In an exclusive interview with China News Service, Zhong Yue-Ru, President of the French Boyan Han Zhang Traditional Study Group, shared her enthusiasm for Hanfu and its growing popularity in Paris. “I believe the elegance of Hanfu perfectly complements the romance of Paris, offering traditional culture a fresh and youthful expression that allows more people to appreciate the allure of Chinese aesthetics,” she said.
Zhong, who comes from a scientific background, revealed that her journey into Hanfu design began with modeling software typically used for planes and automobiles. “After finalizing the design, I worked closely with tailors in China to bring it to life. I quickly realized that each fabric demands specific considerations during the cutting process, and I faced my fair share of challenges early on. This experience has deepened my understanding of Hanfu production and provided invaluable lessons,” she explained.
With a range of styles inspired by elements from nature like flowers, birds, and fish, Zhong emphasized that Hanfu is rooted in natural themes and follows particular rules and rituals. For instance, the “middle seam” signifies moderation, while the “right crossing collar” connects to ancient yin and yang concepts. The garment’s length often symbolizes balance as well.
Her passion for Hanfu led Zhong and a group of like-minded enthusiasts to establish the French Boyan Han Zhang Traditional Study Group in 2008. The group hosts various events, including tea ceremonies, calligraphy sessions, and fashion shows, to celebrate the beauty of Hanfu.
“Whenever we don our Hanfu in the streets of France, we receive countless compliments and intrigued questions from passersby,” she noted. At first, the local interest in Hanfu was mostly superficial, but now, a more diverse audience is expressing admiration, with many French individuals even mastering the pronunciation of the word “Hanfu.” This motivates her to keep sharing Chinese culture with the world.
Zhong had the unforgettable experience of wearing a high-waisted, open-collared robe on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019. The delicate floral patterns on her gown made a lasting impression, showcasing the unique elegance of Eastern garments.
“To me, fashion knows no boundaries; what is ethnic can also belong to the world,” Zhong stated. “I love experimenting with different Hanfu styles and blending Eastern and Western fashion elements, like pairing jewelry such as necklaces and brooches with the collars and sleeves of Hanfu, to create a distinctive look.”
Throughout the year, the association organizes numerous events to promote Hanfu. “During the Chinese New Year celebrations, we invite the local community to try on Hanfu. It feels like a time-traveling experience as we immerse ourselves in the ambiance of traditional Chinese festivities,” she shared.
Zhong highlighted the importance of offering experiential learning opportunities in French primary and secondary schools, including courses on Hanfu wearing, tea arts, calligraphy, and pottery. “Our aim is to convey the moral virtues embedded in Hanfu while showcasing its cultural allure to French youth,” she emphasized.
“Our courses focus on demystifying the complexities of Hanfu attire. Through these hands-on experiences, we explain the evolution of Hanfu and demonstrate how to wear it correctly,” Zhong concluded, expressing her belief that these interactive sessions will foster a deeper understanding of Hanfu and spark interest in traditional Chinese culture among local students.
