Spring, Skirts & Serpents: An Exploration in Hanfu event was held on March 29th at the Fremont Main Library. Cloud9 Hanfu Design Studio, the Wang and Wu Foundation, and Fremont Main Library sponsored the runway show. Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco Deputy Director-General John Chu and City of Fremont Vice Mayor Teresa Keng were both in attendance, watching and participating in the event's interactive section.
Nine Year of the Dragon & Snake designs were showcased: Kukri, Hundred Pacer, Dragun & Spirit, Equinox, Hesperus, Aquarelle, Marquis, and Seraphine. Models displayed their unique hanfu styles during the 15-minute runway show, followed by an interview with hanfu designer Ariel Hong. Host Sandra Su asked Ariel about her background, inspirations, and advice for anyone interested in pursuing a similar path.
A second-year engineering major at UC Berkeley, Ariel began designing at the age of five by altering a shirt with felt patches. As a kinesthetic learner, actively interacting with her medium has helped her grow as a designer. She creates historically influenced hanfu designs, sometimes drawing by hand to achieve the desired look. Ariel highlighted several Year of the Snake pieces from the showcased outfits. She pointed out details in the Hundred Pacer Snake and White & Green Snake sets. The Hundred Pacer Snake from the Han Dynasty is deadly, and Edith Huang wore the elegant outfit inspired by the Paiwan Indigenous peoples in Taiwan. The Southern and Northern Dynasties period White & Green Snake set, modeled by Emma and Audrey Wang, featured embroidery that clearly related to the Legend of the White Snake.
Wang & Wu Foundation Co-Founder Ms. Katy Wu stated that the mission of the Foundation is to provide opportunities for young Taiwanese Americans to connect with their identities and proudly showcase their heritage to local communities. The event drew a large crowd, attracting nearly 120 attendees. Members of the City of Fremont community, Chinese teachers from around the Bay Area, and other hanfu enthusiasts gathered to watch the runway show. Onlookers commented on the high level of content presented, bringing traditional aspects to the modern day.
