Lindsay Shen and I have had the privilege of visiting the Bowers Museum’s exhibit Guo Pei: Couture Beyond. This exhibition displays the magnificent pieces created by designer Guo Pei. The collection showcases over forty different works. Each piece includes striking details, including the headpieces, the garments, and the footwear. Much of the work is inspired by Chinese and East Asian culture as well as influences from many different fashion eras and styles. The exhibit displays a sense of royalty and extravagance. Guo Pei uses material such as silk, bamboo, and sequins and much of the work was intricately embroidered. Many of the pieces included unique platform shoes. This is very evident of Guo Pei’s style.

Guo Pei is a couturier designer from Beijing, China. She has been in the fashion industry for over 20 years. She began sewing at two years old and has had a life-long passion for her craft. She graduated from Beijing School of Industrial Fashion Design. She has her own label and owns “Rose Studio.” She is very well-known for one of her designs being worn by Rihanna, at the 2015 Met Gala. Her pieces use cutting-edge style, while also emrbacing her own heritage. She has many different collections that are inspired from various meanings. For example, she has one collection based on fairytales and childhood, and another is inspired from military history.

The exhibit Guo Pei: Couture Beyond include pieces from the collections: “Garden of Soul, fall 2015,” ” Elysium, Spring/Summer 2018,” “Samsara, Fall/Winter 2006-2007,” “Encounter, Fall/Winter 2015-2016,” “1002 Nights, Fall/Winter 2009-2010,” “An Amazing Journey in a Childhood Dream, Fall/Winter 2007-2008,” “Legend, Spring/Summer 2017,” and “Legend of the Dragon, Spring/Summer 2012.”

The Bower’s Exhibition will take place March 9 – July 14, 2019.