Meet the 2025 Semi-finalists

Holly Shih

Redress Design Award

  • 2026
 Finalist

Meet The Designer

“Meaningful change doesn’t happen alone, but through collaboration and shared responsibility. I see design as a way to bring together connections between nature, people, and the systems, creating work that values care and long-term thinking.”
Holly Shih
“Meaningful change doesn’t happen alone, but through collaboration and shared responsibility. I see design as a way to bring together connections between nature, people, and the systems, creating work that values care and long-term thinking.”
Holly Shih

Bio

Holly Shih is a Finalist of the Redress Design Award 2026. She holds a master’s degree in Fashion Design Technology (Womenswear) and a graduate diploma in Fashion Design Technology from London College of Fashion, UK.

Region

  • Taiwan, United Kingdom

Collection

  • Womenswear

Design Techniques

  • Low Waste, Upcycling

Redress Design Award Collection

Holly’s Redress Design Award collection, ‘Threads of Time’, reimagines the rigid geometry of Taiwanese iron window grilles as fluid, wearable structures. Inspired by the interplay of light and shadow in domestic architecture, the collection explores the tension between stability and change. Holly integrates reclaimed plywood and rattan as primary structural skeletons, designing for low waste by eliminating the need for synthetic interlinings. She sources from waste streams such as deadstock jersey, scrap wood, and reclaimed brass sleeves, using glue-free construction to enable easier separation of modular parts for recyclability.

Q&A with the designer

Some of my earliest memories are of growing up in a home surrounded by traditional Taiwanese iron window grilles. They were such a familiar part of my childhood that I never questioned them until I watched them gradually disappear as the city modernised. That experience made me realise that sustainability is not only about protecting the environment, but also about preserving the cultural heritage and craftsmanship that shape our identity.

This collection is my way of bringing those disappearing traditions into the future. By combining traditional woodworking techniques with contemporary fashion, I wanted to show that craftsmanship can continue to evolve rather than be forgotten.

I believe truly sustainable design creates emotional durability through pieces that people cherish and form lasting connections with. As a Taiwanese designer, I hope my work encourages people to discover Taiwan's unique craftsmanship while reimagining how traditional techniques can evolve through contemporary fashion.

My collection is built around the belief that extending a garment's life begins with thoughtful design. Transformation is not simply a visual feature, but a strategy for sustainability. Rather than designing garments for a single silhouette, I created transformable pieces that shift between sculptural runway forms and soft everyday wear. By adapting to different occasions and personal preferences, each garment encourages more frequent wear and reduces the need for multiple pieces.

This circular approach is supported by design for disassembly, allowing the reclaimed plywood structures to be easily removed for washing, repair, and recycling. I also use deadstock fabrics, reclaimed plywood sourced from workshop waste, and low-waste draping techniques to minimise waste throughout the making process.

My dream is to create a fashion practice that gives both garments and traditional craftsmanship a longer life. I hope to continue working with Taiwanese artisans to explore how heritage techniques can evolve through contemporary fashion rather than disappear with time.

As I grow as a designer, I want to develop circular design solutions that encourage people to value garments beyond trends. Whether through my own brand or future collaborations, I hope to create work that proves sustainability can preserve culture, celebrate craftsmanship, and inspire people to build a more meaningful relationship with what they wear.

I always carry my Tamagotchi, which was a gift from a friend. I've always loved nurturing and simulation games, so it's surprisingly fun to watch it grow and change over time. Whenever I feel stressed or anxious during work, taking a few minutes to check on it gives my mind a little break, and watching it grow always makes me smile.

This collection has taught me that sustainability is ultimately about care. Caring for our culture, our craftsmanship, our materials, and the garments we choose to keep. I believe meaningful things deserve a future. I want to create work that people form lasting relationships with, while giving traditional craftsmanship the opportunity to evolve and remain relevant for future generations.

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