BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//VNC | Vereniging Nederland China - ECPv6.18.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:VNC | Vereniging Nederland China X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/ X-WR-CALDESC:Events for VNC | Vereniging Nederland China REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/Amsterdam BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20230326T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20231029T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20240331T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20241027T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20250330T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20251026T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20260329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20261025T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250726T080000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250809T170000 DTSTAMP:20250501T085429Z CREATED:20250317T142707Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250501T085429Z UID:10000070-1753516800-1754758800@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Table Tennis Camp Shanghai with Bettine Vriesekoop DESCRIPTION:by En Shi de Weijer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nWith my traditional Chinese dress\, which is called a qipao in Chinese\, I used to go to school proudly. At the time\, I thought you could only buy something like that in China. I saw Chinese clothing at most once as part of a carnival costume. Now\, a few years later\, I walk through the city and suddenly I see dresses hanging in the Zara that look suspiciously like a qipao. It now suddenly seems to be part of the Dutch street scene\, but how did such a Chinese dress actually end up in Dutch stores? \n \n \n \n \n \nRunning for a Tang jacket\nAt the beginning of this year\, Adidas went viral on the internet with its Chinese New Year collection. One of the most popular items was its own interpretation of the Tang jacket\, which made its debut at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025. The design was inspired by the traditional tangzhuang\, but was combined with the contemporary style that is so characteristic of Adidas. The tangzhuang is a modern version of the magua\, a traditional Chinese garment that was originally worn by soldiers in the army during the Qing Dynasty. The tangzhuang has a long history within Chinese clothing culture and is mainly characterized by the mandarin collar and the characteristic pankou buttons: decorative\, often fabric-covered button closures that are intertwined. Thanks to the enormous online attention\, Adidas brought the jackets exclusively to the Western market and they also proved extremely popular in the Netherlands. They were sold out in a short time and interested parties even had to participate in a draw to have a chance of winning such a jacket at all. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image Adidas website: Viral Adidas Tang jacket\, February 2026) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese identity in fashion\nWhile Adidas seems to have been an important catalyst for the visibility of Chinese fashion elements in the West\, the brand was certainly not the first to bring this style to an international audience. Chinese sports brand Li-Ning combined contemporary clothing with traditional Chinese elements for the first time in 2018. This turned out to be a huge success and a new movement within Chinese fashion emerged. \nElsbeth van Paridon\, sinologist and journalist who has lived and worked in China for years\, knows all about the trends and developments within Chinese fashion and urban culture. “At the moment\, Guochao 国朝 the biggest trend in China\, which means ‘national trend’ in English. In recent years\, Chinese fashion brands and designers have started to look much more at what can be found in their own cultural arsenal\,” says Van Paridon. This is closely related to a growing pride and appreciation for their own culture among Chinese consumers. Pride in one’s own culture was especially fueled during the corona pandemic\, a period in which China was in a very uncertain position internationally. \nIt was a smart move by Adidas to capitalize on that Guochao trend. By working together with Chinese designers\, they came to understand Chinese culture better. In doing so\, they go beyond the traditional\, often stereotypical image of the dragon or the excessive use of the color red. For international brands\, this is the way to connect with the Chinese consumer\, who belongs to one of the most important consumer markets in the world. \nTradition with a modern twist\nBut what exactly is what we see in Dutch clothing stores? For example\, with average denim jackets\, where