A Hanfu workshop was hosted at the Department of Applied Sustainability and Enterprise Development (DASED), Faculty of Engineering from 06 to 09 Nov 2018. The workshop was organized by DASED and CI-UoM in collaboration with Zhejiang Sci-Tech University (ZSTU). The Head of DASED, Dr Sabrina Ramsamy-Iranah, welcomed the Professors from ZSTU and thanked them for their valuable time and sharing their experience with students of Fashion Technology of UoM. The workshop was about the history, evolution and design of ‘Hanfu’. The term ‘Hanfu’ refers to the historical and traditional clothing of the Han people. Han Chinese are the predominant ethnic group of China.
Hanfu was very popular in the main settlement of the Han community prior to the 17th century, with “Huaxia-Han” culture as the background, and the Chinese ceremonial culture as the leading ideology. Through the natural process of evolution, Hanfu has assumed an obvious Chinese national character which is distinct from other national traditional clothing and accessories systems. Hanfu blends outstanding craftsmanship with aesthetic techniques such as dyeing, weaving and embroidery. Through Hanfu, one can learn more about the profoundness and richness of Chinese culture.
It was a great opportunity for the students of Fashion Technology of DASED to understand the evolution of Hanfu, the styles and characteristics of Hanfu across historical dynasties, the application of Hanfu elements in modern ready-to-wear, Hanfu related accessories, pattern making and the traditional ways of sewing Hanfu.
Professor Zhao Liyan and Professor Hu of the College of Materials and Textiles, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University (ZSTU) gave lectures on the evolution of Hanfu, and the types and characteristics of Hanfu. They also talked about the research and innovative design of Han Dynasty costumes. Professor Dong Xubo and Professor Fu Lei introduced common pattern structures of Hanfu and the traditional sewing processes, along with draping and the way Hanfu should be worn.
At the end of the workshop, the students, with the help of the four Professors from ZSTU, held a departmental exhibition to display the different costumes designed and sewn by the participants of the workshop.
The students of Fashion Technology thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and the Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Associate Professor Dinesh Hurreeram, believed that the experience acquired would serve the students well to further their studies in the field of fashion.
Plate 1. Directors of CI-UoM, dressed in traditional Han costumes, giving a welcoming speech to the students of Fashion Technology, DASED, in the presence of the Head of DASED (far left).
Plate 2. Prof Hu of ZSTU giving a presentation to the students on the evolution of Hanfu
Plate 3. Students showing proudly their modern designs based on Han traditional costumes
Plate 4. Prof Dong showing the students Chinese needlework
Plate 5. Students of Fashion Technology, DASED, practicing Chinese needlework
Plate 6. Student giving meticulous attention to detail of designed work to be exhibited
Plate 7. Professors from ZSTU and students of Fashion Technology, DASED, for a group photo of the exhibition of their works
Plate 8. CI-UoM Director thanking the Dean of Faculty of Engineering, second from right, for his support and the four Professors from ZSTU (centre) for the successful workshop.