CFDA’s Elaine Gold Launch Pad fellow Rui Zhou debuted her Fall-Winter collection titled “Adrift” at Mu Project Studios in Chinatown. The collection was Zhou’s second since graduating from Parsons MFA program.

Zhou, who was not available for comment, worked with stylist Rachael Wang to bring her knitwear designs to life.

“Rui’s designs work so well on so many different body types,” said Wang of Zhou’s elastic knitted fabric, linked together with Swarovski crystal pearls. The attention to detail and precision of each piece was apparent at first glance.

“From a styling standpoint, a lot of the pieces were meant to go together. I tried to hone in on the theme,” added Wang.

Zhou was inspired by the image of birds drifting and the idea of wandering. The pastel color palette helped to convey this theme. “I wanted the colors to feel ethereal and soft,” said Wang.

Reebok sponsored this season’s presentation. “Rui wanted there to be a city-scape element that ties into this wandering theme as a sort of contrast,” Wang said.

To achieve this, the Reeboks were deconstructed and painted with the pastel color palette. “It adds a roundness to the ethereal designs,” added Wang.

For more on RUI ZHOU, visit https://www.ruiofficial.me/