Laurence Xu enhances the Prince Gong’s Mansion in his Paris Fashion Show in Salle Wagram

The “Paris 2024 Prince Gong’s Mansion Fashion Show” made a grand entrance in the world’s fashion capital of Paris. This exceptional event highlighted the richness and splendor of traditional Chinese culture in the prestigious setting of international fashion (photo credits: Laurence Xu Couture).

On September 28, 2024, at the famous Salle Wagram, this event, organized by the Prince Gong’s Mansion Museum, under the aegis of the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism, dazzled guests with its masterful fusion of history and innovation. By AL & ST

On the occasion of this event, more than 300 personalities from various backgrounds, from politics, business, art, academia and culture, were gathered. Guests included Chinese Ambassador in France, named Lu Shazhen and Minister Chen Li. Apart from them, you may have counted on important representatives of international institutions, such as UNESCO, along the National Agency for Scientific Research (CNRS), the National Academy of Fine Arts of France, and the Château de Chantilly graced this event with their presence. This parade was part of a cultural approach, deeply rooted in China‘s policy of promoting cultural confidence, a guideline defended by the Chinese government.

This fashion project emphasizes the need to strengthen academic research and encourage innovation in the presentation of the country’s cultural treasures. The aim is to reaffirm the vitality and relevance of such cultural relics, while promoting dialogue between civilizations. For instance, the Prince Gong Palace Museum plays a key role in this approach by drawing on its rich historical heritage of over 200 years. This unique heritage includes not only ancient architectural elements, but also cultural treasures that illustrate the essence of traditional Chinese culture. Through the careful study and analysis of these elements, this acclaimed museum seeks to reveal the profound value of this culture and offer new perspectives for its reinterpretation in the contemporary context. 

The 2024 edition of this fashion show is of special significance, as it also marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. For six decades, the two countries have maintained close political, economic and cultural ties. The geographical distance between them has never been an obstacle to these fruitful exchanges.

On the other side, this memorable event is part of a series of various initiatives, included in the China-France Cultural Tourism Year, aimed at further strengthening this cultural cooperation. The previous edition of the show, held in September 2023 in Paris, had already allowed the international public to discover how China perpetuates and develops its rich traditional culture. 

The “Paris 2024 Prince Gong’s Mansion Fashion Show” was co-organized with the Chinese Cultural Center in Paris and supported by the Academy of Fine Arts of Tsinghua University, as an academic partner. Among the main actors of this event are Beijing Lawrence Xu Clothing Co., Ltd. and Beijing International Design Week Co., Ltd., both responsible for the execution of the project.

As far as we know, Lawrence Xu, an internationally renowned fashion designer, tended to lead this initiative with brio. He collaborated with a team of promising young designers in order to design 48 haute couture outfits, all of which were presented at this show.

The originality of this event lies in its ability to combine tradition and innovation. The costumes, presented here, are inspired by various historical and cultural elements of Prince Gong’s Palace, such as “The First Blessing of the World”, “Fuqing Youyu” (a symbolic representation of prosperity and happiness), and “The Haibian Ceiling”. These visual and symbolic references are combined with ancestral craft techniques, such as embroidery, mother-of-pearl and brocaded silk. Drawing on rigorous academic research, these creations reflect a refined oriental aesthetic, adapted to contemporary taste. The traditional Chinese colors, omnipresent in the costumes, reaffirm the importance of cultural transmission, while offering a modern and transversal interpretation of these values.

The encounter between Eastern and Western cultures was magnificently orchestrated at this event. This fashion show not only showcased the richness of Chinese culture, it also embodies a living dialogue between civilizations. The choice of Paris, the world capital of fashion, as the venue reinforces this universal message of sharing and mutual understanding. This artistic event underlines that culture, in all its forms, transcends geographical and political boundaries. Thus, the Prince Gong’s Palace Museum hopes that this event would serve as a starting point for a deeper reflection on how Chinese culture can be harmoniously integrated into contemporary life. The museum also aims to promote mutual learning between East and West, while promoting Chinese stories on a global scale.

More details on their official website and on the official Prince Gong’s Palace Museum page.