“Chinese Time of My Life” and Chinese Influence on Fashion
TikTok has decided we are all in a “Chinese state of mind”. Creators everywhere have started adopting Chinese cultural habits such as drinking hot water, wearing house slippers, and celebrating the Lunar New Year, declaring that they are in a “Chinese time of their life” or are “Chinamaxxing”.
What started as a lifestyle commentary has quickly become an aesthetic, and fashion has noticed.
Some of the hottest pieces this season have been Adidas’s Chinese New Year Jacket, and Sau Lee’s Iris Mini Dress.
The “Tang” or “Chinese New Year Jacket”
One of the most in-demand pieces has been Adidas’s “Chinese New Year” or “Tang” jacket. This jacket features a frog closure and mandarin collar, and was originally only available in China. However, after overwhelming demand, a limited amount was released in the United States. Adidas also launched a similar jacket in collaboration with Edison Cheng called the CLOT Jacket - an item that instantly sold out . Although, if you want to get your hands on a Chinese New Year jacket of your own, there are plenty of resellers – just be careful to use a reputable one .
Courtesy of CNN
Qipao Styling and Sau Lee’s Iris Mini Dress
Qipao styled dresses and tops featuring high collars, body-skimming silhouettes, and side slits are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. Fashion brands from around the world have adopted these Chinese design elements and prints. Brands from Europe and the United States that have embraced this trend include FashionNova, ASOS, Stradivarius, and Yumi Kim, which is Vietnamese-founded but USA-based. Sau Lee is a Hong-Kong founded brand which focuses on Chinese styles, and has been trending recently for their luxury Asian-inspired mini and formal dresses. Even brands such as Hemant and Nandita which are based in India, and Hello Molly in Australia, have begun adopting these design elements.
Fashion has long relied on China behind the seams. But now, Chinese fashion has taken center stage. Asian-owned brands such as Sau Lee and Yumi Kim are more popular than ever, and have gained space in mainstream retailers such as Revolve and Saks Fifth Avenue. Their pieces are even available on Rent The Runway.
Previously, “Made in China” lived quietly on fashion labels. Now, Chinese design sits front and center. Whether this moment marks a lasting shift or is just another microtrend is yet to be seen, but for now, the influence is undeniable.
Featured Image Courtesy of Jing Daily