On April 18th, 2024, in the fashion capital of Shanghai, under the radiant spring sunshine, a one-of-a-kind artistic feast unfolded at the world-renowned Bund Peace Hotel – the Shanghai International Dance Gala. Renowned figures, politicians, and business leaders from around the world were invited to attend this grand event. Friends from different corners of the globe connected through social dance, each showcasing their unique charms.
Many Chinese designer brands participated in the on-site exhibition, opening a window to promote national trends, curate Shanghai’s art scene, and facilitate cultural exchanges within the Shanghai industry. Ye Qing, the founder and creative design director of the modern qipao brand, was invited as the fashion and styling art director for this Shanghai International Dance Gala. She brought the stunning “Flourishing Brocade” haute couture collection to the dance floor, presenting a captivating neo-Chinese cheongsam show that stole the spotlight. The “French Chinese Style” danced across the stage, perfectly embodying Qipao’s brand philosophy of embracing both Eastern and Western aesthetics, leading to the trend of new Chinese style.
Innovative Interpretation of the Shanghai Cheongsam Heritage
Before the dance gala commenced, Ye Qing was invited to share her insights at the Shanghai Culture Forum, where she expounded on the heritage and design concepts behind the latest collection. “The Shanghai cheongsam originates from my childhood memories,” she said. “My great-grandmother always wore a plain cheongsam with a knotted bun, adorned with a white orchid on her lapel. She would often show me old photos of herself wearing cheongsams, recounting stories from her youth. The ‘cheongsam’ my great-grandmother wore became the wellspring of my creative inspiration – a continuation and an imprint.
The cheongsam represents my affection for my great-grandmother; Qipao is my tribute to the Shanghai ladies and Eastern women. This ‘Flourishing Brocade’ haute couture collection carries on the heritage of the Shanghai cheongsam, but unlike my previous designs, I’ve attempted to incorporate a ‘French Chinese Style’ by fusing traditional Chinese brocade, jacquard weaving, feather elements, and French lace elements. In the interplay between reality and illusion, an Eastern aesthetic emerges. Additionally, I’ve invited Lin Hua, the inheritor of Shanghai’s intangible cultural heritage of crochet knitting, and styling artist Xiao Lan. Inspired by the Italian Renaissance and elements from the 1920s and 1930s Shanghai, we’ve crafted handmade headpieces using Shanghai’s crochet techniques, adding a ‘mysterious Eastern charm’ to the wearers, inviting everyone to further explore and understand Chinese culture and the culture of Shanghai.”
The forum also gathered elites from various Shanghai cultural industries to discuss how to promote co-creation and shared prosperity through cultural exchanges in areas such as Shanghai poetry, furniture, cheongsams, and literature. As this year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, the general director of the Shanghai International Dance Gala, Ms. Wang Li, signed an agreement with the French organization GAPME to jointly promote cooperation between Paris and Shanghai in the realms of art, culture, and fashion brands. This forum was not merely a dialogue but a collision of ideas, a showcase of the interweaving of Eastern and Western cultures, and a new interpretation of Shanghai culture in a globalized context.
The Symbol of French Chinese Style
The dance gala commenced with a unique fusion of Peking Opera, ballet, tango, and waltz performed by the “Prince of Peking Opera,” Fu Xiru. Subsequently, models adorned in the “Flourishing Brocade” haute couture collection graced the stage with a neo-Chinese cheongsam show. The show was further elevated by a dance performance, with the graceful movements of the cheongsams intertwining with the dynamic steps of the dancers, narrating an ancient yet modern tale and presenting the timeless beauty of Shanghai.
During the event, Ye Qing shared, “The ‘French Chinese Style’ has a specific term called ‘Chinoiserie,’ which swept across Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, appearing in the decorations of the Palace of Versailles, in the works of French painter Jean-Baptiste Pillement, in Coco Chanel’s apartment and designs – it represented the Western fascination and expression of Eastern culture at the time.