you can see that the press studs have been replaced by pankou buttons. Van Paridon explains that this falls under the Neo-Chinese style (Xinzhongshi). “This trend is also super popular in China at the moment and also originated from Guohao. It is not traditional clothing\, but the characteristic elements are applied to contemporary silhouettes and materials.” \nWhile traditional Chinese clothing is mainly worn during festivals and ceremonial occasions\, Neo-Chinese fashion translates this tradition into everyday life. The designs are suitable for work\, social occasions and other everyday moments. The essence of traditional clothing is retained\, but given a new interpretation that is in line with contemporary\, global fashion. This creates clothing that is culturally meaningful\, but at the same time fits into everyday life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image En Shi de Weijer: Top of lace with pan-cold buttons in a Dutch shop window)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Many explanations for the increasing popularity\nThere is no one clear explanation for the growing popularity of this style in the Netherlands. The visibility of the style may be partly due to the Chinese diaspora; for Chinese people living abroad\, fashion is a way to express one’s own identity. Wearing Western clothes sometimes lacks the cultural connection for them\, while wearing traditional clothing is too ceremonial. With that\, the Neo-Chinese style offers the perfect combination. \nIn addition\, the hype surrounding the Adidas Tang jacket has greatly enhanced the development. Van Paridon thinks it is therefore not surprising that fast-fashion brands\, which usually adapt quickly to new fashion trends\, go along with this. The visibility among major brands creates extra attention and increases the chance that this aesthetic will be widely adopted. Moreover\, the style is spreading at a breakneck pace via social media. China has become increasingly present in the online lifestyle culture in recent years. An example of this is the online phenomenon ‘Chinamaxxing’\, in which young people in particular are inspired by Chinese culture\, lifestyle\, fashion and beauty. \nThe leading fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue highlights the minimalist nature of Neo-Chinese fashion\, which can be seen as one of the characteristics that contribute to the popularity of this style. The aesthetic fits seamlessly with the minimalist design trend that has been popular in Europe for some time\, in which timeless designs\, high-quality materials and a modest appearance are central. The feeling of luxury also plays a role in this; Due to the emphasis on quality\, material and careful workmanship\, the clothing does not have to be outspoken or striking to make an impression. \nUltimately\, the rise of this trend shows that fashion knows no boundaries. We don’t just copy trends from each other\, but constantly exchange ideas\, styles and influences with each other. What becomes popular in China finds its way to Europe and vice versa. Trends come and go and are influenced by what is going on in the world. Still\, I secretly hope that this style will stay for a while. This way I can bring a little bit of China to my wardrobe\, without having to travel far. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nIn addition to Neo-Chinese fashion\, you can also encounter this on the streets of China: \n(Images A. Swijtink) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sources: \nImage Adidas Tang jacket: adidas Tang Track Jacket New Chinese Style “Focus Olive”- KT3847 \nAnonymous. (2023\, July 18). National Trend – 国朝 (guó cháo). CHIN 3343: Chinese Popular Culture Terms\, Vol. 1. https://uhlibraries.pressbooks.pub/chin3343sp23/chapter/nationaltrend/#:~:text=Guochao%2C%20%E5%9B%BD%E6%9C%9D%2C%20gu%C3%B3%20ch%C3%A1o%2C%20means%20%E2%80%9Cnational%20trend%E2%80%9D.%20This\,faith%20and%20took%20on%20a%20Taoism%20inspired%20look. \nBabayigit\, S. (2026\, January 25). Cultural appreciation: this is why ‘mandarin jackets’ are absolutely not a trend. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/nl/fashion/a70089397/mandarin-jackets-cultural-appropriation/ \nCalloway\, J. (2026\, August 31). Tang Suit Chinese Style: A Beginner’s Guide to Tangzhuang. The Garment Atlas. https://thegarmentatlas.com/asian-traditions/chinese-tang-suit-beginner-guide \nCriales-Unzueta\, J. (2024\, April 8). What is “New Chinese style”? and everything else you missed from Shanghai Fashion Week. British Vogue. \n https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/new-chinese-style-shanghai-fashion-weekNeo Chinese Style Clothing | Modern Chinese fashion. (s.d.). Hanfu Story. \n https://thehanfustory.com/collections/neo-chinese-style卢晓芳. (2026\, March 11). The Rise of Neo-Chinese Style in 2026: Why Modern Chinese Fashion Is Redefining Global Elegance. Luxury Orienta CO.