A unique collection of Chinese cheongsams is on display at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), telling the story of personal style and cultural connection in 20th-century America. The collection, donated by Chere Lai Mah, features over 70 stunning examples of early- to mid-20th century Chinese clothing, including cheongsams made from bold, American novelty fabrics.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

The cheongsams were made for Susan Mah, a first-generation Chinese American who immigrated to the United States in 1938. Mah’s daughter-in-law, Chere Lai Mah, has studied the collection and built a picture of Susan’s life through oral stories and details from family members. The collection reveals how Susan’s style evolved from a young girl’s to that of an older, confident, established matriarch in the United States.

The exhibition, ‘Fashioning Chinese Women: Empire to Modernity,’ showcases the collection and provides a glimpse into the lives of Chinese American women during this period. The curator, Michaela Hansen, notes that the collection documents a period of incredible change that women were experiencing, including social liberation and mobility.

A Family’s Legacy

The collection is not only a testament to Susan’s personal style but also a reflection of her family’s history and cultural heritage. Chere Lai Mah’s decision to donate the collection to LACMA was motivated by a desire to preserve the family’s legacy and share it with the public. The exhibition is a celebration of Chinese American culture and a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.