A Great QiPao CatWalk Show

From the exhibition of “The Art of Chinese Dress – The Beauty of QiPao” by Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Christchurch that has gotten praise and attraction from the eyes of many, a beautiful “QiPao CatWalk Show” was organized on July 30 for the public to see the Chinese dresses on the runway. The show that started at 11 in the morning with 14 models of all ages wore elegant Chinese dresses; the QiPao and displayed the history, culture, beauty and elegance of the QiPao with its embroidery which attracted at least 100 spectators.

(Please click "next page" for more news and photos of this article)

Starting with the “Qing Dynasty Princess Dance”, as known as “GeGe Wu” in the Chinese language, the dancers not only showed a graceful dance but the QiPaos’ worn by the dancers has shown how wonderful the embroideries were in the early ages of the QiPao. Followed on, was the catwalk show which showcased QiPaos’ from different periods worn by the pretty models invited by Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Christchurch. Lastly, Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) English-chapter President, Glenda Hope, was brought out on the runway as a special guest with an extraordinary QiPao, gaining acclamation from the crowd. With the models showing confidence and doing a great job on the runway, the event gained huge applauses and cheering.

(Please click "next page" for more news and photos from this article)

The event has brought out of not just a cultural exchange activity, but also an eye opener for a lot of people with the history and beauty of the QiPao merged with fun and joy. In the end of the event, Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery New Zealand’s curator, Venerable Abbess Manshin has given words of wisdom on stage. The Abbess expressed this show was only possible with the help of so many volunteers that came and helped, and to show gratitude, the Abbess introduced the volunteers out on stage. Although there are no professionals running the whole show, but with a happy and friendly heart of everyone, the success of the show could be seen fruitful. It also brought out energy for everyone especially to those who volunteered and borrowed their QiPaos out for the younger models of the BLIA Young Adult Division (YAD) members. The youths had brought out the energy and art of the QiPaos', attaining it from the original owners.

The Chinese dresses, QiPaos' seized the eyes of everyone with its classic looks and its harmonious flow. This event is a great success where it brought the people of Christchurch together in the beauty of “The QiPao CatWalk Show”.