Museum's fashion brand weaves traditional modernity

Inspired by a prince's palatial residence, clothing designs reflect the stately architecture while blending contemporary styles, Yang Feiyue reports.

As stage lights danced across the solemn arches of Prince Kung's Palace Museum in Beijing, they cast a warm glow that brought the centuries-old structure to life. Against this historical backdrop, a spring collection inspired by the mansion's architectural details and natural landscapes set camera shutters clicking in rapid succession on a hot mid-July night.

Stepping gracefully onto the stage, actress Mao Xiaotong drew all eyes in a black gown that shimmered in the lights with a quiet elegance.

"The design was inspired by the flourishing lotus ponds of Prince Kung's Palace Museum in midsummer," she explains.