Zara Introduces World to Chinese Artist Fanglu Lin in Her First Commercial Project

Zara [IG] has tapped Chinese artist Fanglu Lin [ka Lin Fanglu in China] for their new collaboration. The alliance covers women, men, kids and home categories and represents the first time the artist has affiliated herself in a commercial venture.

In these Zara campaign images, models Chu Wong and David Yang are lensed by Chris Rhodes [IG] in Yangshuo, Builin [China], considered among the most beautiful locations in China./ Hair by Yoann Fernandez; makeup by Yooyo Keong Ming

The inspiration of the Zara x Fanglu Lin collaboration comes from knotted textile techniques and from the symbolic forms of wrapping, binding and layering.

In Zara’s own words, friends of the brand will find “garments that are not just clothing but stories woven through fabric.” AOC specializes in that storytelling.

Gaia’s Influence Dominates Fanglu Lin’s Artistic Universe

Fanglu Lin is known for her commitment to preserving and reinterpreting traditional textile craftsmanship through the ‘female’ [‘feminist’] eye and goddesses, especially Gaia.

In Greek mythology, Gaia is the primordial goddess and personification of the Earth. She is considered the ancestral mother of all life — including the gods and mortals — and exists as the first being to emerge from Chaos.

The fight between Gaia and her grandson Zeus for influence in the Greek world was epic and clearly a history lesson for modern culture.

In Chinese mythology, Gaia has a counterpart known as Houtu, the Earth Queen. The debate among contemporary authorities about the extent of her influence runs parallel to the one in Western culture.

Honoring the Yunnan-based Bai Minority

Lin’s artwork, ‘SHE’ [2016], spotlighting the sewing traditions of women from the Yunnan-based Bai minority ethnic group in China, earned Fanglu Lin first prize and a €50,000 purse in the Loewe Foundation’s Craft Prize 2021.

The Loewe Foundation jury found themselves wowed by Lin’s sculptural and conceptual artwork for its “monumental scale and striking workmanship”.

Fanglu Lin at The Peninsula Hong Kong 2025

Last month, Fanglu Lin’s artistry involved a major installation in the lobby at The Peninsula Hong Kong, with her presentation ‘She’s Bestowed Love’, curated by Dr Xiaoxin Li, the V&A’s Curator, Asia Department.

The large-scale work features vibrant red sculptural forms that celebrate feminine strength and power, in honor of The Peninsula Hong Kong’s 2025 ‘Art in Resonnance’ project.

The work will travel to London, where it will serve as the statement piece of the year-long “Dimensions: Chinese Contemporary Studio Crafts” V&A exhibition beginning in Autumn 2025.