Fashioning Chinese Women: Empire to Modernity

Fashioning Chinese Women: Empire to Modernity traces a century of transformation through more than 70 exquisite ensembles from Shanghai, Hong Kong, and America. It charts the evolution of Chinese women’s dress, from loose-fitting embroidered robes of the late Qing Dynasty to the sleek silhouettes of 1930s qipao and the globally iconic cheongsam of the 1960s. Vibrant colors, sumptuous silks, and intricate trims showcase the meticulous craftsmanship that is the hallmark of these garments. Displayed on mannequins customized by fashion designer Jason Wu, the works in the exhibition present a seldom-seen story of how Chinese and Chinese American women expressed identity, navigated change, and shaped their lives through dress.