On October 13, 2024, the vibrant “A Life Called Yunnan, Yi Embroidery to Beijing” fashion event lit up Beijing’s Bell and Drum Tower Square. This stunning showcase, which aims to bridge cultural heritage with modern fashion, was organised by the Publicity Department of the CPC Yunnan Provincial Party Committee and the China International Communications Group (CICG). The fashion show supports the Global Civilization Initiative, celebrating intangible cultural heritage and fostering cultural exchanges between civilizations.
The event, held at one of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks, served as a platform to highlight the deep cultural heritage embedded in Chuxiong Yi embroidery. This ancient art form, a key component of China’s intangible cultural heritage, has roots that stretch back over 1,700 years and is a traditional folk art that continues to thrive today. By showcasing this heritage through the medium of fashion, the event aimed to connect modern audiences with China’s rich cultural traditions, while also promoting greater appreciation for these art forms on a global stage.
A Cultural Showcase of Yi Embroidery
A key moment of the event was the unveiling of the Xinhua-Chuxiong Yi Embroidery Fashion Week Index, building on the success of the Xinhua-Chuxiong Yi Embroidery Industry Development Index introduced in 2023. This index serves as a barometer for tracking the growth and development of the Yi embroidery industry, further cementing its significance in China’s cultural and economic landscape. The index is seen as a vital tool for the continued promotion and preservation of Yi embroidery, both within China and internationally.
This initiative, along with the event itself, underscores ongoing efforts to preserve and innovate. By blending ancient craftsmanship with contemporary design, the fashion show symbolised a commitment to sustainable cultural heritage, presenting these traditional garments in a modern context.
Three Stunning Collections on Display
The event featured 50 intricate designs from three distinct collections:
- Traditional Heritage Garments: Showcasing the timeless beauty of Chuxiong Yi attire, a vibrant expression of national culture and artistry. Each garment was meticulously crafted using techniques that have been passed down through generations, highlighting the skill and dedication of the Yi people.
- Luoyang Hanfu Garments: Reflecting the resurgence of Hanfu, these garments celebrated ancient fashion’s re-entry into modern-day wardrobes. This collection particularly resonated with younger audiences, who are embracing Hanfu as part of their identity and cultural expression.
- Contemporary Designs: Merging traditional elements with modern aesthetics, these designs symbolised the forward-thinking nature of fashion while honouring the past. Designers incorporated modern cuts and fabrics to make the attire accessible to today’s fashion-conscious audience.
Alongside the fashion pieces, attendees were treated to mesmerising performances of national songs and dances, adding depth and dimension to the cultural immersion. These performances were carefully curated to reflect the diverse traditions of the Yi people and other ethnic groups, providing a full sensory experience for the audience.
Chuxiong Yi Embroidery Debuts on Beijing’s Central Axis
For the first time, Chuxiong Yi embroidery made its debut at a significant cultural landmark along Beijing’s Central Axis, a region famed for its historical and cultural significance. The fashion show took place in this prestigious location, cementing the art form’s cultural importance. This event follows the embroidery’s successful appearances at major fashion weeks in Beijing, Shanghai, New York, Milan, and Paris, placing it firmly on the global fashion map.
A Global Spotlight on Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage
The event drew widespread praise from both Chinese and international attendees, highlighting the global appeal of Chinese cultural traditions. By featuring Yi embroidery in a major urban centre like Beijing, the event also sought to encourage mutual understanding and appreciation among different civilizations, aligning with the broader goals of China’s Global Civilization Initiative.
As the interest in cultural sustainability grows globally, the success of the “A Life Called Yunnan” event positions Yi embroidery as not just a relic of the past, but as a living, evolving art form that bridges tradition and modernity. With more initiatives like this, Chuxiong Yi embroidery continues to shine as a beacon of China’s intangible cultural heritage on the world stage.
