Recently, the Sweden leg of the international touring exhibition “New Chapters of Warp and Weave: Contemporary Narratives of Chinese Costume Genes” was officially launched at China Cultural Center in Stockholm. Co-hosted by Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology (BIFT) and China Cultural Center in Stockholm, the opening ceremony was attended by distinguished guests from all walks of life from China and Sweden, including teachers and students, overseas Chinese residents and media representatives.

Ambassador of China to Sweden Zhou Limin (5th from left), Ambassador’s spouse Zhang Guoying (4th from left), Cultural Counselor Li Rui (3rd from left), Liu Liming (2nd from left) and Mu Hanzhang (1st from left) from the National Arts Fund Administration Center and other guests touring the exhibition

Maria Nordsø Lundberg, Art Director of the China Cultural Center in Stockholm, hosting the opening ceremony

Swedish artist Erland von Hofsten extending congratulations on the exhibition’s success

Showcasing over 200 outstanding works, the exhibition blended traditional ethnic costumes with original contemporary designs. With apparel as the medium, it vividly expounded the heritage and innovative vitality of Chinese costume cultural lineage. Professor Tian Hui, the project lead, stated in his speech that Chinese costumes are "historical books worn on the body", embodying the nation’s profound cultural essence and historical DNA. At the venue, poet Xu Jiumei delivered a heartfelt recitation of her original poem “Ode to Everlasting Spring”. The verse rightly complemented the Winter Olympics-themed costume exhibits, forging a seamless fusion of sartorial aesthetics and literary poetry.

Tian Hui, lead of the exhibition project from Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, delivering a speech

Poet Xu Jiumei reciting her original work Ode to Everlasting Spring on site

Scene from the opening ceremony

The curatorial team members guided on-site tours and elaborated on the cultural connotations of the exhibits, which received high praise from both Chinese and foreign guests. Closely connected to the "Hello, China" Dragon Boat Festival Garden Fair, the exhibition featured various interactive sessions of intangible cultural heritage, from tie-dye workshops to cheongsam runway shows, to fully present the charm of traditional Chinese culture.

Exhibition artworks

Visitors touring the exhibition

Hands-on experience of traditional tie-dye craftsmanship

Featured performance: Cheongsam runway show

Workshop: Traditional handcrafting of origami sewing kits

Group photo of the exhibition team

With fashion as the bridge, the event greatly promoted cultural exchange and mutual learning between Chinese and Swedish civilizations, introducing China’s traditional oriental aesthetics to a global audience. The exhibition will remain open until August 17, 2026.