Look, I am not sure if the headgear the model wears when showing off Setchu’s Fall-Winter 2025 collection is merely a companion piece created for the show or an actual piece money can buy. Whatever it is, it will get people in Asia—especially in China—talking. I find no information on this strange-looking headgear, by the way.
For the uninitiated, a similar headwear is worn by family members when mourning the death of a loved one during funerals in China, as well as in countries like Singapore and Malaysia. You see where I am going with this now? Granted, the mourning version in a Chinese funeral is pointed and mostly white, but I cannot help but notice the resemblance.
In fact, in some variations, this pointy headgear, which drapes over the head and extends to the waist like a cape, is made of hemp material, which is similar in color to Setchu’s. Sure, Setchu’s is not the same. It appears to have been bunched up and stitched together. However, it does share similar silhouettes, such as draping to the waist area, and is kinda pointy. This is bound to spark numerous discussions—and laughs—in China and many parts of Asia.
Anyhoo, in some regions, only the ladies wear the pointy cape-style headwear. Men wear a different type of headgear. However, in modern culture, traditional funerals in some areas have already ditched this mourning attire entirely.
Japanese designer Satoshi Kuwata is the creative behind the Setchu FW 2025 collection. Ignoring this possible headwear fiasco, the pieces in this collection are quite impressive (take a look at the foldable, tailored jacket! 😍). If you are keen, you may check out the Setchu FW 2025 collection on the label’s Instagram page and on Vogue.
For the benefit of those who do not know, this is what the traditional Chinese mourning attire looks like:
Tell me you do not see a similarity between the two. 😂 Keep going for a few more looks at Setchu’s.
