Hushed Noise’s 10: Xinran on Tailoring, Cultural Fusion, and the Art of Fashion

05 Jan 2025

Xinran is redefining the boundaries of fashion, transforming traditional Savile Row tailoring into sculptural, wearable art. Rooted in both Chinese craftsmanship and London’s avant-garde fashion scene, their work bridges the past and the future—merging precision with fluidity, structure with spontaneity. Inspired by modern art movements like Art Deco and the expressive power of fabric, Xinran’s designs challenge perceptions of tailoring, turning garments into statements of individuality and cultural fusion.

Hushed Noise: Can you share a bit about your artistic journey? What inspired you to start creating?

Xinran Shi: My artistic journey began with a deep fascination for the intersection of craftsmanship and artistry—particularly in the world of tailoring. Then I studied from the heart of Savile Row, where I had the privilege of training with some of the finest tailors in the world. I realised that tailoring could be so much more than just functional—it could be a canvas for creative expression, much like a modern painting or sculpture. There was great opportunity to push beyond the traditional boundaries of tailoring and explore it as a canvas for something more expressive.

Also what inspired me to start creating was a sense of exploration—combining my deep respect for tailoring with my personal love for contemporary art. I wanted to design garments that could live as both sculptural pieces and wearable works of art. The work of artists like Picasso, Sonia Delaunay, and even contemporary designers who blur the lines between fashion and art helped shape my thinking. I’m constantly inspired by how we, as people, are constantly evolving, and how our clothing should reflect that—be bold, dynamic, and an expression of individuality.

Hushed Noise: How does your cultural background or personal experiences influence your work?

Xinran Shi: My cultural background and personal experiences have a profound influence on my work, especially as a Chinese designer navigating the landscape of both London’s fashion scene and the legacy of Savile Row tailoring. Growing up in China, I was deeply influenced by the rich history of Chinese craftsmanship—whether it was in traditional embroidery, silk weaving, and everything. I would say, ultimately, my goal is to bring these worlds together in a way that feels natural. I want to create a dialogue between cultures through my clothing, allowing people to see the beauty in this fusion. My personal journey—coming from China to study and work in London—has been about merging different influences and perspectives into something uniquely my own, and that’s what I hope to convey through my designs.

Hushed Noise: Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you develop an idea into a finished piece?

Xinran Shi: My creative process starts with a blend of concept and emotion, sketching out some loose ideas. I often draw inspiration from modern art, observing how abstract forms, colours, and textures interact, while also considering the precision and formality of traditional tailoring.

Then, fabric selection is one of the keys for me. I like to play with contrasts—maybe combining a classic wool with something more experimental.

 After that I usually do all the sampling and pattern cutting, where the tailoring techniques comes into play. I rely on the precision I learned on Savile Row, ensuring that the structure and fit are impeccable. But I’ll often break from convention by altering the proportions or experimenting with unusual silhouettes, influenced by contemporary art’s freedom.

The final stage is the fitting and refinement. Once it feels right, the garment is ready, a fusion of tradition, innovation, and artistry.

Hushed Noise: What themes or messages do you explore in your art, and why do they resonate with you?

Xinran Shi: In my own work, I play with the tension between control and chaos, structure and freeform. Whether it’s through the precision of a well-cut jacket or the fluidity of unexpected materials or abstract lines, I’m trying to challenge how we perceive tailoring, and ultimately how we relate to the garments we wear. For me, creating is about offering a new perspective—a blend of heritage and modernity, tradition and innovation.

Hushed Noise: What challenges do you face as an emerging artist, and how do you navigate them?

Xinran Shi: As an emerging designer, one of the biggest challenges I face is finding a balance between staying true to my artistic vision and making my work accessible to a wider audience. Fashion is deeply personal, but it’s also a business, and ensuring that the work resonates both creatively and commercially can be tricky. What I am really trying to do is focusing on staying authentic to my roots as much as possible—drawing from my cultural influences and the craftsmanship I’ve learned, while also engaging with the changing needs and tastes of the market.

Hushed Noise: Are there any artists, movements, or experiences that have deeply influenced your work?

Xinran Shi: I would definitely say the Art Deco movement! It has had a profound influence on my work, especially in my most recent collection. I’ve always been captivated by Art Deco’s embrace of geometry, symmetry, and bold, yet elegant lines. The way it fuses luxury with modernity resonates deeply with my own design philosophy, where I aim to merge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary expression.

Hushed Noise: How do you see your art evolving in the next few years?

Xinran Shi: For the future, I’m deeply excited about integrating more Chinese elements into my designs, especially in terms of traditional craftsmanship. China has such a rich heritage of artistry—from intricate silk weaving and hand-painted motifs to the centuries-old techniques of embroidery and textile dyeing. These forms of craftsmanship are so deeply tied to culture and history, and I see them as an untapped source of inspiration for modern fashion.

Hushed Noise: What’s a recent project or piece that you’re particularly proud of, and why

Hushed Noise: What role do you think social media and digital platforms play in shaping the opportunities for emerging artists today?

Xinran Shi: Social media and digital platforms play a huge role in shaping the opportunities for emerging artists, especially in fashion. These platforms provide a level of accessibility and exposure that was nearly impossible just a decade ago. For someone like me, starting out, social media is a way to bypass traditional gatekeepers in the industry and connect directly with an audience—whether it's potential customers, collaborators, or even critics.

Hushed Noise: If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

Xinran Shi: Iit would be with a minimalist jewelry designer like Celine Chia or Omi Woods. Minimalism in jewelry design is all about stripping away excess and focusing on the essential, which aligns beautifully with my own philosophy of pairing structured tailoring with clean, yet intricate details. A collaboration would allow us to explore how simple, elegant shapes can enhance a fashion collection, bringing out the subtle beauty in both clothing and accessories.

The connection between minimalist jewelry and fashion lies in the way both forms can create a sense of understated luxury and refinement. I think combining sharp tailoring with delicate, geometric pieces of jewelry could create a perfect harmony, where both elements support and elevate each other. Additionally, minimalist jewelry often emphasizes craftsmanship and attention to detail—values that I hold dear as a designer, particularly when connecting with traditional craftsmanship.

Follow Xinranshi on Instagram at: @janjin_studio. For inquiries, contact her at tjxrshi@gmail.com

Edited by Xeni R. Quine

Images by Jan Jin Studio