However, when we reinterpret the ‘French Chinese Style’ today, it is no longer a mere accumulation of Chinese elements but rather a profound understanding of Chinese culture, thoughtfully incorporating it into fashion design. For instance, the fusion of Song brocade fabrics, jacquard weaving, feather elements, and French lace captures the essence of Chinese women imbued with Confucian culture – their gentleness, grace, and modesty – while also reflecting the dynamism, youthfulness, and vitality of contemporary women who have embraced Western culture. We believe this encapsulates the essence of the Shanghai International Dance Gala – a fusion of cultures and ideologies. We have always strived to infuse Chinese culture into our brand design, combining a new Chinese lifestyle with fashion design, enabling every woman to embody her unique ‘Chinese style.'”
The Tangible “Flourishing Brocade”
At the Shanghai International Dance Gala, we adorned a special “Flourishing Brocade” area with peony flowers, symbolizing the beauty and charm of women, awaiting the arrival of guests. This was the exhibition area for the we haute couture collection, where attendees could experience the unique “French Chinese Style” up close and take commemorative photos.
The exquisite floral arrangements were personally crafted by Ye Qing, extending an “invitation” to the audience. Starting this year, we will launch the “New Chinese Aesthetics” column on its official WeChat account, sharing the brand’s deconstruction and understanding of Chinese culture. Together with the audience, we aim to discover Chinese aesthetics and explore a new Chinese lifestyle through various aspects such as clothing, food, housing, transportation, and living spaces. Beginning with fashion but extending beyond, much like the Shanghai International Dance Gala, which started with dance but transcended it, breaking boundaries of nationality, race, and language during the interactive dance segment, immersing everyone present in a harmonious melody, reaching a crescendo. The Shanghai International Dance Gala will lead a new wave of dance social gatherings in China, becoming one of the world’s premier social dance events, and we aspire to accompany everyone on this journey towards a life of “Flourishing Brocade.”
A Celebration of Diversity and Inclusion
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Shanghai International Dance Gala was its ability to bring together people from all walks of life, transcending cultural barriers and fostering a sense of unity through the universal language of dance. Attendees hailed from various countries, ethnicities, and backgrounds, yet they found common ground on the dance floor, moving in harmony to the rhythmic melodies.
The organizers of the event recognized the importance of promoting inclusivity and embracing diversity. As such, the dance performances featured a wide range of styles, from traditional Chinese dances to contemporary Western routines, ensuring that everyone could find resonance with at least one aspect of the program.
Moreover, the gala served as a platform for celebrating the achievements of marginalized communities. Several performances highlighted the artistry and resilience of individuals from underrepresented groups, shedding light on their unique perspectives and experiences.
A Catalyst for Cross-Cultural Understanding
While the dance gala primarily aimed to entertain and captivate the audience, it also played a pivotal role in facilitating cross-cultural understanding and dialogue. Throughout the event, various panel discussions and workshops were organized, bringing together experts, scholars, and artists from different backgrounds to engage in thought-provoking conversations.
These discussions delved into the intricacies of cultural exchange, exploring the ways in which art and dance can serve as powerful mediums for bridging gaps and fostering mutual respect and appreciation. Attendees gained valuable insights into the rich tapestry of global cultures, enabling them to broaden their horizons and develop a deeper appreciation for the diversity that surrounds them.
A Legacy of Inspiration and Empowerment
As the curtains fell on the Shanghai International Dance Gala, it left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who attended. The event not only showcased the mesmerizing fusion of Eastern and Western cultures but also served as a testament to the power of art and dance to inspire, empower, and unite people.
For the performers, the gala provided a platform to share their passion and artistry with the world, while for the audience, it offered a transformative experience that challenged preconceived notions and ignited a newfound appreciation for the beauty of cultural diversity.
The resounding success of the Shanghai International Dance Gala has set the stage for future events that celebrate the richness of global cultures and promote a more inclusive, harmonious, and understanding world. As the echoes of the final dance reverberate through the halls of the Bund Peace Hotel, the event’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and empower generations to come.