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RCA Fashion 2013 collection by Xiao Li
Plump pastel silicone garments moulded from knitwear feature in this collection by Royal College of Art graduate Xiao Li.
![RCA Fashion Show 2013 Xiao Li RCA Fashion Show 2013 Xiao Li](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/06/dezeen_RCA-Fashion-Show-2013-Xiao-Li_5.jpg)
The marshmallow-coloured range features silhouettes exaggerated with puffed-up skirts and sleeves that billow from midway down the upper arm.
![RCA Fashion Show 2013 Xiao Li RCA Fashion Show 2013 Xiao Li](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/06/dezeen_RCA-Fashion-Show-2013-Xiao-Li_3.jpg)
"Traditional knitwear is more soft and shapeless," Li told Dezeen. "I wanted to find out a new way to present knitwear and was influenced by Modern architecture and 60s Balenciaga."
![RCA Fashion Show 2013 Xiao Li RCA Fashion Show 2013 Xiao Li](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/06/dezeen_RCA-Fashion-Show-2013-Xiao-Li_6.jpg)
The voluminous pieces are made from spacer fabric, which combines two layers of textiles connected by filaments and holds its shape while still appearing lightweight.
![RCA Fashion Show 2013 Xiao Li RCA Fashion Show 2013 Xiao Li](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/06/dezeen_RCA-Fashion-Show-2013-Xiao-Li_8.jpg)
Li used her own knitting samples to create moulds to produced patterned silicone material used entirely for a jacket and skirt, and as hems or accessories for genuine knitted items. "I wanted to make sure my collection is innovative but still wearable," she said.
![RCA Fashion Show 2013 Xiao Li RCA Fashion Show 2013 Xiao Li](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/06/dezeen_RCA-Fashion-Show-2013-Xiao-Li_9.jpg)
She swapped the fluorescent colours of her earlier work for more muted shades, affiliating lilac, peach, mint green and pale yellow.
![RCA Fashion Show 2013 Xiao Li RCA Fashion Show 2013 Xiao Li](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/06/dezeen_RCA-Fashion-Show-2013-Xiao-Li_4.jpg)
"All the materials came in white and I dyed them by myself to match the colour," said Li.
![RCA Fashion Show 2013 Xiao Li RCA Fashion Show 2013 Xiao Li](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/06/dezeen_RCA-Fashion-Show-2013-Xiao-Li_11.jpg)
Her collection was shown at the Royal College of Art fashion show last week, where Maiko Takeda presented headdresses covered in hundreds of colourful bristles.
![RCA Fashion Show 2013 Xiao Li RCA Fashion Show 2013 Xiao Li](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/06/dezeen_RCA-Fashion-Show-2013-Xiao-Li_10.jpg)
At the Westminster graduate fashion show Philli Wood revealed giant cable knit patterns printed onto oversized outerwear.
![RCA Fashion Show 2013 Xiao Li RCA Fashion Show 2013 Xiao Li](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/06/dezeen_RCA-Fashion-Show-2013-Xiao-Li_7.jpg)
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