The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2026 - Issue 39

HUBING SELECTS H ubing Selects presented Equal Ethereal, a showcase that positioned itself some- where between cultural dialogue and contemporary luxury. Founded by inter- national fashion figure Hu Bing, the platform has built its identity around bridging Eastern and Western aesthetics, and this season’s presentation continued that mission with a collection that balanced refinement, craftsmanship and conceptual elegance. Titled ‘Golden Age’, the showcase paid tribute to legendary designer Pierre Cardin while reinterpreting his futuristic legacy through an East Asian lens. Rather than leaning into overt nostalgia, the collection explored Cardin’s influence through softer silhouettes, fluid tailoring and modern textile experimentation. Emerging designer Aya Maruyama, alongside menswear designer Wang Yijie and womenswear designer An Da, approached the collection with restraint and clarity, allowing the garments to speak through construction and texture rather than theatrical excess. The collection’s dialogue between heritage and innovation embraced architectural shapes and sculptural proportions reminiscent of Cardin’s iconic vision, yet filtered them through a more romantic, wearable sensibility. Clean lines met delicate draping, while structured outerwear sat com- fortably beside softer, ethereal fabrics that gave the pres- entation its title. The result felt polished without becoming cold or futuristic, yet still deeply human. Textiles played a central role throughout the showcase. Much of the collection’s strength came from its material innovation, developed in collaboration with fabric special- ist Lu Jianping, whose work in sustainable luxury textiles has gained international recognition. Fabrics carried subtle luminosity under the runway lights, creating movement and depth without relying on embellishment. There was a confidence in the garment’s restraint that gradually revealed its complexity through tailoring, texture, and silhouette. The showcase also reflected a wider shift in luxury fashion, where cultural identity and craftsmanship are becoming more important than trend-driven spectacle. Hubing Se- lects approached this thoughtfully, presenting fashion as a form of cultural exchange alongside commerce. The blend- ing of Eastern aesthetics with classic European couture ref- erences unfolded naturally through the garments, offering a vision of global fashion that felt genuinely collaborative rather than performative. Visually, the presentation embraced minimalism, keeping the clothes and materials central. This simplicity worked in the collection’s favour, particularly in a fashion week environment often dominated by overstimulation. There was sophistication to the entire showcase, one that trusted the audience to appreciate nuance rather than instant spectacle. www.hubing.cn/en FASHION WEEK LONDON Spring/Summer 2026 bitecatwalk