During Milan Fashion Week in Italy, a remarkable Chinese Miao art exhibition took center stage. This exhibition showcased Miao embroidery clothing from Guizhou province in Southwest China. It was co-hosted by the Chinese Consulate General in Milan and the Guizhou Provincial Government.
The exhibition featured traditional pieces from local cultural centers, Miao embroidery inheritors, and private collectors. It was held at Milan’s historic Clerici Palace, alongside presentations of 2024 spring/summer collections by other international brands.
Miao embroidery is an important part of China’s cultural heritage. The Miao ethnic group, primarily residing in Guizhou province, is renowned for their exquisite embroidery on clothing. Miao embroiderers use needle and thread to create intricate designs featuring mythical creatures like dragons and phoenixes, as well as nature-inspired elements like fish and flowers. These designs reflect the worldviews, values, and aesthetics of the Miao people. As a result, Miao embroidery is often referred to as “the Miao epic worn on the body.”
Exhibition curator Zhao Huizhou explained that for the Milan exhibition, they carefully selected items with patterns that best represent the spiritual world of the Miao people. For instance, clothing featuring the Mother Butterfly pattern was showcased. According to Miao legend, one of the 12 eggs laid by a butterfly hatched into Jiangyang, the Miao people’s ancestor. Consequently, the Mother Butterfly is a revered figure among the Miao.
In addition to highlighting symbolic patterns, the exhibition displayed characteristic costumes from various counties in Guizhou to offer a comprehensive view of the rich culture of the Miao ethnic group.
Zhao also introduced his latest boutique collections inspired by the four-seal-shaped pattern of Miao embroidery art during Milan Fashion Week.
Alongside the exhibition, an event promoting Guizhou tourism and celebrating the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China took place. Over 200 representatives from the Chinese and Italian political, business, and cultural communities attended.
Zhang Ka
Cai Chaolin, vice-governor of Guizhou province, saw the strengthened strategic partnership between China and Italy as an opportunity for Guizhou. He aimed to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, digital economy, tourism, cultural exchanges, and green transition.
