When it comes to bringing Chinese models to the international fashion stage, we have to mention the “Mother of Chinese Fashion,” Song Huai Gui (1937-2006). Besides being a legendary figure in the fashion industry, she also held multiple roles as an art pioneer and cultural ambassador. The upcoming exhibition “Song Huai Gui: Art Pioneer and Fashion Mother” at the M+ Museum in the West Kowloon Cultural District will allow everyone to see over 320 exhibits and learn about her extraordinary life story.
During her lifetime, Song Huaigui, who was known as “Madame Song,” together with her husband Wan Man, an artist specializing in wall hangings, nurtured the development of the avant-garde artist community. She also served as the chief representative of Pierre Cardin in China and established an international network centered around film producers, actors, musicians, and fashion designers. This network included award-winning directors and film producers such as Chen Kaige, Tsui Hark, Yang Fan, and Zhang Yimou, as well as fashion designers John Galliano and Liu Peiji, and musician Cui Jian. Her extensive connections demonstrate her influence on the development of modern Chinese culture.
M+ “Song Huai Gui: Art Pioneer and Fashion Icon” is the world’s first museum exhibition dedicated to Song Huai Gui, showcasing rare archival materials, clothing designed by world-renowned fashion designers, film costumes and clips, artworks, and large-scale wall installations. The exhibition is divided into five sections based on themes, with the first section titled “Who is Mrs. Song?” showcasing Song Huai Gui’s most eye-catching Pierre Cardin outfits, as well as personal documents, photos, and video clips.
The second part, “Art Pioneer,” brings the pioneering artistic creations of Song Huaigui and Wan Man, showcasing how the couple draws inspiration from traditional and folk culture to develop a language of modernism. “Business Elite” is also a role that Song Huaigui is highly regarded for, and this section of the exhibition focuses on introducing the journey of Song Huaigui’s collaboration with Pierre Cardin in China.
As for the exhibition part of the “Fashion Godmother,” it reveals the process of Song Huaigui training the first batch of professional models in China and leading Chinese models to the international stage. Through fashion, it showcases personal style and changes the world’s perception of the new generation of Chinese modern women. In the final part of the exhibition, “Cultural Ambassador,” the focus introduces Song Huaigui’s multiple cultural identities and how Western fashion designers, artists, and filmmakers in her circle draw inspiration from traditional Chinese imagery and incorporate their own culture into their works.
In addition to bringing a variety of precious exhibits, this exhibition also brings a series of activities, such as public lectures by Dr. Peter Li, Dr. Wu Mo, and Dr. Gu Tanya, the curators of the exhibition, as well as workshops related to fashion and clothing.
In addition, Dr. Pi Li, the curator, has also written “Song Huaigui: A Lifetime of Art, a Lifetime of Fashion,” which tells the story of Song Huaigui through a biography format. The book also includes over 250 rare photos and archival materials, writings from Song Huaigui’s family and friends, as well as essays written by exhibition curators Wu Mo and Gu Tanya. The M+ store also offers a variety of exhibition-exclusive products, including clutches, shoulder bags, postcards, and folding fans, as well as other designs related to Song Huaigui. After enjoying the exhibition, everyone is welcome to take a look!
“Song Huaigui: Pioneer of Art and Fashion Icon” Special Exhibition
Date: July 29th to September 30th
Location: M+ Museum, West Kowloon Cultural District
圖片由 M+ 提供