\, LIMITED. \n https://luxeorienta.com/blogs/fashion-trends/the-rise-of-neo-chinese-style-in-2026-why-modern-chinese-fashion-is-redefining-global-eleganceGoudsmit\, L.\, & Goudsmit\, L. (2026\, January 6). Jackets and cardigans with this special closure are an unexpected hit. Vogue NL. https://www.vogue.nl/shoppings/mandarijns-jasje-vest-sluiting/ URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/tafeltenniskamp-shanghai-met-bettine-vriesekoop/ LOCATION:Tafeltennisvereniging Tempo-Team\, President Kennedylaan 5\, Amsterdam CATEGORIES:Art and culture,VNC event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/22_0101_CTTCShanghaitrainingssessieyoutube.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250629T130000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250629T170000 DTSTAMP:20250623T165146Z CREATED:20250610T123346Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250623T165146Z UID:10000080-1751202000-1751216400@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Thrive Together: Round Table in NIO House DESCRIPTION:by En Shi de Weijer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nWith my traditional Chinese dress\, which is called a qipao in Chinese\, I used to go to school proudly. At the time\, I thought you could only buy something like that in China. I saw Chinese clothing at most once as part of a carnival costume. Now\, a few years later\, I walk through the city and suddenly I see dresses hanging in the Zara that look suspiciously like a qipao. It now suddenly seems to be part of the Dutch street scene\, but how did such a Chinese dress actually end up in Dutch stores? \n \n \n \n \n \nRunning for a Tang jacket\nAt the beginning of this year\, Adidas went viral on the internet with its Chinese New Year collection. One of the most popular items was its own interpretation of the Tang jacket\, which made its debut at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025. The design was inspired by the traditional tangzhuang\, but was combined with the contemporary style that is so characteristic of Adidas. The tangzhuang is a modern version of the magua\, a traditional Chinese garment that was originally worn by soldiers in the army during the Qing Dynasty. The tangzhuang has a long history within Chinese clothing culture and is mainly characterized by the mandarin collar and the characteristic pankou buttons: decorative\, often fabric-covered button closures that are intertwined. Thanks to the enormous online attention\, Adidas brought the jackets exclusively to the Western market and they also proved extremely popular in the Netherlands. They were sold out in a short time and interested parties even had to participate in a draw to have a chance of winning such a jacket at all. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image Adidas website: Viral Adidas Tang jacket\, February 2026) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese identity in fashion\nWhile Adidas seems to have been an important catalyst for the visibility of Chinese fashion elements in the West\, the brand was certainly not the first to bring this style to an international audience. Chinese sports brand Li-Ning combined contemporary clothing with traditional Chinese elements for the first time in 2018. This turned out to be a huge success and a new movement within Chinese fashion emerged. \nElsbeth van Paridon\, sinologist and journalist who has lived and worked in China for years\, knows all about the trends and developments within Chinese fashion and urban culture. “At the moment\, Guochao 国朝 the biggest trend in China\, which means ‘national trend’ in English. In recent years\, Chinese fashion brands and designers have started to look much more at what can be found in their own cultural arsenal\,” says Van Paridon. This is closely related to a growing pride and appreciation for their own culture among Chinese consumers. Pride in one’s own culture was especially fueled during the corona pandemic\, a period in which China was in a very uncertain position internationally. \nIt was a smart move by Adidas to capitalize on that Guochao trend. By working together with Chinese designers\, they came to understand Chinese culture better. In doing so\, they go beyond the traditional\, often stereotypical image of the dragon or the excessive use of the color red. For international brands\, this is the way to connect with the Chinese consumer\, who belongs to one of the most important consumer markets in the world. \nTradition with a modern twist\nBut what exactly is what we see in Dutch clothing stores? For example\, with average denim jackets\, where you can see that the press studs have been replaced by pankou buttons. Van Paridon explains that this