The spotlight at Mulhouse Fashion Week on July 19th fell not on a Parisian couturier, but on Shenyang-born designer Han Yang (韩炀). As the final model exited the runway, thunderous applause filled the French venue. Han, founder of the brand Lan Miaoxi (岚妙晞), had presented a collection that transcended mere fashion. Her haute couture Qipao series, "Urban Memory," reimagined the iconic Chinese garment through a bold fusion of Shenyang’s soul and Parisian savoir-faire.
This debut wasn’t just a personal triumph; it marked a significant moment where Chinese design philosophy, articulated through the Qipao’s rebirth, commanded global attention on a prestigious European stage. The collection served as the centerpiece of Shenyang’s official 2025 Qipao Cultural Season, signaling a deliberate push to showcase regional culture internationally.
Design
Han Yang dismantled traditional Qipao expectations. While honoring signature elements like the mandarin collar and intricate knotted buttons, she discarded restrictive silhouettes. Her designs employed advanced French tailoring techniques – think sculptural shoulders and fluid, bias-cut skirts – granting unprecedented freedom of movement. This liberation mirrored the contemporary spirit she sought to embody. The fabrics whispered tales of two worlds: lustrous Chinese silks met delicate French laces and intricate passementerie. French tambour embroidery, traditionally adorning delicate gowns, found new life embellishing Qipao bodices and hems. The result was a collection both undeniably rooted in Chinese tradition and vibrantly modern, challenging preconceptions of what the qipao could be.
Shenyang’s Spirit Woven in
Every stitch pulsed with the energy of Han’s hometown. The deep vermillion hues mirrored the majestic walls of Shenyang’s Imperial Palace. Geometric patterns echoed the robust, functional lines of the city’s industrial heritage, translated into sophisticated jacquards. Fluid brushstrokes of blue and silver silk captured the sinuous flow of the Hun River traversing Shenyang.
"As a daughter of Shenyang," Han stated post-show, "my mission is to show the world the Qipao’s design power. It’s more than a dress; it carries our history, our resilience, our modern identity." This deeply personal narrative transformed the garments from beautiful objects into cultural emissaries. The collection became a visual ode to Shenyang’s unique character – its imperial grandeur, industrial grit, and natural grace – projected onto a global canvas.
Building Bridges with Silk
The impact resonated far beyond aesthetics. The immediate standing ovation reflected the audience's deep appreciation. Jean Rottner, Mayor of Mulhouse, hailed the show as "a perfect example of cultural dialogue," noting how Han Yang "imbued Eastern aesthetics with French poetry." The success translated into tangible cultural exchange: Lan Miaoxi secured an immediate partnership with French firm Frame Craft for a dedicated Qipao exhibition tour across France.
For expatriate Shenyang resident Wang Fang, instrumental in facilitating the show, it was a proud moment: "Bringing our hometown’s beauty to France is incredible." Han Yang framed it eloquently: "When a Qipao’s knot clasps French embroidery thread, we bind a warm mutual respect between two great cultures. This dialogue reveals how Chinese tradition vibrantly resonates with contemporary fashion." Her needles didn't just sew fabric; they stitched a powerful connection, proving cultural heritage is a dynamic, evolving conversation starter on the world stage.
Han Yang's Qipao showcase at the Mulhouse International Fashion Week captivated attendees as models sashayed down the runway in exquisite modern interpretations of the classic Chinese dress. Silhouettes ranged from sleek, minimalist cuts to dramatic, flowing gowns, all featuring luxurious fabrics like embroidered silk and velvet. Intricate details – delicate piped edges, artful knotted closures, and subtle floral motifs – paid homage to tradition while contemporary color palettes and structural innovations felt utterly modern.
The collection masterfully balanced heritage and avant-garde design, drawing enthusiastic applause from international buyers and fashion press alike. Han Yang's presentation concluded powerfully, celebrating the enduring elegance and evolving artistry of the Qipao on the global stage.
