The651.com

A new exhibition spanning Chinese fashion over the last century is coming to the Goldstein Museum of Design in October, with an opening reception tonight. Co-sponsored by the University’s China Center, the show features the work of four well-known Chinese fashion designers – Wu Haiyan, Liu Canming, Wang Yiyang, and Zhang Da – as well photographs by high-profile Chinese journalists.

Design by Liu Canming

The show illustrates how dramatically Chinese fashion has changed throughout the twentieth century, from the pre-Maoist, dynastic period (1912-1948), to the conservative time of the ubiquitous Mao suit (1949-1977), to today’s progressive trend-setters (1978-present). The exhibition traces the development of apparel in China and introduces some of the country’s most influential designers.

A three-day symposium and opening reception will kick off the exhibition, culminating in the Goldstein’s annual fall fundraiser on Sunday, October 3 at the Ritz Theater, where the four featured designers will be featured in a fashion show and dance segment choreographed by the Ballet of the Dolls. The symposium will include a series of public lectures given by visiting professors (including Dr. Hazel Clark, Dean of the School of Art and Design History and Theory at Parsons the New School for Design) and the four featured Chinese designers. Adding a local twist, local designers Mark Caligiuri, Laura Fulk, and Luci Kandler and Ashley Wokasch of Calpurnia Peach will participate in a workshop.

Design by Liu Canming

Event details:
“Mao to Now: Chinese Fashion from 1949 to the Present” at the Goldstein Museum of Design, McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Ave., St. Paul, 612-624-7434, www.goldstein.umn.edu. Opening reception with designer meet-and-greet: 6-8 p.m. October 1. Symposium: October 1-3. Exhibition runs October 2, 2010, to January 17, 2011. Goldstein’s Fall Fundraiser: 5:30-9 p.m. Sun. $100. Ritz Theater, 345 13th Av. NE., Mpls. 612-436-1129.

Design by Wu Haiyan