A new exhibit at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is showcasing a rare collection of Chinese cheongsams, highlighting the personal style and cultural connection of Chinese American women in the 20th century.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

The collection, donated by Chere Lai Mah, features over 70 stunning examples of early- to mid-20th century Chinese clothing, including cheongsams made from unique fabrics such as lime green, Mayan-inspired symbols and French aristocrats dancing.

Susan Mah, Chere Lai Mah’s mother-in-law, was a first-generation Chinese American who designed and sewed many of the cheongsams herself. Her collection reflects her confidence and embracing of both her Chinese and American cultural identities.

A Family’s Legacy

The exhibit, titled ‘Fashioning Chinese Women: Empire to Modernity,’ also includes items from Chere Lai Mah’s own collection, including a lamé qipao found in Fresno, which is believed to have been created in the US or China in the 1920s.

The curator of the exhibit, Michaela Hansen, notes that the collection fills a gap in fashion history, providing a unique insight into the wardrobes of everyday women, rather than just court dress or contemporary designers.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.