OOTD Forever: A Century of Chinese Fashion and Everyday Dress

The opening exhibition of the Taikang Art Museum, “Engaging with the World: Chinese Modern and Contemporary Art Since the 20th Century,” is currently on display, featuring works spanning from the early 20th century to the early 21st century. Across this century-long art historical narrative, we witness not only the evolving state of humanity through different eras but also discern transformations in the clothing and attire of people from those respective periods. Trends and shifts in fashion and dress have been influenced by numerous factors such as war, social change, and economic development. Observing the evolution of attire allows us to view and understand history from another dimension.

In this public lecture, we have invited fashion designer Wang Yueting to guide us through a review and appreciation of a brief history of 20th-century Chinese clothing and style by examining the different garments and outfits worn by figures in the exhibited works.