Su He and her Neo-Chinese attires Photo: Shangcheng Release
Trends
By Yang Tianfang
With the hot screening of director Wong Kar-wai's latest TV series "Blossoms Shanghai", the Neo-Chinese style culture has once again captured the limelight. Amidst the blend of traditional Chinese elements and contemporary trends is increasingly becoming a new favorite among the younger generation.
At the Fengshan Creative Park on Nanxing Subdistrict, a wide array of traditional attire displayed in the cheongsam custom shop showcases the infinite possibilities of Eastern beauty. "In my shop, there is no strict division between different types of clothing; they all serve the purpose of better inheriting traditional culture," says Su He, the shop owner. She switched from a high-paying IT job to pursue her passion in the traditional clothing industry, revitalizing these garments with new perspectives.
However, the momentum in fashion signifies not just creativity in fabrics and styles. Zhang Zhixiao, the inheritor of the Luoyang large-sleeve shirt intangible cultural heritage, is well aware of this: "This year, traditional dragon motifs are particularly popular due to the Year of the Dragon." Exploring diverse wearing styles and occasions is essential for reinterpreting Eastern aesthetics.
Professor Li Ning from the Central Academy of Fine Arts notes that the characteristic "broad garments and wide sleeves" of Chinese traditional clothing reflect the culture's inclusiveness, which in turn gives traditional clothing more possibilities for innovation. The cultural attributes and social value inherent in "Neo-Chinese style" products resonate strongly with Generation Z consumers, a trend many jokingly refer to as the "Awakening of the Chinese Bloodline".
Essentially, the reason "new Chinese-style" being favored by the younger generation of consumers can be partly attributed to its alignment with their pursuit of individual beauty. Opting to express one's unique personality through traditional culture is a testament to their solid cultural confidence and sense of identity.