The 12 Course Banquet: Traditional Chinese Wedding Menus 十全十美中式婚宴菜單

Chinese culture values symbolism. On important occasions like the wedding banquet, the ingredients used are chosen with care, and each dish carries different meanings. A typical Chinese wedding banquet menu includes either ten or twelve dishes, symbolizing "full and perfection" or implying that the couple will have happiness throughout the twelve months of the year. For this special feature, we invited Rovey Chinese Catering and Private Dining, to demonstrate twelve classic Chinese wedding banquet courses and introduce the meaning behind each dish.

Design Dialogue, Art and FashionFête ChinoiseDecember 19, 2024art, chinese, chinesefashion, fashion, Fashion, cheongsam, celebration, WeddingsComment

An Enduring Elegance: Kwan Kwa Tradition 欣賞裙褂

For generations, the Cantonese people of Hong Kong have upheld a unique tradition – the wearing of the exquisite Kwan Kwa, a traditional bridal ensemble consisting of a jacket and long skirt, for weddings. While not exclusive to the region, this elegant attire has been meticulously preserved and distinctly developed in Hong Kong, rendering it a cultural icon that embodies the city's rich heritage.

Design Dialogue, Art and FashionFête ChinoiseNovember 21, 2024art, chinese, chinesefashion, fashion, Fashion, cheongsam, celebration, WeddingsComment

Design Moments 從設計尋根

As the Year of the Dragon draws to a close, we take a moment to revisit some of the standout designs that captured the essence of the Dragon. From fashion and spirits to accessories and home décor, these creations have made a lasting impression. Which one is your favourite, and what are you most excited about as we welcome the Year of the Snake?

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseNovember 14, 2024art, chinese, Luxury, product design, design annual, Packaging DesignComment

Dragons and Power: The Origin and Evolution of the Dragon Motif in Chinese Art History 飛龍在天萬乘之尊：龍紋在中國藝術史中的起源與演變

For millennia, representations of dragons have been deeply ingrained in Chinese art across a variety of media. The dragon’s various depictions highlight its pivotal role as a representation of the divine, a symbol of imperial authority, and a dynamic force capable of warding off malevolent influences. Through its role as a benevolent deity, it’s believed to bring auspicious events, such as rainfall, and to foster life on earth.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseNovember 7, 2024art, Luxury, chinese cultureComment

Cutting Through Tradition: Yang Shih-yi’s Intricate Paper Art 因捨而得的剪紙哲學

In a world where artists often boast about their exceptional and distinctive creations, Taiwanese paper-cutting artist Yang Shih-yi stands apart with his humility. Unlike many artists who speak loftily about their works, Yang describes himself as merely a storyteller, messenger, and servant to serve others' needs. He even goes as far as to say, “The arts might not even be significant.” His primary concern is whether his works will inspire a sense of joy and well-being in people.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseOctober 31, 2024art, chinese, Taiwan, design annual, Installation Art, InstallationComment

Fastening Elegance: Royce Chau weaves creative flair into the traditional craft of floral button-making 綻放於衣裳上

The art of crafting handmade knotted floral buttons, a cherished Chinese tradition, often goes unnoticed by modern fashion enthusiasts. Adorning cheongsams and other garments, these buttons complement the chosen fabric and colour, serving as a small yet intricate detail in the time-consuming tailoring process of traditional Chinese dresses. Royce Chau knows this firsthand, having studied tailoring Chinese garments when she couldn't find a traditional Chinese outfit she liked while living in Singapore. Unable to find what she sought in numerous department stores, she resolved to learn how to make one herself.

Unfolding a Botanical Tapestry: Exploring the Intricate Design of Vancouver’s Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden 從中山公園看蘇州庭園之美

Vancouver’s Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is one of a small number of what are known as traditional scholar’s gardens. When it opened 38 years ago, it was the first classical garden built outside China in the country’s most sophisticated style, which was developed centuries ago in the southern city of Suzhou.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseOctober 4, 2024art, chinese, wallpaper, LuxuryComment

Still Glowing Strong: Hong Kong's Neon Heritage Burns Bright Amid Preservation Projects Spotlighting a Vivid Aspect of Contemporary Chinese Culture 香港霓虹地標的二次生命

Growing up in Hong Kong, Cardin Chan often walked confidently at night on streets illuminated by giant neon signs whose kaleidoscopic beams pierced the darkness, forming phosphorescent pathways that mapped the city into distinct districts with their own visual signatures. Featuring customized logos and Chinese calligraphy, the signs had been emblazoning the facades of family-run restaurants, bars, shops and theatres for decades, infusing Hong Kong’s commodity-driven economy with kinetic energy, character and otherworldly glamour.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseSeptember 20, 2024art, chinese, hong kong, Hong Kong, design, product design, design annualComment

The Inspiration Behind Love at Mid-Autumn 2024: A Time Capsule 愛在中秋2024：霓虹幻境

In this article, you will have a chance to read about the inspiration behind the 2024 design which represents the feature story in this edition: the disappearing neon lights of Hong Kong’s streetscapes. Each and every handmade glowing neon sign symbolizes a life and history — a dream, a business, a family’s livelihood and service to the local community. This year’s tin design is a love letter to Hong Kong’s infamous vistas, full of life and vitality, and the city’s spirit, hustle, and bustle. Enjoy our design process!

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseSeptember 18, 2024art, chinese, Love at Mid-Autumn, hong kong, Hong Kong, Mooncakes, Mid-Autumn FestivalComment

A Light Never Goes Out: Honouring Hong Kong's Neon Legacy In Film 電影《燈火闌珊》：向璀璨香港往昔致敬

In 2022, the film A Light Never Goes Out rekindled our fascination with the radiant neon lights of Hong Kong, offering a fresh glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship behind these iconic signs. The film’s nostalgic portrayal has sparked renewed interest in the cultural and historical significance of neon lights, leading the 2024 Design Annual to feature two compelling stories on this luminous subject.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseSeptember 11, 2024art, design annual, hong kong, hong kong filmComment

Fading Treasures: The Elegance of Hong Kong's Hand-Lettered Signage 褪去的珍寶：香港手寫手製招牌的魅力

Hand-written Chinese character signs often serve as prominent features in local movie backdrops and nostalgic tourist photos. Hong Kong's oldest storefronts proudly display hand-painted lettering, embodying a unique charm that image makers strive to cherish — from filmmakers to photographers like renowned Hong Kong-based French photographer Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze. These signs, with their graceful strokes, have become iconic symbols of the city's culture, offering a nostalgic glimpse into its bustling urban landscape — enjoy every image!

Design Dialogue, Art and FashionFête ChinoiseSeptember 6, 2024art, chinese, street photography, design annual, design, CalligraphyComment

Shanghai Tang AW24: Reimagining Tang Dynasty Elegance with Modern Flair

Inspired by ancient Chinese poet Li Bai’s “Bring In The Wine,” Shanghai Tang’s AW24 collection blends Tang Dynasty opulence and modern sophistication. Immerse in vibrant silks, rich colours, and exquisite craftsmanship that reimagine ancient elegance with a contemporary twist.

Art and Fashion, Design DialogueFête ChinoiseJuly 25, 2024fashion, Fashion, chinesefashion, CollectionsComment