In the golden autumn, along the Seine River, light and shadow met flowing silks in a display of exquisite craftsmanship. On September 28, 2024 (Paris time), the “2024 Paris–Prince Gong’s Mansion Costume Show,” organized by the Prince Gong’s Mansion Museum under China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, made a stunning debut at the Salle Wagram in Paris.
The event welcomed over 300 distinguished guests, including Chinese Ambassador to France Mr. Lu Shaye, Minister Chen Li, and representatives from UNESCO, the Directorate General for International Relations and Strategy, the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts, the Château de Chantilly, and many figures from the political, business, fashion, education, scientific, and cultural communities.
In response to President Xi Jinping’s guiding principles on strengthening cultural confidence, advancing academic research, innovating exhibition formats, revitalizing cultural relics, and promoting mutual learning among civilizations, the Prince Gong’s Mansion Museum has long focused on China’s ancient architecture and collections. Drawing from over 200 years of rich historical heritage and distinctive ancient fashion culture, the museum has studied, refined, and explored the essence and value of traditional Chinese culture. It continues to seek new expressions and innovative contexts to interpret and present this heritage, contributing to the creative transformation and development of Chinese civilization.
Against the backdrop of the comprehensive launch of China-France cultural exchanges announced by the leaders of both countries, the inaugural “Prince Gong’s Mansion Costume Show” was successfully held in Paris in September 2023, presenting the world with a vivid example of how traditional Chinese culture is passed on and reimagined in contemporary China.
As 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, the distance of thousands of miles is no longer a barrier to connection. As a key event of the China-France Year of Cultural and Tourism Exchange, the “2024 Paris–Prince Gong’s Mansion Costume Show” returned as scheduled to further deepen cooperation, promote dialogue, and strengthen friendship between the two peoples.
Co-organized by the China Cultural Center in Paris, with academic support from the Academy of Arts & Design at Tsinghua University, and jointly executed by Laurence Xu Fashion Co., Ltd. and Beijing Design Week Co., Ltd., the show was curated by internationally renowned designer Laurence Xu. Together with a new generation of emerging designers, he presented 48 haute couture pieces on site. Incorporating iconic cultural symbols from Prince Gong’s Mansion—such as “The First Blessing under Heaven,” “Auspicious Abundance,” “Ocean Motifs Ceiling,” and “Begonias of the Western Garden”—the collection used traditional Chinese colors, embroidery, mother-of-pearl inlay, and cloud brocade, drawing upon academic research to create a modern and cross-disciplinary interpretation of Eastern aesthetics.
A symphony of civilizations, a shared radiance.
This grand event held in Paris this September was not only a testament to the friendship between China and France, but also a harmonious encounter of Eastern and Western cultures. The Prince Gong’s Mansion Museum hopes to use this costume show as a platform to further integrate traditional Chinese culture into modern life, deepen mutual understanding between civilizations, and contribute to the global expression of China’s stories and voice—continuously enhancing the global influence of Chinese culture.
