On the afternoon of April 26th, the event of Experience Chinese Fashion and Arts – co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in the United States and the Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide – was held at the embassy premises. Its organizers were the Ningbo Performing Arts Group and Zhejiang Chantel Gong Cultural Industry Development Co., Ltd.
美国时间4月26日下午，由中国驻美国大使馆与美国全球外交服务协会共同主办，宁波市演艺集团和浙江香黛宫公司承办的“中国时尚与艺术体验”活动在中国驻美国大使馆举行。
A highlight of the event was the mesmerizing fashion show, "Silk Road Splendor", presented by a delegation from Ningbo. Exhibiting the timeless beauty of Chinese attire, the show captivated nearly 300 guests (including diplomats and their spouses from over 60 countries), who were transported on an immersive journey through the rich tapestry of Chinese culture.
一台由宁波文艺代表团呈现的《丝路霓裳》时装秀作品，一场中华服饰的美学盛宴，让现场来自60多个国家的使节和夫人，近300名嘉宾沉浸式地体验中国传统文化的风采。
The genesis of this cultural extravaganza can be traced back to a serendipitous moment.
这场文艺活动的起因，源于一个不经意的细节。
In September 2023, the Ningbo Performing Arts Group brought the dance drama “Mulan” to the United States. At the premiere reception in Washington, D.C., the group’s chairman, Lin Hong, radiated elegance in her attire of a red and black qipao. Her poised demeanor and confidence entranced the assembled guests, commanding their full attention.
2023年9月，宁波市演艺集团携舞剧《花木兰》赴美国演出，演艺集团董事长林红身穿一袭红黑旗袍在华盛顿首演招待会上致辞，优雅自信，吸引了在场宾客的目光。
This captivating moment spurred Chen Chunmei, Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in the United States, to conceptualize a grand cultural exchange event centered on traditional Chinese attire, inviting diplomats from diverse nations to partake in this enriching experience.
中国驻美国大使馆公参陈春梅随即有了组织一次中国传统服饰文化交流活动并邀请各国使节交流、欣赏的想法。
As the Chinese New Year approached, the Chinese Embassy extended an invitation to the Ningbo Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism for a cultural exchange event. The event, to be held at the embassy, would spotlight the history and evolution of the qipao, a quintessential symbol of Chinese fashion, and its significant global influence.
2024年春节假期前夕，中国驻美国大使馆向宁波市文化广电旅游局发来商请函电，邀请宁波市演艺集团再次“出海”，在中国驻美国大使馆举办一场以海派旗袍悠久历史、新中式旗袍的发展以及时尚旗袍走向世界为线索的文化交流活动。
Upon receiving the invitation, the Ningbo Performing Arts Group, in collaboration with Gong Hangyu, founder of Chantel Gong and promoter of Chinese Textile Intangible Cultural Heritage, scrupulously crafted the “Silk Road Splendor” fashion show. Featuring over 200 meticulously tailored qipaos in elegant fabrics and innovative designs, the show, presented by more than 20 models, exuded the timeless allure of Chinese fashion.
接到任务后，宁波市演艺集团立即着手准备，并联合香黛宫创始人、中国纺织非遗推广大使龚航宇共同策划了一台《丝路霓裳》时装秀。200多套特别定制的旗袍面料考究、色彩典雅、设计新颖，在20余名模特的演绎下，向宾客们展示了中国女性的独特魅力，一同领略中华服饰的千年韵味。
Chinese Ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng, affirmed that the qipao embodies both Chinese heritage and global significance. Revered as a national treasure, it epitomizes Chinese elegance while also embracing global admiration through its fusion of Eastern and Western elements.
中国驻美国大使谢锋认为，旗袍是中国的、也是世界的。作为中国传统服饰的代表，旗袍被誉为国粹，既蕴含优雅端庄的东方韵味，同时融合中西方元素、日益走向世界。
“Different cultures can prosper respectively and together,” Xie reiterated. “Chinese civilization thrives through innovation and inclusiveness.”
“不同文化完全可以各美其美、美美与共。”谢锋强调，“中华文明在革故鼎新中不断发展、在兼收并蓄中生生不息”。
The afternoon witnessed the early arrival of diplomats and their spouses from various countries, who had been invited to the event, all brimming with curiosity and eager anticipation for the cultural experience.
4月26日下午，应邀前来的各国使节和夫人早早来到活动现场，对体验活动充满了好奇和期待。
As members of the visiting delegation adorned in qipaos graced the red carpet, guests were enthralled by the modern and chic qipao designs.
当一个个穿着中华旗袍的出访团成员沿红毯缓步出现，嘉宾们无不赞美，被具有设计感和现代感的旗袍秀深深吸引。
Throughout the event, guests indulged in trying on their favorite qipaos, with stylists expertly crafting Chinese-style makeup, allowing them to see themselves in a new light.
活动现场还安排嘉宾，挑选自己喜爱的旗袍试穿，造型师为嘉宾们打造了精美的中式妆造，让她们在镜中看到不一样的自己。
Against the backdrop of the embassy’s elegant surroundings, the guests in qipaos captured memories and experiences, creating an unforgettable tableau.
身着旗袍的嘉宾纷纷在使馆旋梯、花窗和画作前拍照打卡，留下旗袍带给她们的美好回忆和奇妙体验。
As the event drew to a close, the guests donned suits and qipaos designed by Ningbo's renowned Hongbang (literally, red band) tailors, taking to the stage to embrace the charm of Chinese attire.
活动最后，各国大使及夫人还穿上了出访团特别设计的宁波红帮裁缝男装和旗袍走上了舞台，感受中国服饰的独特魅力。
Ms. Chen Chunmei noted that this event marked a milestone in showcasing Chinese culture to the world.
中国驻美国大使馆公参陈春梅女士表示，这是中国驻美国大使馆第一次做这种形式的时尚走秀活动，向世界充分展示了中国文化。
It’s noteworthy that the day before the event, the Chinese Embassy in the United States also invited Gong Hangyu to host two special lectures on qipao art at the Chinese American Art Museum and George Washington University. The exhibitions showcased dozens of exquisite Chinese costumes, leaving the audience captivated.
此外，美国当地时间4月25日中午和晚上，中国驻美国大使馆还邀请龚航宇在美国华人艺术博物馆和乔治华盛顿大学，举办了两场旗袍艺术专题讲座，现场陈列的数十件精美的中国服饰，让观众惊叹。
Following their arrival in the United States, the visiting art troupe also held a costume exhibition at the National Gallery of Art, where the exquisite Chinese qipaos seamlessly blended with the museum's artistic ambiance, creating an enchanting fusion of culture and art.
据悉，访美艺术团在抵达美国后，也在第一时间赶到美国国家艺术馆进行服装展示。精美的中国旗袍犹如艺术品，与艺术馆完美融合、相得益彰。