Just as Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art houses the renowned Museo del Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza, or Berlin’s Museuminsel is home to five major museums, Hong Kong boasts its own cultural hub—the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK). At its heart stands M+, a modernist museum now hosting the first major Guo Pei exhibition in East Asia. Created in close collaboration with the artist and her atelier, the show highlights the intricate beauty and craftsmanship behind her work.
Often regarded as China’s most iconic couture designer, Guo Pei has long been at the forefront of merging Chinese heritage with contemporary fashion. Her collections, celebrated by both the fashion world and art institutions, reflect a seamless fusion of tradition and avant-garde experimentation. Guo Pei: Fashioning Imagination provides an in-depth look at her evolution, from her earliest designs to her most defining collections, each piece offering a window into her artistic journey.
Art = Fashion, Fashion = Art
Guo Pei’s work goes beyond fashion, transforming each garment into a work of art. Her intricate embroidery and rich textures echo the elegance of imperial Chinese dress, yet feel entirely contemporary. There’s a theatrical, almost mythical quality to her designs—vibrant colours, bold forms, and a sense of drama that recalls a modern Chinese opera.
From Garden of Soul (2015) to An Amazing Journey in a Childhood Dream (2007), her collections explore themes of nature, childhood, and fantastical dreamscapes. They capture the innocence of youth and the beauty of the natural world while weaving in timeless fables and narratives. The rich detail, deeply rooted in history, creates a striking visual dialogue.
Her designs blend Chinese imperial traditions with Western haute couture, breathing new life into centuries-old embroidery techniques. She reinvents historical references while honouring craftsmanship, turning heritage into something new.
This exhibition at M+ showcases over forty haute couture pieces from her atelier, Rose Studio. Each work is displayed alongside pieces from the M+ collection, revealing unexpected connections between fashion, art, and design.
For Guo, garments are more than clothing—they are a form of storytelling. Every collection reflects a deeply personal vision, shaped by memory, myth, and cultural heritage. Through her designs, she challenges artistic and cultural boundaries, creating work that is both timeless and visionary.
The Craft of Couture
Every Guo Pei creation is more than a garment—it carries a story. Her designs draw from nature, childhood memories, and mythology, weaving together personal reflections and cultural heritage. For Guo, fashion is a medium of expression, where every stitch and fold holds meaning beyond aesthetics.
Since founding Rose Studio in 1997, she has played a defining role in Chinese couture, merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Her ability to integrate centuries-old techniques into modern silhouettes has redefined how heritage and innovation coexist in fashion. With global recognition, including the landmark China: Through the Looking Glass exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Rihanna’s unforgettable Yellow Queen gown at the 2015 Met Gala, Guo has shaped the global perception of Chinese haute couture. Her work continues to evolve, carrying heritage into new creative territories.
Guo Pei: Fashioning Imagination is on view from September 21, 2024, to April 6, 2025, at M+, Hong Kong.
For more details, visit mplus.org.hk.
