Fashion Is at a Very Chinese Time of Its Life

As I’m about to graduate, I’ve been reflecting on my senior thesis on neo-Chinese fashion—a style that blends traditional Chinese design with modern, everyday wear. Think: the viral adidas Chinese New Year jackets, qipaos modified for comfort, and shirts with pankou buttons. In this episode, I ask a simple question: why is it becoming so popular right now?I break down how neo-Chinese fashion is tied to China’s growing soft power, where a country’s presence on the international stage is reflected in culture and in what people come to see as desirable. You can see this even online, in trends like “I’m at a very Chinese time of my life.” At the same time, dissatisfaction and political uncertainty in the U.S. are pushing people to look outward, with China positioned as an alternative cultural reference point. Here, fashion reflects a shifting geopolitical moment in which global power shapes what we find worth wearing. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit workingtheorypod.substack.com