If you ask people who their biggest inspiration is you’ll get a list of artists, creatives, celebrities, and musicians, but on the list too, perhaps coming up more often than all of the above, is mums. That’s why it makes sense that Chet Lo’s SS25 collection, an ode to strong, confident, working women, was inspired by his mother, Mai-Wah Cheung.
The sentimental collection, titled “Mai’s Blossoms,” was softer, subtler, and more feminine than Lo’s FW24 collection - which was inspired by an actual terracotta army - delivering 31 looks that were each a reinterpretation of his mum’s office wear fits throughout her life. It was basically office-core inspired by the most important in Chet Lo’s life.
In her life, Mai-Wah Cheung has had careers in computer science, digital media, art, and education, a versatility of fields that was evident in the collection itself. Whilst most looks were breezy and fluid, Chet Lo’s infamous spiked knitwear was still present, alongside sheer organza detailed with a “glitch” pattern that actually referenced his mum’s time spent working in tech.
Alongside an array of spiked dresses, seen in all colours, silhouettes, and styles, the collection also offered tailored trousers paired with spiked-knit vests; a mesh dress adorned with coloured gems; pleated skirts with mesh panels, and much more. The collection as a whole had a softness to it that melded so well with the sharp lines and pointed spikes of Chet Lo’s familiar design style.
As the show came to a close, Chet Lo took his final bow with Mai-Wah Cheung’s hand in his, still paying homage to the person behind it all.
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