Clothing designer Nino is restoring China’s lost culture through his fashion brand Crane. Just how Mao destroyed over two millenniums of civilization in half a decade, he and other creatives are reversing the damage at a similar rate by reintroducing tradition into modern culture.
In particular, Nino from Crane revives the hammer pants's Chinese cousin: the lantern pant. This is in addition to frog knot closures and Republic era separates. They are colored in China’s signature blue and signed with brush-stroke calligraphy. To keep it modern, these details are balanced with sweatshirts and silkscreened t-shirts. The tee is cleverly cut into a Han silhouette, and a wristwatch is casted to resemble a Feng Shui antique.
With China holding a silver medal in terms of nominal GDP, they have proven themselves economically. However, they are yet to be thought of as innovators even within Asia. Exploring their roots and reinterpreting it for the needs of today will be key to finding China’s identity and establishing itself culturally in the modern world.
Revived Chinese Fashion
Crane is Inspired by Traditional Clothing
Trend Themes
1. Reintroduction of Traditional Clothing - There is an opportunity for designers to revive traditional clothing and reintroduce it into modern culture.
2. Blending Traditional and Modern Fashion - Creating a balance between traditional and modern elements in fashion can capture the essence of cultural heritage while appealing to contemporary consumers.
3. Cultural Identity in Fashion - Exploring cultural roots and expressing them through fashion can help establish a unique cultural identity in the global fashion industry.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Industry - The fashion industry can embrace the opportunity to incorporate traditional elements in their designs and cater to a growing demand for culturally-inspired fashion.
2. Design Industry - Designers can explore innovative ways of combining traditional and modern elements to create unique and culturally rich products.
3. Cultural Heritage and Tourism Industry - The cultural heritage and tourism industry can benefit from promoting and showcasing fashion brands that revitalize and preserve traditional clothing.