AI takes ancient fashion to next level

A fashion company founded in October 2021 by Generation Z students is bringing artificial intelligence to the world of traditional Chinese clothing — known as qipao — and has created a design database that no ancient clothing designer could have imagined.

The team of 15 designers is called Lin Chun Jie Qi, suggesting a traditional Chinese poetic aesthetic. "Lin Chun" references "springtime approaching" and "Jie Qi" means "to be both sophisticated and exquisite." They are led by a young founder, 19-year-old Cai Chenhan, an art management major at Zhejiang University of Finance & Economics.

All members of the team are from Gen Z. With their youthful vision, they infuse modern elements, patterns and design concepts into traditional qipao, making the clothing more appealing to the younger generation. They employ advanced weaving techniques to imprint intricate patterns and create styles that resonate.