Feng Chen Wang’s 5th year of Ugg collabs is the weirdest yet

Producing a unique footwear design in 2025 seems like mission impossible. But on rare occasions, an otherworldly shoe emerges, capturing the internet’s attention — and that’s exactly what Feng Chen Wang’s latest Uggs did at last week’s Paris Fashion Week Men’s show. Cartoonishly oversized and looking straight out of a video game, the Tasman Lug shoes have cut through the noise this month. Also grabbing netizen attention is Tiffany & Co.’s collaboration with artist Oscar Wang on Chinese ceramics to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Finally, Zara has joined forces with three-year-old Chinese label Ao Yes on a mainland-only collection for its Chinese consumers. Read on for our verdict and subscribe here to receive updates via the Collaborations newsletter every Tuesday. Feng Chen Wang x Ugg Details: Tasman Lug shoes inspired by Shan Hai Jing’s mystical creatures, Fall 2025 Social context: On Xiaohongshu, #ugg has 96 million reads and #FengChenWangParis has 531,000 reads, while #FengChenWang has 11.67 million reads. Verdict: Reinterpreting the mythology of China’s ancient Shan Hai Jing text into fantastical, wearable art, the collaboration comes to life through intricate ceramic designs crafted in Jingdezhen, seamlessly integrating traditional artistry with futuristic aesthetics in both footwear and accessories. Wang’s vision transformed Ugg’s iconic Tasman silhouette into monstrous, sculptural creations with fangs, jagged edges, and “goopy” textures. These bold, oversized designs in earthy tones captivated netizens, blending functionality with Wang’s artistic, supernatural narrative. This ability to bridge folklore with functionality showcases Wang’s mastery of both storytelling and usability while positioning her as a pro-collaborator capable of reimagining some of the most established footwear designs. Tiffany & Co. x Oscar Wang Details: Chinese New Year ceramics collection, January 21 Social context: On Xiaohongshu #Tiffany has 564.4 million views, and #王令尘 (Oscar Wang) has 2.1 million reads. Verdict: Drawing inspiration from ceramics, Wang combines the serpent motif with the figure-eight knot to create a heart-shaped infinity symbol that echoes Tiffany’s renowned Open Heart design. This fusion represents eternal love and prosperity, reflecting the cultural significance of the Year of the Snake. The collaboration features meticulously crafted items, including a jewelry case made from Blanc de Chine porcelain from Dehua, Fujian. Coated in Tiffany’s signature blue glaze and adorned with a Chinese knot symbolizing luck and unity, the case exemplifies the blend of Eastern craftsmanship and Western luxury. Specially designed Lunar New Year packaging enhances the collection’s appeal. Tiffany’s signature boxes and shopping bags are reimagined with gold ribbons and shimmering handles. Heart-shaped, serpent-patterned embossings form infinity symbols, while modernized Chinese charms in vivid red with tonal tassels hang from the handles, adding a festive and culturally resonant touch. Zara x AO Yes Details: Year of the Snake collection for mainland China only, January 9 Social context: On Xiaohongshu, #Aoyes has 1.1 million reads and #Zara has 2.2 billion. Verdict: Zara and new-era Chinese designer label Ao Yes honor the upcoming Year of the Snake by integrating traditional elements, such as the “Chinese knot” and zodiac symbols, into their designs. Spanning men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, and home goods, the collection targets Zara’s huge Chinese fanbase in the mainland. Yet it is also being appreciated by overseas consumers who are disappointed that they cannot purchase it, which could potentially foreshadow a global launch in the future. To celebrate the collaboration, a limited-time pop-up space was unveiled at the historic ZA.Andrew & George Building in Shanghai. The venue was transformed into a contemporary art space, featuring a giant Chinese knot sculpture and showcasing pieces from the collection, effectively conveying the cultural inspiration behind the designs.

Feng Chen Wang’s alien Uggs take Paris

How Bottega Veneta weaved China’s forever it bag

Upgrade to Pro

Sectors

Insights

Company

Feng Chen Wang’s alien Uggs take Paris

How Bottega Veneta weaved China’s forever it bag