falls under the Neo-Chinese style (Xinzhongshi). “This trend is also super popular in China at the moment and also originated from Guohao. It is not traditional clothing\, but the characteristic elements are applied to contemporary silhouettes and materials.” \nWhile traditional Chinese clothing is mainly worn during festivals and ceremonial occasions\, Neo-Chinese fashion translates this tradition into everyday life. The designs are suitable for work\, social occasions and other everyday moments. The essence of traditional clothing is retained\, but given a new interpretation that is in line with contemporary\, global fashion. This creates clothing that is culturally meaningful\, but at the same time fits into everyday life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image En Shi de Weijer: Top of lace with pan-cold buttons in a Dutch shop window)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Many explanations for the increasing popularity\nThere is no one clear explanation for the growing popularity of this style in the Netherlands. The visibility of the style may be partly due to the Chinese diaspora; for Chinese people living abroad\, fashion is a way to express one’s own identity. Wearing Western clothes sometimes lacks the cultural connection for them\, while wearing traditional clothing is too ceremonial. With that\, the Neo-Chinese style offers the perfect combination. \nIn addition\, the hype surrounding the Adidas Tang jacket has greatly enhanced the development. Van Paridon thinks it is therefore not surprising that fast-fashion brands\, which usually adapt quickly to new fashion trends\, go along with this. The visibility among major brands creates extra attention and increases the chance that this aesthetic will be widely adopted. Moreover\, the style is spreading at a breakneck pace via social media. China has become increasingly present in the online lifestyle culture in recent years. An example of this is the online phenomenon ‘Chinamaxxing’\, in which young people in particular are inspired by Chinese culture\, lifestyle\, fashion and beauty. \nThe leading fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue highlights the minimalist nature of Neo-Chinese fashion\, which can be seen as one of the characteristics that contribute to the popularity of this style. The aesthetic fits seamlessly with the minimalist design trend that has been popular in Europe for some time\, in which timeless designs\, high-quality materials and a modest appearance are central. The feeling of luxury also plays a role in this; Due to the emphasis on quality\, material and careful workmanship\, the clothing does not have to be outspoken or striking to make an impression. \nUltimately\, the rise of this trend shows that fashion knows no boundaries. We don’t just copy trends from each other\, but constantly exchange ideas\, styles and influences with each other. What becomes popular in China finds its way to Europe and vice versa. Trends come and go and are influenced by what is going on in the world. Still\, I secretly hope that this style will stay for a while. This way I can bring a little bit of China to my wardrobe\, without having to travel far. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nIn addition to Neo-Chinese fashion\, you can also encounter this on the streets of China: \n(Images A. Swijtink) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sources: \nImage Adidas Tang jacket: adidas Tang Track Jacket New Chinese Style “Focus Olive”- KT3847 \nAnonymous. (2023\, July 18). National Trend – 国朝 (guó cháo). CHIN 3343: Chinese Popular Culture Terms\, Vol. 1. https://uhlibraries.pressbooks.pub/chin3343sp23/chapter/nationaltrend/#:~:text=Guochao%2C%20%E5%9B%BD%E6%9C%9D%2C%20gu%C3%B3%20ch%C3%A1o%2C%20means%20%E2%80%9Cnational%20trend%E2%80%9D.%20This\,faith%20and%20took%20on%20a%20Taoism%20inspired%20look. \nBabayigit\, S. (2026\, January 25). Cultural appreciation: this is why ‘mandarin jackets’ are absolutely not a trend. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/nl/fashion/a70089397/mandarin-jackets-cultural-appropriation/ \nCalloway\, J. (2026\, August 31). Tang Suit Chinese Style: A Beginner’s Guide to Tangzhuang. The Garment Atlas. https://thegarmentatlas.com/asian-traditions/chinese-tang-suit-beginner-guide \nCriales-Unzueta\, J. (2024\, April 8). What is “New Chinese style”? and everything else you missed from Shanghai Fashion Week. British Vogue. \n https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/new-chinese-style-shanghai-fashion-weekNeo Chinese Style Clothing | Modern Chinese fashion. (s.d.). Hanfu Story. \n https://thehanfustory.com/collections/neo-chinese-style卢晓芳. (2026\, March 11). The Rise of Neo-Chinese Style in 2026: Why Modern Chinese Fashion Is Redefining Global Elegance. Luxury Orienta CO.