On the streets of Chinese cities, young people can increasingly be seen wearing clothing with “neo-Chinese elements.” This style combining modern and traditional clothing such as qipao or hanfu has become a new favorite for younger generations, who have more confidence than ever in traditional Chinese culture.
Although not a new phenomenon, searches for “Neo-Chinese Style” have recently increased. Following the publication of a white paper titled “2022 Taobao and Tmall Apparel Industry Trends Report” on August 26, the hashtag(标签) “Why has neo-Chinese style gone viral?” has been popular on Weibo and got more than 230 million views. A search on Xiaohongshu reveals the hashtag “Neo-Chinese Style” has been viewed about 130 million times, while “Neo-Chinese Style Outfits” has been viewed more than 72 million times. A report about recent fashion trends noted that neo-Chinese fashion has mainly become popular among 18- to 34-year-olds, while women aged 24-34 years old account for 40 percent of the consumer group. They are undoubtedly the most significant players shaping the Chinese fashion industry. Moreover, they are embracing a variety of more diverse styles, including the neo-Chinese style.
Neo-Chinese clothing is one of the most popular fields among younger generations, who prefer clothing that integrates traditional Chinese elements into daily wear. This has inspired Chinese designers to use more traditional ornaments(饰物). Compared with traditional hanfu or Tang jackets, neo-Chinese dresses exchange a sense of ceremony for a more simple and convenient feel.
“The modern yet traditional aesthetics(美学的) of neo-Chinese fashion intrigues young consumers because it represents ‘who they are’ through dress-up. It is a ‘way to send a message,’ speaking of their open mind about cultural diversity,” Fang Qiongyi, a cultural sociologist in Shanghai said.
Neo-Chinese style has spread into many fields, including neo-Chinese tea, neo-Chinese baking and neo-Chinese home decor. And some international luxury brands also create China-specific designs. But before global companies jump on the trend, they should be careful about crediting the culture.
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