Sandy Liang’s Resort 25: For The Girls Who Love Lisa Frank, Reminisce about Playing Mermaids, Nostalgia, and Ballerinas
Sandy Liang’s Resort 2025 collection creates a feeling of nostalgia, effortlessly blending playful charm with sophistication. With a fresh twist on workwear and taking inspiration from Japanese flight attendant uniforms, Liang reimagines what it means to dress for the office—playing on her signature girlish yet wearable touch.
One of the standout themes of Sandy Liang’s R25 is pinstripes, which appear in unexpected, youthful ways. A soft pink pinstripe button-up, complete with a gold heart belt and pleated skirt, offers a playful nod to preppy workwear while feeling sweetly nostalgic. The collection's signature bows and ruffle-like accents bring in a touch of girlishness, but it’s balanced by a mature undertone, reflecting Liang’s vision of dressing the modern woman—especially the one navigating her 30s. This balance between youthful elements and a more grown-up polish is what makes this collection one of my absolute favorites.
Liang’s signature pink and pastel hues—colors often associated with childhood—feels surprisingly mature, offering a soft yet structured aesthetic. The pastel palette never reads as too young; rather, it captures a relaxed yet fun sophistication that is expected of resort collections. A particularly memorable look features an off-the-shoulder black dress adorned with a thigh-length cream bow that perfectly accentuates the model’s chic bob and figure. The contrast between the sleek black fabric and the soft, oversized bow creates a beautiful balance of elegance and playfulness.
While Liang’s workwear remains practical, it never loses its playful edge. Her entire brand largely contributed to the resurgence of lace, bows, and pink in modern fashion. The subtle flirtation between the seriousness of professional attire and the soft femininity of these accessories is where Liang’s icon status comes from. Playfulness with practicality makes her collections both versatile and completely irresistible.
Furthermore, Sandy Liang's identity as an AAPI designer adds a unique layer of depth to her collections, setting her apart in the modern fashion world. As an Asian American woman, Liang’s work often reflects a blend of Chinese cultural influences, such as the iconic Flower Market Plaid print from her collaboration with BAGGU. Her pieces embrace the complexity of identity and challenge Western fashion norms, particularly around femininity and youth.
In this particular collection, that interplay between girlhood and womanhood feels especially tangible. Having recently become a mother, Liang's exploration of girlhood is more evident than ever. The playful elements of her designs, like the soft pastel hues, oversized bows, and ruffle-like details, draw inspiration from her childhood closet. Yet, there’s a clear evolution in her approach this season—reflecting her journey into motherhood. The mature tailoring, structured workwear pieces, and thoughtful balance of whimsy and practicality speak to a woman who is embracing both her professional and personal growth.
It’s this intricate layering of identity, nostalgia, and personal experience that make Sandy Liang not just wearable, but also deeply meaningful—especially for women who see themselves reflected in her designs, longing for nostalgia and embracing of a shared girlhood.
By Rachelle Wong
Design by Mikayla Baluyot