\, LIMITED. \n https://luxeorienta.com/blogs/fashion-trends/the-rise-of-neo-chinese-style-in-2026-why-modern-chinese-fashion-is-redefining-global-eleganceGoudsmit\, L.\, & Goudsmit\, L. (2026\, January 6). Jackets and cardigans with this special closure are an unexpected hit. Vogue NL. https://www.vogue.nl/shoppings/mandarijns-jasje-vest-sluiting/ URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/thrive-together-round-table-in-nio-house/ LOCATION:Nio House Amsterdam\, Nio House\, Leidsestraat 32–34\,Amsterdam\, Amsterdam\, Noord Holland\, 1017PB\, Nederland CATEGORIES:Economie en zakelijk,VNC event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/NIO_House_Amsterdam.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250626T183000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250626T210000 DTSTAMP:20250603T071112Z CREATED:20250602T201038Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250603T071112Z UID:10000078-1750962600-1750971600@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:An Evening with Ma Yansong DESCRIPTION:by En Shi de Weijer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nWith my traditional Chinese dress\, which is called a qipao in Chinese\, I used to go to school proudly. At the time\, I thought you could only buy something like that in China. I saw Chinese clothing at most once as part of a carnival costume. Now\, a few years later\, I walk through the city and suddenly I see dresses hanging in the Zara that look suspiciously like a qipao. It now suddenly seems to be part of the Dutch street scene\, but how did such a Chinese dress actually end up in Dutch stores? \n \n \n \n \n \nRunning for a Tang jacket\nAt the beginning of this year\, Adidas went viral on the internet with its Chinese New Year collection. One of the most popular items was its own interpretation of the Tang jacket\, which made its debut at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025. The design was inspired by the traditional tangzhuang\, but was combined with the contemporary style that is so characteristic of Adidas. The tangzhuang is a modern version of the magua\, a traditional Chinese garment that was originally worn by soldiers in the army during the Qing Dynasty. The tangzhuang has a long history within Chinese clothing culture and is mainly characterized by the mandarin collar and the characteristic pankou buttons: decorative\, often fabric-covered button closures that are intertwined. Thanks to the enormous online attention\, Adidas brought the jackets exclusively to the Western market and they also proved extremely popular in the Netherlands. They were sold out in a short time and interested parties even had to participate in a draw to have a chance of winning such a jacket at all. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image Adidas website: Viral Adidas Tang jacket\, February 2026) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese identity in fashion\nWhile Adidas seems to have been an important catalyst for the visibility of Chinese fashion elements in the West\, the brand was certainly not the first to bring this style to an international audience. Chinese sports brand Li-Ning combined contemporary clothing with traditional Chinese elements for the first time in 2018. This turned out to be a huge success and a new movement within Chinese fashion emerged. \nElsbeth van Paridon\, sinologist and journalist who has lived and worked in China for years\, knows all about the trends and developments within Chinese fashion and urban culture. “At the moment\, Guochao 国朝 the biggest trend in China\, which means ‘national trend’ in English. In recent years\, Chinese fashion brands and designers have started to look much more at what can be found in their own cultural arsenal\,” says Van Paridon. This is closely related to a growing pride and appreciation for their own culture among Chinese consumers. Pride in one’s own culture was especially fueled during the corona pandemic\, a period in which China was in a very uncertain position internationally. \nIt was a smart move by Adidas to capitalize on that Guochao trend. By working together with Chinese designers\, they came to understand Chinese culture better. In doing so\, they go beyond the traditional\, often stereotypical image of the dragon or the excessive use of the color red. For international brands\, this is the way to connect with the Chinese consumer\, who belongs to one of the most important consumer markets in the world. \nTradition with a modern twist\nBut what exactly is what we see in Dutch clothing stores? For example\, with average denim jackets\, where you can see that the press studs have been replaced by pankou buttons. Van Paridon explains that this falls under the Neo-Chinese style (Xinzhongshi). “This trend is also super popular in China at the