刘奕杉 Liu Yishan
CV
A Century Stitched Together
— The Evolution of Women's Fashion in Modern China
This exhibition explores the evolution of women’s fashion in modern China, illustrating how clothing has evolved beyond its original function of protection to become a powerful reflection of social change and cultural transformation. From the qipao to simple cloth garments, and later polyester suits, these garments chronicle the shift from feudalism to modernity, marked by war, reform, and societal upheaval. Women’s clothing is not merely a fashion trend but a testament to their resilience and social position across different periods.
Starting with the personal story of my grandmother, this exhibition uses her wardrobe as a lens through which we explore the changing nature of women’s clothing and their lived experiences. It reveals how fashion has mirrored social change and how women have navigated and shaped history. In times of material scarcity and social unrest, women’s creativity in maintaining their identities and families is reflected in each garment, symbolizing strength and survival.
Arranged chronologically, the exhibition layout guides the audience through key historical periods, highlighting the relationship between fashion and social context. These garments are not merely relics of the past, but living testimonies to the enduring resilience of women, speaking to their role in shaping the society we know today.
Starting with the personal story of my grandmother, this exhibition uses her wardrobe as a lens through which we explore the changing nature of women’s clothing and their lived experiences. It reveals how fashion has mirrored social change and how women have navigated and shaped history. In times of material scarcity and social unrest, women’s creativity in maintaining their identities and families is reflected in each garment, symbolizing strength and survival.
Arranged chronologically, the exhibition layout guides the audience through key historical periods, highlighting the relationship between fashion and social context. These garments are not merely relics of the past, but living testimonies to the enduring resilience of women, speaking to their role in shaping the society we know today.