1 week Ago
Designer Kuai Li's Vision
Kuai Li, a 32-year-old designer originally from China, shared her excitement about Megan choosing her creation. With less than a month to design it, she aimed to combine Asian design influences with a modern, bold interpretation that reflected Megan's unique persona. The result was a futuristic take on the qipao—complete with two sculptural rings around Megan's waist, giving it an almost sci-fi aesthetic. Li used fabric from her Swallowtail Butterfly qipao collection and infused it with geometric forms, which have become a signature of her work. Celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Michelle Yeoh, and Julia Fox have previously worn Li's designs.
Cultural Celebration and Fashion Statements
The qipao, originally worn by Manchu nobility in the Qing dynasty, became a fashion icon in 1930s Shanghai. While discussions around cultural appropriation continue, Kuai Li sees this collaboration as a proud celebration of Asian heritage in America. She believes bold fashion can be a form of cultural appreciation. Many attendees at the Gold Gala wore pieces by Asian designers or included elements tied to their cultural backgrounds. Laufey wore a silver gown by Huishan Zhang, while actor Tayme Thapthimthong added a maroon and gold Thai sash to his outfit.
During her acceptance speech, Megan Thee Stallion expressed her deep respect for Asian Pacific culture, highlighting her love for its fashion, food, and anime. She also shared her hopes of visiting more Asian countries and collaborating further with the community. Filmmaker Jon M. Chu, who received the Gold Legend award, summed up the evening's spirit, saying, "We're not just guests at the table anymore. We built the damn house, and guess what? It's made of gold."
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