Guo Pei Costume Art Exhibition Opens at China National Silk Museum

The China National Silk Museum in Hangzhou opened the "Garden of Ethereal Realms: Guo Pei Costume Art Exhibition" on September 27, 2026. The exhibition celebrates four decades of work by Chinese haute couture designer Guo Pei.

The exhibition features approximately 200 haute couture pieces, tracing Pei's exploration of garment structure, traditional techniques, and East-West aesthetics. On display are works from collections such as "Thousand and Two Nights" and "Legend." Notably, the exhibition includes the gold embroidered dragon robe worn by global pop icon Rihanna at the 2015 Met Gala, as well as gowns for celebrities and costumes for major national events like the Beijing Olympics.

The exhibition is organized into four sections: "Time, Fable, Rebirth," "Building Dreams, Legend," "Dream Isle Garden," and "Eastern Palace Echoes." These sections provide a comprehensive view of Pei's artistic journey and her work with elaborate garments. A folded-paper installation reinterpreting haute couture through structural language is also featured.

This presentation of haute couture is contextualized within the history of silk and dress culture at the China National Silk Museum. It aims to highlight the contemporary value of traditional materials and craftsmanship, emphasizing the time, skill, and creativity behind each couture piece. The exhibition runs until August 31, 2027.