Fashion and China

   This work blends gorgeous designs with architechtural grandeur,using the Forbidden City as a backdrop.

    The buildings within the Forbidden City are arranged symmetrically along a single axis. The artist has focused on structures located on the axis and chosen typical scenes from different angles. Thanks to his unique associations and bold transformations, he bas accomplished a flowing lifelike picture scroll by matching and grouping different dresses and using inspired lighting and commentary, the designer successfully leads spectators into a fantastic world where the limitations of time and space disappear. The artist’s intention is to depict the vicissitudes that the Forbidden City underwent in history, and give the audience a taste of the essence of Chinese Civilization. 

    Almost all the important structures located on the axis: from the nails on the vermilion doors of the Meridian Gate to the beasts on the roof of the Gate of Supreme Harmony; from the gilded dragon chair in the Hall of Supreme Harmony to the couplet hung on the pillars of the hall of Heavenly Purity; All have been displayed in this work, Even the white marble columns, the enamel clock in the Treasure Halls, and age-old trees in the Imperial Garden have become source materials for the designer. 

    Spectators, be they familiar with Chinese culture or not, will find art and culture integrated here. A nostalgic, contemplative feeling will well up in everyone’s heart, as the heyday of the Qing Dynasty comes back to life, The audience will be thrilled to finally tap into the fountain of oriental thought. 

    This full-length artistic work probes the essence of Chinese culture in an unprecedented from and from a fresh angle. The design work as a whole is imposing and magnificent, fully exhibiting the splendid cultural tradition of the Chinese nation and the elegant demeanour of Chinese people. This work strives to uphold China’s national spirit and culture, to inspire self-confidence in its people, and to bolster solidarity in the country.   

    Hu Xiaodan was born in Beijing in July 1958. In February 1978，he enrolled in the Central Drama Institute and studied stage design.He received his Bachelor of Arts in 7982. 

    After graduation , he started work as a stage designer for China's Opera theatre,a position he still holds. He has designed stage settings and costumes for operas such as The Wilderness, and the Kunqu opera The Longevity Palace. Since 1987, he has been studying fashion design.

    His creations are rooted in China's culture.They convey Chinese aesthetic and impressions that are both familiar and strange.They not only broaden one's vision but,make one realize the greatness of China's civilization and its people.The significance of his work goes far beyond the scope of dress design.

    Hu Xiaodan is a designer who keeps evolving,and yet, he is also a persistent artist.His latest fashions have charmed a vast audience,both Chinese and foreigners.By designing Chinese fashions,  rooted in our own culture and traditions,and by allowing Chinese design to reflect our nation's philosophy, Hu Xiaodan has made a great contribution to our culture.

Tai He Gate：
   There are many red-painted doors, decorated withTbeast faces and large gilt nailheads. Chinese legend has it that the dragon has nine sons, with totally different dispositions. TThe Beast face on the doors is believed to be one of the sons, TJiao Tu, who always prefers to have doors shut (and so is considered to be a good choice for guarding the doors ). TAnd there are 9 rows and 9 linesTof nailheads on each doorTfor 9 is believed to be a luckyTnumber and is frequentlyTused by the imperial family.

Incense burner decorated with swirling dragons inthe Hall of Supreme Harmony:
    The original incense burner is placed on either side the emperor is throne.Whenever incense is burned,the air is filled with sweet scent,lending majesty and mysticism air to this palace. Its symbolic meaning is "great order and stable government".It was time such a concept was brought to the fashion world.

The Screen bearing the inscription "Be open and candid"in the Palace of Heavenly Purity：
     As the formal regime, there was two component of “Outer place” and “Inner place” in the forbidden city. TThe “Outer place”was used by the emperors to hold court and manage national affairs, the "Inner Palace" was the imperial sleeping palace。TQian Qing Gong has the most powerful yin in the “Inner place”, the mean of the name is “The universe is peaceful so the governance can forever.” .”Qian”means sky, is everything’s presider. TOn the central square platform is a five-piece folding screenT on which are dragons painted in gold .Behind the folding screen is a plaque with four Chinese characters "Zheng Da Guang Ming"(meaning being just, decent and honest) written by Emperor Shun Zhi of the Qing Dynasty. TEmperors designated their successors on a secret proclamation hidden behind the plague. TIn order to prevent a bloody struggle for power among his sons, TEmperor Yong Zheng of the Qing Dynasty invented a new way of designating his successor. He had two proclamations ready: Tone hidden behind the plaque, the other carried on  him at all times. TOnly after he died would his successor be declared publicly.

The umbrella-shaped dome of the Pavillion of Eternal Spring in the Imperial Garden:
This delicate pavillion was built in 1533.Its upper part is an umbrella-shaped dome,and its lower part is a square,double-eared pavillion.The whole design is based on the expression"The sky is round and the earth is square".The dome is a canopy supported by vases.The vases are made of coloured glaze,decorated with patterns of dragon and phoenix.The canopy is gilded,with cloud-shaped ornaments on each side.When transformed into a dress,it keeps its original character.

Nine-Dragon Screen (one piece of the series):
The Forbidden City is decorated everywhere with dragon patterns.This is really a world of dragons.The Nine-dragon screen is one of its masterpieces.This high screen featurs nine blue dragons soaring amidst swirling clouds.The dragon is deeply implanted in China is consciousness,so it is fitting it should soar in this design.This model combines power and feminity.

Five-colour Vessel with crane and lotus patterns:
This famous vessel is a masterpiece from the kilns of Jingde Town.It is also known as the "phoenix tail vessel".The glaze porcelain reached its during Emperor Kang Xi is reign,and this vessel is really a tour-de-force.Our creation echoes some of its elusive charm.