On May 8, 2025, the “Inspired by Ganpo, Woven by Heaven and Earth” high fashion show by Li Wei premiered at the opening ceremony of Nanchang International Fashion Week and Bazaar Shine’s “Gilded Night.” The ancient Tengwang Pavilion, standing silently for millennia, was transformed into a fashion stage, illuminated by dazzling lights. The interplay of multi-dimensional lighting, music, and high fashion showcased the profound depth and unique charm of Chinese culture, marking the beginning of the cultural heritage chapter of Nanchang International Fashion Week.
The Ancient Tengwang Pavilion Under Multi-Dimensional Lighting and Music
“Inspired by Ganpo, Woven by Heaven and Earth” – Li Wei’s High Fashion Show
The show, themed “Inspired by Ganpo, Woven by Heaven and Earth,” featured 36 high fashion pieces. “Inspired by Ganpo” symbolizes the essence of Jiangxi’s natural and cultural heritage, its unique landscapes, and its rich historical legacy. It represents both the natural elements and the local customs and trends, embodying the idea of drawing inspiration from the spirit of Jiangxi’s land and water. “Woven by Heaven and Earth” reflects the use of fashion as a medium to capture the forms of the universe, echoing the traditional Chinese philosophy of harmony between humanity and nature. It emphasizes clothing as a bridge between people and the natural world, showcasing Professor Li Wei’s unique perspective of interpreting the Eastern cosmology through traditional intangible cultural heritage craftsmanship and modern design.
The show seamlessly blended Jiangxi’s regional culture with traditional Chinese philosophical aesthetics, while resonating with the artistic concepts of modern fashion design. It conveyed a profound understanding and expression of the natural world and all its elements, using clothing as a vessel to merge the beauty of the universe with the unique charm of Ganpo culture.
Through a cross-temporal fashion narrative, the show redefined the boundaries of Eastern aesthetics and contemporary fashion. Each piece of high fashion, imbued with Chinese cultural essence, seemed to come alive, radiating captivating brilliance. Some pieces flowed gracefully, like the gentle waters of the Gan River, while others exuded grandeur, reminiscent of the majestic Tengwang Pavilion, immersing the audience in a fantastical world of fashion.
Professor Li Wei’s Curtain Call
Professor Li Wei Interviewed by Media
On the morning of May 8, the high-level forum “Intangible Cultural Heritage Innovation: Digital Empowerment, Revitalizing Eastern Charm” was held at the Jiangxi Provincial Museum. During the forum, Professor Li Wei from Tsinghua University’s Academy of Arts & Design and Vice President of the Chinese Costume Culture Research Association delivered keynote speeches.
Professor Li Wei delivered a speech titled “AI-Empowered Revival of Intangible Cultural Heritage: From Song Dynasty-Inspired Digital Fashion to Global Fashion Symbols,” using her Song Dynasty-inspired fashion art as a case study to analyze how AI bridges traditional intangible cultural heritage with modern fashion, witnessing the rebirth of heritage in the digital age.
During the high-level dialogue session, the guests explored cutting-edge topics in intangible cultural heritage preservation and innovative design. This was a cultural dialogue spanning millennia and the future, aiming to explore the deep integration of intangible cultural heritage with modern technology and to propel Nanchang’s cultural and creative industries onto the global stage.
Professor Li Wei in High-Level Dialogue with Other Guests
The high fashion show, themed “Inspired by Ganpo, Woven by Heaven and Earth,” not only brought a visual feast to the city of heroes but also, through the medium of fashion, wrote a new chapter in the cultural confidence of Chinese design on the global stage. It redefined the demands of high fashion in Chinese aesthetics. The Tengwang Pavilion became a pioneering stronghold where Eastern aesthetics and international fashion converged. Through the unique lens of high fashion, Eastern aesthetics will continue to rejuvenate, and Nanchang’s prominence in the global fashion world will steadily rise.
Fashion Editorial
Behind-the-Scenes
Group Photo of Professor Li Wei’s Team
