The last time Sasha Huang showcased her designs on the runway was during spring 2024 at Shanghai Fashion Week. That season marked the event’s grand comeback, and Huang’s unique approach—her collections are almost entirely knitwear—stood out in a week otherwise dominated by glamorous, high-energy styles. Instead, she focused on craftsmanship. At the time, she was also juggling another major project: she was pregnant. Though she continued designing collections for what has since become one of the most sought-after labels on the schedule, she took a break from runway shows—until now. Nearly two years later, her return was marked by a touching detail: a knit blanket adorned with an image of her baby’s legs decorated the show space.

Huang transformed the venue into a cozy village home. Before the presentation began, a few women sat knitting diligently around the perimeter, facing the guests. As the lights dimmed, they stood, draped their unfinished work over their chairs, and walked backstage—like clocking out after a long day. What followed was a tightly curated display of Huang’s endlessly inventive yet wearable knitwear.

“Since it’s fall, I wanted to focus on pieces that feel cozy,” she explained before the show. That modest description hardly did justice to the warmth her designs conveyed. The collection opened with chunky patterned sweaters and vests in rich autumn hues, styled with loose cargo pants or knit skirts, often layered over sheer knit button-downs or second-skin tops adorned with sequin stripes. Chunky socks, delicate knit gloves, and softly tied leather belts completed the looks, while tiny accessories—knitting scissors, crystal charms, mini keys, and vases, each with crocheted covers—added playful touches.

Huang showcased an impressive range of techniques, from sleek machine knits to fuzzy mohair sweaters and intricate lacework. Each look was more charming and skillfully crafted than the last, yet still felt fresh and modern. While many in Shanghai emphasize the importance of commercial appeal, Huang proved it’s possible to create a best-selling collection without sacrificing creativity.