New York, Paris, Milan, London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, … the oriental-inspired designs that incorporate elements like Chinese calligraphy, dragons, Buddhas, and other iconic symbols are taking the world of fashion by storm.

But what can ancient oriental culture offer in addition to those exotic elements? Can traditional oriental culture bring a new spirit to contemporary fashion? These are the questions at the heart of New Tang Dynasty Television’s Global Han Couture Design Competition.

China is comprised of many different ethnicities, but Han culture has been the most prevalent since ancient times. Han Couture consists of the clothing worn by ethnic Hans, as well as those whom they inspired, from thousands of years ago up until the end of the Ming Dynasty in the 17th century. The defining characteristics of Han Couture are its unique collars and lapels; wide, flowing sleeves; and the use of a sash in place of buttons. The look is refined, reserved, and noble.

Clothing and accessories of Han Couture are inseparable from the semi-divine culture of China. The Buddhist and Daoist belief in maintaining harmony between Heaven and the mankind was reflected in every aspect of society including clothing and style.

Han Couture reached its peak in the Sui and Tang Dynasties, with Chinese culture absorbing aspects from other regions and with different countries being highly influenced by Chinese culture. For example, today’s Japanese kimono and Korean hanbok still retain features of Tang Dynasty dress.

Tony (interview):
The “Shen Yi” is a kind of long robe with a crossed collar, which symbolizes that the Dao of the Earth is square. Meanwhile, the robe’s sleeves are circular, symbolizing that Heaven’s Dao is round. Then there is a straight seam running along the back of the garment from the top to the bottom, symbolizing that the Dao of humanity takes the middle path. There is also a sash in the middle of the Shen Yi robe which, when properly tied, forms a one-piece outfit by connecting the shirt on the top with the skirt below. This sash represents the idea that human beings need be balanced, unbiased and upright, and so it plays an extremely important role.

In terms of the garment’s cut, a Shen Yi robe is usually made from four pieces of fabric, which embody the four seasons of the year. The skirt is usually formed by twelve pieces of fabric, representing the twelve months of the year. Thus, after one puts on the Shen Yi, this person will not only be motivated to follow the rules of heaven, earth and human society, but will have to pay attention to being balanced, unbiased and upright while doing anything, and to following the natural patterns of life contained by the four seasons. In this way, the individual establishes harmony with nature.

The goal of the Global Han Couture Design Competition is not to merely copy ancient Chinese fashions, but rather to borrow the patterns of the Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties, and from them to create contemporary garments of Han culture in a unique and creative way.

Revive the ideals of traditional design in modern clothing. New Tang Dynasty Television cordially invites you to take part of this ground-breaking event. For more information, please visit: hanfu.ntdtv.com or call 1-888-288-8095.