Jason Wu's latest project, 'Fashioning Chinese Women: Empire to Modernity', is a captivating exploration of Chinese women's fashion through the ages. This exhibition, on display at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, showcases the evolution of Chinese women's dress across decades of social transformation. Wu, a renowned fashion designer, brings his unique perspective to this project, drawing on his background in doll design and his international training.
What makes this exhibition particularly fascinating is Wu's personal connection to the subject matter. As someone of Chinese heritage, born in Taiwan, he has always been fascinated by his own cultural background but was afraid to fully explore it. Now, at 43, he feels mature enough to tackle this topic head-on. The project is a deeply personal journey, allowing him to bridge the worlds of art, fashion, collectible design, and technology.
One of the key aspects of the exhibition is the 3D-printed mannequins, which Wu customized to represent the changing proportions of Chinese women over time. He emphasizes the importance of accuracy in the mannequins' proportions, reflecting the dramatic shifts in body sizes across different eras. By using the proportions of today's teenage girls, Wu ensures that the exhibition accurately represents the changing ideals of femininity and identity.
The garments on display are a testament to the adaptation of imported materials and techniques through Chinese craftsmanship. From Shanghai to Hong Kong, San Francisco, and New York, the garments showcase the fusion of traditional and modern styles. Wu's inspiration from Art Deco adds a sophisticated touch, creating a uniform look that connects garments spanning decades.
The exhibition also highlights Wu's new venture, Atomic Lab, a platform for limited-edition collectible dolls inspired by fashion and pop culture. The LACMA x Atomic Lab Museum Edition, a 12-inch collectible doll, is the first release in The Vault Series. Inspired by the glamour of 1950s Shanghai, this doll is dressed in an emerald-green qipao and finished with genuine jade jewelry. Wu's idea of creating a purchaseable representation of the exhibition is a unique and engaging way to involve visitors.
In my opinion, Jason Wu's 'Fashioning Chinese Women: Empire to Modernity' is a must-see for anyone interested in fashion, art, and cultural history. It offers a unique perspective on the evolution of Chinese women's dress, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Wu's personal journey and his ability to bridge different worlds make this exhibition a truly remarkable and thought-provoking experience.