moment and also originated from Guohao. It is not traditional clothing\, but the characteristic elements are applied to contemporary silhouettes and materials.” \nWhile traditional Chinese clothing is mainly worn during festivals and ceremonial occasions\, Neo-Chinese fashion translates this tradition into everyday life. The designs are suitable for work\, social occasions and other everyday moments. The essence of traditional clothing is retained\, but given a new interpretation that is in line with contemporary\, global fashion. This creates clothing that is culturally meaningful\, but at the same time fits into everyday life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image En Shi de Weijer: Top of lace with pan-cold buttons in a Dutch shop window)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Many explanations for the increasing popularity\nThere is no one clear explanation for the growing popularity of this style in the Netherlands. The visibility of the style may be partly due to the Chinese diaspora; for Chinese people living abroad\, fashion is a way to express one’s own identity. Wearing Western clothes sometimes lacks the cultural connection for them\, while wearing traditional clothing is too ceremonial. With that\, the Neo-Chinese style offers the perfect combination. \nIn addition\, the hype surrounding the Adidas Tang jacket has greatly enhanced the development. Van Paridon thinks it is therefore not surprising that fast-fashion brands\, which usually adapt quickly to new fashion trends\, go along with this. The visibility among major brands creates extra attention and increases the chance that this aesthetic will be widely adopted. Moreover\, the style is spreading at a breakneck pace via social media. China has become increasingly present in the online lifestyle culture in recent years. An example of this is the online phenomenon ‘Chinamaxxing’\, in which young people in particular are inspired by Chinese culture\, lifestyle\, fashion and beauty. \nThe leading fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue highlights the minimalist nature of Neo-Chinese fashion\, which can be seen as one of the characteristics that contribute to the popularity of this style. The aesthetic fits seamlessly with the minimalist design trend that has been popular in Europe for some time\, in which timeless designs\, high-quality materials and a modest appearance are central. The feeling of luxury also plays a role in this; Due to the emphasis on quality\, material and careful workmanship\, the clothing does not have to be outspoken or striking to make an impression. \nUltimately\, the rise of this trend shows that fashion knows no boundaries. We don’t just copy trends from each other\, but constantly exchange ideas\, styles and influences with each other. What becomes popular in China finds its way to Europe and vice versa. Trends come and go and are influenced by what is going on in the world. Still\, I secretly hope that this style will stay for a while. This way I can bring a little bit of China to my wardrobe\, without having to travel far. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nIn addition to Neo-Chinese fashion\, you can also encounter this on the streets of China: \n(Images A. Swijtink) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sources: \nImage Adidas Tang jacket: adidas Tang Track Jacket New Chinese Style “Focus Olive”- KT3847 \nAnonymous. (2023\, July 18). National Trend – 国朝 (guó cháo). CHIN 3343: Chinese Popular Culture Terms\, Vol. 1. https://uhlibraries.pressbooks.pub/chin3343sp23/chapter/nationaltrend/#:~:text=Guochao%2C%20%E5%9B%BD%E6%9C%9D%2C%20gu%C3%B3%20ch%C3%A1o%2C%20means%20%E2%80%9Cnational%20trend%E2%80%9D.%20This\,faith%20and%20took%20on%20a%20Taoism%20inspired%20look. \nBabayigit\, S. (2026\, January 25). Cultural appreciation: this is why ‘mandarin jackets’ are absolutely not a trend. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/nl/fashion/a70089397/mandarin-jackets-cultural-appropriation/ \nCalloway\, J. (2026\, August 31). Tang Suit Chinese Style: A Beginner’s Guide to Tangzhuang. The Garment Atlas. https://thegarmentatlas.com/asian-traditions/chinese-tang-suit-beginner-guide \nCriales-Unzueta\, J. (2024\, April 8). What is “New Chinese style”? and everything else you missed from Shanghai Fashion Week. British Vogue. \n https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/new-chinese-style-shanghai-fashion-weekNeo Chinese Style Clothing | Modern Chinese fashion. (s.d.). Hanfu Story. \n https://thehanfustory.com/collections/neo-chinese-style卢晓芳. (2026\, March 11). The Rise of Neo-Chinese Style in 2026: Why Modern Chinese Fashion Is Redefining Global Elegance. Luxury Orienta CO.\, LIMITED. \n https://luxeorienta.com/blogs/fashion-trends/the-rise-of-neo-chinese-style-in-2026-why-modern-chinese-fashion-is-redefining-global-eleganceGoudsmit\, L.