The autumn/winter 2024 Beijing Fashion Week lowered its curtains this weekend following a multi-day fashion showcase in China's capital.
The closing runway show was a head-turner, with fashion designer Li Wei spotlighting the traditional craftsmanship of the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Expect beautiful embroidery, as well as splendid and complex brocades that mirror the aesthetics of the past.
Li Wei's latest collection marks a three-year journey from studying traditional Chinese craftsmanship to pioneering material innovation and modern design. It's a fusion of old and new, blending traditional weaving, dyeing, and embroidery with cutting-edge design.
Her collection was presented in three sections: "Dyeing," "Embroidery" and "Brocade."
The "Dyeing" series opened the showcase, presenting a harmonious blend of plant dyes and traditional fabrics. Next, the "Embroidery" series reimagined ceremonial attire with a modern twist, redefining Chinese embroidery for the contemporary stage. The "Brocade" series, inspired by Song brocade, weaved poetic expressions with artistic tension, embodying Li Wei's philosophy of integrating art with Taoism.
Models showcase fashion designer Li Wei's latest collection at the closing show of the autumn/winter 2024 Beijing Fashion Week on March 22, 2024. /Photo provided to CGTN
Professor Li Wei worked with the China Silk Museum and expert craftsmen in the creation process, from reproducing cultural relics like Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) textiles to innovating materials and clothing designs, including developing new plant dyes and modernizing traditional silk and brocade techniques.
"I saw two brocade pieces from the Southern Song Dynasty at the China Silk Museum, both of which triggered my admiration for the craftsmanship of Song brocade. I then embarked on a journey with skilled artisans to meticulously replicate these fabrics, infusing them with innovative elements before transforming them into exquisite garments. Through this process, you can truly appreciate the beauty within each stitch and pattern, as well as the rich cultural heritage that traces back to our earliest textile traditions," said the designer.
Beyond her own creations, Li Wei is a respected professor at Tsinghua University's Academy of Arts & Design and a champion of China's textile heritage.
"I have worked at Tsinghua University's Academy of Arts & Design for more than 40 years. And I have been studying traditional Chinese culture and Chinese handicrafts throughout my career."
"My designs stem from our rich heritage and cultural traditions. However, we must come up with innovative forms of expression. It is our duty to preserve and pass down our cultural legacy to future generations," added the designer.
Li Wei wears many hats - a scholar, artist, and designer. Her work is a testament to her commitment to traditional culture while pushing the boundaries of fashion and art. Her collection is not just clothing; it's a bridge linking nature, technology, fashion, and art into a poetic vision.
Closing this week's fashion festivities, Li Wei's collection stands as a beacon of creativity, innovation, and tradition: a perfect culmination to a week that celebrated the art of fashion in all its forms.