each look does the same, centralizing movement, function, and the appreciation of the human hand at work. Pieces also feature traditional pankou (decorative Chinese button knots) closures that serve as the structural spine, completing the look.
There was a contrasting dynamic among the models’ motifs: some resembled Chinese royalty, some resembled mafia wives, and some looked like they were going out for a night on the town—all from different eras. These silhouettes translate into Shui’s idea of her ever-evolving practice from a cultural standpoint. The show integrated a live guzheng performance by Nico Huzella that embodied the overall setting: the ability to move forward despite choppy waters that can take you off guard.
