TAOTTAO SS25 Goes Beneath the Waves
This season features elements of Li’s oceanic whimsical fantasies.
Image Courtesy of Lindsey Media and TAOTTAO
It began with a daydream while working at an office desk. For Spring/Summer 2025, designer Yitao Li of TAOTTAO reimagines her iconic signature style of lace textiles. This season, she takes us under the sea, drawing inspiration from textures and silhouettes of sea creatures during her second appearance at New York Fashion Week. While TAOTTAO is known for its pastel and grid floral patterns, they toned down the colors and blended engineered, innovative pattern experiments to break the boundaries of their classic works.
TAOTTAO is on an exponential rise. Li is an enigma that appeared from the underground fashion scene and came swinging. Her pieces speak volumes that can only be translated through the garments. Throughout NYFW, at least one attendee was sporting a TAOTTAO piece at almost every show — whether that be a draped dress, a distressed mini skirt, or lace tights. In this untitled collection, TAOTTAO introduces a new stripe and rib motif that add to their iconic cutout heart designs.
Image Courtesy of Lindsey Media and TAOTTAO
Li doesn’t want anyone to take themselves too seriously when wearing a TAOTTAO, but a sense of embrace, practicality, joy, and confidence. This season features elements of Li’s oceanic whimsical fantasies: conches and ancient ammonites extending out of the breast line and shoulders, mermaid dresses, shell-like purses, and belts and tassels reminiscent of tentacles. Muted hues of blues and browns resemble that of the ocean, the sky, and the shore as each piece drapes and flows in the ocean breeze.
Like Li’s previous collections, SS25 is intended to be layered, mixed, and matched as the contrasting colors of tops, bottoms, and accessories contrast one another. Whether it’s blue striped tights and arm sleeves with oversized brown pants or an argyle halter dress with slacks, TAOTTAO will allow wearers to live out their imaginative escape through each garment.
