Innovative Practice of Shawl Design Integrating Tradition and Fashion: Comparison and Application of Ming and Qing Dynasty Cloud Shoulders and Naxi Seven-Star Shawls
Abstract
This study investigates the integration of traditional Chinese shawls into modern fashion through a comparative analysis of the Ming-Qing Cloud Shoulder and the Naxi Seven-Star Sheepskin Shawl. By examining their design elements—shape, materials, patterns, and functions—the research identifies shared principles of symmetry, cultural symbolism, and adaptability while highlighting divergent aesthetics rooted in maximalist ornamentation (Cloud Shoulder) versus minimalist pragmatism (Naxi shawl). A survey of 16–24-year-old fashion-conscious women (76.2% in North America) reveals strong market potential for culturally infused designs, prioritizing creativity (75.36%), comfort (74.49%), and modern tailoring. Three design innovations—extraction, transformation, and inversion—reinterpret traditional motifs, such as auspicious butterflies and geometric stars, into contemporary gowns that blend silk, pearls, and sustainable materials. The findings demonstrate how cultural narratives, like the Naxi concept of “wearing the stars and moon” and the Cloud Shoulder’s celestial harmony, can empower modern wearers through symbolic protection and identity. This work bridges historical craftsmanship with global fashion trends, offering actionable strategies to enhance cultural relevance and commercial viability.
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