Fashioning Chinese Women: Empire to Modernity
Fashioning Chinese Women: Empire to Modernity
Fashioning Chinese Women: Empire to Modernity traces a century of transformation through more than 70 exquisite ensembles from Shanghai, Hong Kong, and America. It charts the evolution of Chinese women’s dress, from loose-fitting embroidered robes of the late Qing Dynasty to the sleek silhouettes of 1930s qipao and the globally iconic cheongsam of the 1960s. Vibrant colors, sumptuous silks, and intricate trims showcase the meticulous craftsmanship that is the hallmark of these garments. Displayed on mannequins customized by fashion designer Jason Wu, the works in the exhibition present a seldom-seen story of how Chinese and Chinese American women expressed identity, navigated change, and shaped their lives through dress.
This exhibition was organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Generous support provided by Raymond Kai Dong.
All exhibitions at LACMA are underwritten by the LACMA Exhibition Fund. Major annual support is provided by The David & Meredith Kaplan Foundation and Louise and Brad Edgerton, Edgerton Foundation, with generous annual funding from Tanya Fileva, Mary and Daniel James, Bert Levy Fund, Justin Lubliner, Alfred E. Mann Charities, Kelsey Lee Offield, Maggie Tang, Lenore and Richard Wayne, and Marietta Wu and Thomas Yamamoto.
Woman's Dress (Qipao), China, 1939–40, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Costume Council Acquisition Fund, photo © Museum Associates/ LACMA, by Jonathan Urban
- Jun 14–Oct 25, 2026
- BCAM, Level 2
This exhibition was organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Generous support provided by Raymond Kai Dong.
All exhibitions at LACMA are underwritten by the LACMA Exhibition Fund. Major annual support is provided by The David & Meredith Kaplan Foundation and Louise and Brad Edgerton, Edgerton Foundation, with generous annual funding from Tanya Fileva, Mary and Daniel James, Bert Levy Fund, Justin Lubliner, Alfred E. Mann Charities, Kelsey Lee Offield, Maggie Tang, Lenore and Richard Wayne, and Marietta Wu and Thomas Yamamoto.
Woman's Dress (Qipao), China, 1939–40, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Costume Council Acquisition Fund, photo © Museum Associates/ LACMA, by Jonathan Urban