Chinese History through Fashion

CEBU, Philippines - Chinese culture is very rich and this is shown in their customs and traditions, their food, as well as the clothes they wear. Remember those days when Chinese movies were shown in local channels? Even if we do not really understand what the actors and actresses were saying, we were still interested because of the moves, and of course, the costumes.

Sometime in October last year, the Go Family Association held a national convention at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel. One of the highlights of the convention was a presentation of the different Chinese costumes from various dynasties. Augusto and Elizabeth Go, of the University of Cebu and Emall, sponsored the making of 22 costumes.

"All costumes are authentic because I had them specially made in China for the event," shared Mrs. Go.

The costumes, in red, gold, fuschia pink, blue, white and black, reflect the rich cultures of the different Chinese dynasties. The Chinese wedding costumes, for example, which were worn by Mr. and Mrs. Go, had very elaborate embroidery of a dragon (for the man) and phoenix (for the woman). The two creatures represent abundance and happiness in Chinese culture.

Mrs. Go's collection has already been featured during the Ms. Cebu 2011 pageant last month, as well as during the Chinese-inspired grand finale of the Sinulog parade. The collection will again be featured in a fashion show during the 1st Annual Xin Nian: Cebu Chinese New Year Festival 2011 at the Ayala Center Terraces on February 5. (FREEMAN)