As far as metaphors are adored in Chinese culture, flowers that flourish against harsh conditions are especially revered for their vitality and tenacity, something we as humans could learn from? One such flower is the chrysanthemum.

Serene, resolute and hailed as the tenacious hermit in Chinese literature, the chrysanthemum flower is a key motif featured across Shanghai Tang’s FW20 collection ’Time to Bloom’ in various forms such as prints, quilting, jacquard and delicate embroidery, not only creating exquisite pieces with strong modern sensibility, but also injecting a beautiful sense of strength into your winter wardrobe.

The Chinese, in particular poets and scholars of the past, have always been fond of personifying the virtues of plants with which they resonate, expressing their aspirations via metaphors and symbolism.

The most famous quartet of plants in classic Chinese literature is known as the ‘Four Noble Ones’, including the plum blossom, orchid, chrysanthemum and bamboo, each embodying respectable and sought-after ambitions.

The chrysanthemum has been known to blossom and flourish even in the wintry frost and snow, representing a quiet yet unrelenting energy that inspired intellects of bygone eras.

Shanghai Tang’s ’Time to Bloom’ collection for FW20 spotlights the purple chrysanthemum, known for its healing properties. The beautiful homage to the chrysanthemum spans the collection in a variety of flattering styles.

A gorgeous print of purple chrysanthemums against a leafy teal bamboo background is featured on a soft and lightweight silk crepe de chine fabric, used in dresses of two beautiful silhouettes.

The same print is showcased in a beautiful stretch silk fabric which we’ve used for lining several styles, including a velvet cape and a longline velvet jacket.

Our bestselling stretch mini qipao is updated this season with chrysanthemum embroidered silk satin tape at the slit, inspired by the silverwork couching embroidery technique originated from the Chinese imperial court.

Seeking something casual? We’ve adorned our favourite T-shirts and polos with chrysanthemum embroidery that instantly elevate streetwear to the next level.

Shanghai Tang’s new Chrysanthemum home fragrance collection is a tribute to its namesake flower.

Capturing the herbal, elegant scent of chrysanthemums, this fragrance infuses a warm, aromatic bouquet interwoven with exotic spices into your home.