What is the scene of the last palace? Although we have not experienced the 19th century ourselves, presumably within a very grand palace, the undercurrent of crisis was surging. When impacted by the invention of steam engine, the wind of extravagance was receding, while the air of elegance still existed; the despondency was gradually revealed, while the hope and desire were thriving. This is the final chapter of the glorious past, and the curtain-raiser of a new era. How to interpret the collision between the past and the present? With this proposition, DAWEI embarked on a journey of the Fall/Winter 2023 collection.

The corset silhouetted with sharp lines, the accordion-like skirt that can be fluidly stretched, the dramatically designed hemline of the coat, the purposely placed tab and the fluffy gigot sleeves……these are all marks found by DAWEI from the past within the palace. Meanwhile, the hand-sewn sunray pleats has added a stately dimension to the collection. Like winding rivers, the pleats horizontally or vertically spread over the pieces. Following the undulation of the body, the curves of elegance are depicting spontaneously. 

This is not a nostalgic show for recreating the past. Throughout an end of the last to the fresh beginning, a breath of newness with the tone of the palace, has been ready to be released. In addition to the dominant color of beige and grey, the brown checkered pattern is as vibrant as the ridge of autumn, and the delighted sky blue, grass green, aubergine purple and goose yellow, are all parts of the moving scenes written purely by the vivid colors, instead of any complicated patterns.

The practicality and relaxation of DAWEI are also strongly shown in the collection: adding asymmetric effect to a voluminous skirt has dissipated its solemnity and highlighted the urban sense; patching soft knitted sleeves to a top made of stiff fabric has increased its comfort; incorporating sporty materials and elements such as space cotton and elastic band in a majestic tailor has had it look more effortless; making a single piece which has various wears and matches, has created feelings to wearer of freely traveling through diverse scenarios, as unexpected surprises injected into the ordinary life. 

The stars are shifting, while everything is constantly renewing; the hourglass is silent, but time is still passing by. This is the last palace, the grand scene wraps the impatient restlessness in, when solemnity contains the longing which is nearly to be released. Move from the gorgeous palace to the city of traffic, put down the hands holding the skirt, drop the tiptoe, take off the heavy armor to become lightly loaded, return to the daily life, and move forward.