Inner Landscape of the Modern Woman: Grace Chen 2019 New Year Gala
Over 100 of China's top business and cultural leaders united at this years' Grace Chen 2019 New Year Gala, Beijing. Theme of the evening was an exploration of the "Inner landscape of Modern Woman". It was also launch of the brand's second "Around the World in 80 Dresses" Photography Exhibition. This year, the exhibition featured the latest fashion shoots from around the world - New York, Venice, Monaco, as well as hidden gems within China - Xia Pu (Fujian) and Yan Cheng, (Anhui).
Opening the gala was media icon, entrepreneur and long-time friend of the brand, Ms. Lan Yang. Familiar faces also included Chinese contemporary artist "The Panda Man" Mr. Zhao Bandi, famed model trainer Grace Han, China's first costume designer Ms. Le keyu, Ms. Qiu Siting, China's "Swan Princess", as well as new faces such as Du Fu, the 64th Miss World China Final Champion.
Speaking of the power of beauty and their personal stories with Grace Chen, friends and customers shared their first-hand experiences of balancing strength and femininity as a modern Chinese woman.
"Sometimes... when you wear the right clothes, whatever you say, whatever you do - will be right. That is the magical power of fashion. Ever since I met Grace, she has designed many pieces for me. I am grateful for the beauty that Grace brings. She is not just completing an outfit but completing the whole woman."
— Yang Lan, media icon and entrepreneur
"I believe the characteristic that a modern woman should possess is 'Wisdom'. Although a glass ceiling may still exist, as a woman, we should win respect by having the courage to speak up and speak our true self. Feeling beautiful goes hand-in-hand with a woman's confidence. Feeling confident will make us feel better, improve our mood, and in turn, increase our efficiency at work as well I feel this way every time I wear Grace Chen's clothes!"
--- Wei Jun, Managing Partner Beijing, Hogan Lovells International
“It was famously said, Chinese women hold up half the sky…But I think Chinese women can hold up the whole sky! When I was 17, nobody wanted me to walk their shows. But when I was 71, Grace (Chen) asked me to walk her fashion show. I can still feel the power her clothes gave me. I think this is the power that beauty can bring women.”
-- Grace Han, famed model trainer
“In my work, I often get faced with this problem - during interviews or public speaking opportunities, Chinese women will often be overlooked. Because Westerners often believe Chinese women are shy, and they have all sorts of misrepresentations of Chinese women. I think Chinese women should use all the opportunities we have now to show the world what is a Chinese beauty. And I am so grateful to have met Grace (Chen) now, because she will show each woman how to use ones beauty to bring out a better version of themselves.”
— Fu Du, The 64th Miss World China Final Champion
The evening also included special performances by family and friends, and showcased a selection of pieces from Grace Chen's Inner Landscape collections - "Solitude", "Monaco: From Grace-to-Grace" and "Voyage". Each collection representing a milestone in the modern woman's journey of self-discovery.
Signature of Grace Chen shows, both professional models and customers graced the catwalk, showing the designs of Grace Chen is suitable for all women, regardless of ages, culture or background.