Top Chinese-American designers gathered in New York on Friday as the China Institute of America marked its centennial with a high-fashion gala showcasing a century of cross-cultural influence.
At the New York venue, one hundred years of Chinese heritage took center stage in a high-fashion moment, with some of the most celebrated names in haute couture presenting work that has traveled far beyond a single country or culture.
Haute couture, the tradition of custom, hand-crafted garments produced by elite fashion houses, represents the highest level of craftsmanship in the industry.
Voices from the runway emphasized the cultural depth behind the designs, linking tradition with modern innovation.
"There are so many incredible designers. I'll cite Guo Pei as one of them, who have dared really to venture into the couture level of clothing construction, which is extremely difficult under any circumstances. I think it shows a lot about the evolution not only of fashion in China, but of China in general," said Vera Wang, a fashion designer.
"Fashion is important. It's like a wind that blows from the east to the west, and from the west to the east, and the whole world is watching. It carries culture, art, and human feelings. And in fashion, haute couture is the peak everyone looks up to. As a haute couture designer, I can use clothes to share culture and show my love for fashion and art," said Guo Pei, a fashion designer.
Besides the recognized names like Vera Wang and Guo Pei, other Chinese designers were also presented at the show. Vivienne Tam debuted an exclusive centennial collection. Others, including Jason Wu and Grace Chen, brought their own creative journeys and cross-cultural influences to the runway.
"We have the first touch of how to translate Chinese culture into everybody's life. It's not only about fashion. Fashion isn't only about clothing, it's about a lifestyle. It's about how we see ourselves," said Grace Chen, another fashion designer.
For some, China's influence in fashion is evident in fabric, color, craftsmanship, and silhouette.
For others their heritage is revealed in a more bespoke manner; creations representing identities shaped by different places, generations and experiences.
The fashion extravaganza comes as the China Institute of America marks its 100th anniversary. Founded at a time when few could have imagined Chinese-influenced fashion commanding the global recognition and fanfare it enjoys today.
"I remember going to China 20 years ago, almost 25 years ago, and the designers, were okay, you know, but we kept saying - they're going to make it, I mean because the country is extraordinary," said Fern Mallis, creator of New York Fashion Week.
"The very first of Chinese supermodels, the first fashion shows, people began to wear jeans, continuing, and today we have great designers. The past is no longer our past, the embroidery and the dragons and all that. It's not just a matter of the past, they are the elements that we also use to look forward to the future," said Yue-Sai Kan, co-chair of the Gala.
The centennial gala highlighted how Chinese heritage has become a fixture on the global fashion stage, with designers reimagining tradition through modern craftsmanship and presenting it to new audiences worldwide.
Chinese-American fashion takes center stage in New York
