Webinar: The international rise of Chinese fashion designers: a window into a changing China Event

Dr Mike Bastin: "I am a member of the vibrant Department of Fashion and Textiles, the largest department in WSA, where high level research and teaching combine to provide a rich, cerebral teaching and learning space.

My links with China date back of 25 years, including living and working in Beijing for 7 years. I hold a Visiting Professorship at the Beijing-based University of International Business and Economics and am involved in research collaboration with Shanghai-based Donghua University. My work has been published in peer-reviewed international academic journals such as the Journal of Brand Management and has also received substantial coverage in the international media with, for example, regular appearances on international television and radio and publications in The Financial Times and China Daily.

My talk is based around my ongoing research into the international rise of Chinese fashion designers and in particular their subtle blend of traditional Chinese elements with a modern aesthetic. A very good, recent example of this blend can be seen in the work of Chinese fashion designer (pictured below), Qi Yueqi.

My talk with provide a rich, picturesque portrayal of Chinese clothing through the dynasties, referring to the use of traditional Chinese elements in modern dress too, also pictured aplenty.

I will conclude with the assertion that there is far more than meets the eye where these younger Chinese fashion designers are concerned. Indeed, we are witnessing a tangible visual display that is underpinned by a subtle but significant change in Chinese cultural values."