A winged model walks the runway in Wuxi. [Photo provided by Gabrielle Chen to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
I always imagine a runway being in bustling cities like New York or Los Angeles, so living in Wuxi, I never expected New York Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion to come to me. In Wuxi, the runway nestled between two mountains frames the models perfectly as they showcase a collision of fashion and culture. Models from around the world gathered at the pearl of Taihu Lake to walk the runway and walk into an ancient city and its culture. From the fast-paced New York streets to Wuxi's soft cherry blossoms, this is where the East and West meet to share culture and couture.
A model walks the runway in Wuxi. [Photo provided by Gabrielle Chen to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
Duality in culture and fashion truly came together for me when I met another American woman at the fashion show. Ashley was excited to be there with her son and model, Emory. He walked the runway while his mom walked the ancient town, experiencing everything from new fashion to food. This was her first time visiting China, and she was excited to see everything Wuxi had to offer. She bought tea sets and tried durian pizza in between shows. During the shows, we sat together, conversing about the fashion on display.
The runway where the New York Fashion Week · Asia-Pacific Wuxi Show takes place. [Photo provided by Gabrielle Chen to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
Intricate qipao and headdresses worn by the Miao ethnic group people were among the most standout designs we discussed after the events. The collection that most caught my attention was the Chinese paper-cut dresses. I had brought a small design with me in my own pocket – rabbit cut out of red paper with golden flakes that shimmer in the sun. I gifted the rabbit cutout to Ashley, so she would have a piece of Wuxi to take home, and be able to hold a piece of the Chinese designs.
The author (left) and her new friend Ashley. [Photo provided by Gabrielle Chen to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
The second day I was there with Ashley, we encountered a group of people dressed in traditional clothing, dancing on the street. We joined in the festivities. I had never seen anyone as happy as Ashley dancing with that group of total strangers. Excited from the day of dancing and roaming around, we rushed back in time to see the final walk. Again, we discussed what designs were our favorite, and why silk is so important to Chinese culture. I felt in my heart a warmth at being able to share the wonderful city where I live, with a fellow American – a taste of home for me, and a new taste of Wuxi for her.
At the end of the day, I asked her a few questions:
What was your impression of Wuxi?
"Beautiful! The people were beautiful, and everything was just wonderful."
What was your favorite part of being in this area?
"All the people, seeing everybody, and how warm and welcoming they all are. Seeing the culture and just getting to really experience it all here."
What was your favorite cultural experience in Wuxi?
"The dancing in the town! That was amazing."
What would you say to friends who want to visit Wuxi in the future?
"Absolutely a must-see! You have to come and experience it and see everything Wuxi has to offer!"
The author, Gabrielle Chen, hailing from Kansas City, Kansas, the United States, has lived in Wuxi since 2024, accompanying her husband. She enjoys writing, traveling, and photography.
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