\, & Goudsmit\, L. (2026\, January 6). Jackets and cardigans with this special closure are an unexpected hit. Vogue NL. https://www.vogue.nl/shoppings/mandarijns-jasje-vest-sluiting/ URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/an-evening-with-ma-yansong-2/ LOCATION:Nieuwe Instituut\, Museumpark 25\, Rotterdam\, Zuid-Holland\, 3015 EK\, Netherlands CATEGORIES:Art and culture,VNC event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ma-yansong-scaled.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250626T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250626T113000 DTSTAMP:20250613T231133Z CREATED:20250613T231133Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250613T231133Z UID:10000084-1750932000-1750937400@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Beijing Tongzhou District Cooperation Conference DESCRIPTION:by En Shi de Weijer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nWith my traditional Chinese dress\, which is called a qipao in Chinese\, I used to go to school proudly. At the time\, I thought you could only buy something like that in China. I saw Chinese clothing at most once as part of a carnival costume. Now\, a few years later\, I walk through the city and suddenly I see dresses hanging in the Zara that look suspiciously like a qipao. It now suddenly seems to be part of the Dutch street scene\, but how did such a Chinese dress actually end up in Dutch stores? \n \n \n \n \n \nRunning for a Tang jacket\nAt the beginning of this year\, Adidas went viral on the internet with its Chinese New Year collection. One of the most popular items was its own interpretation of the Tang jacket\, which made its debut at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025. The design was inspired by the traditional tangzhuang\, but was combined with the contemporary style that is so characteristic of Adidas. The tangzhuang is a modern version of the magua\, a traditional Chinese garment that was originally worn by soldiers in the army during the Qing Dynasty. The tangzhuang has a long history within Chinese clothing culture and is mainly characterized by the mandarin collar and the characteristic pankou buttons: decorative\, often fabric-covered button closures that are intertwined. Thanks to the enormous online attention\, Adidas brought the jackets exclusively to the Western market and they also proved extremely popular in the Netherlands. They were sold out in a short time and interested parties even had to participate in a draw to have a chance of winning such a jacket at all. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image Adidas website: Viral Adidas Tang jacket\, February 2026) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese identity in fashion\nWhile Adidas seems to have been an important catalyst for the visibility of Chinese fashion elements in the West\, the brand was certainly not the first to bring this style to an international audience. Chinese sports brand Li-Ning combined contemporary clothing with traditional Chinese elements for the first time in 2018. This turned out to be a huge success and a new movement within Chinese fashion emerged. \nElsbeth van Paridon\, sinologist and journalist who has lived and worked in China for years\, knows all about the trends and developments within Chinese fashion and urban culture. “At the moment\, Guochao 国朝 the biggest trend in China\, which means ‘national trend’ in English. In recent years\, Chinese fashion brands and designers have started to look much more at what can be found in their own cultural arsenal\,” says Van Paridon. This is closely related to a growing pride and appreciation for their own culture among Chinese consumers. Pride in one’s own culture was especially fueled during the corona pandemic\, a period in which China was in a very uncertain position internationally. \nIt was a smart move by Adidas to capitalize on that Guochao trend. By working together with Chinese designers\, they came to understand Chinese culture better. In doing so\, they go beyond the traditional\, often stereotypical image of the dragon or the excessive use of the color red. For international brands\, this is the way to connect with the Chinese consumer\, who belongs to one of the most important consumer markets in the world. \nTradition with a modern twist\nBut what exactly is what we see in Dutch clothing stores? For example\, with average denim jackets\, where you can see that the press studs have been replaced by pankou buttons. Van Paridon explains that this falls under the Neo-Chinese style (Xinzhongshi). “This trend is also super popular in China at the moment and also originated from Guohao. It is not traditional clothing\, but the characteristic elements are applied to contemporary silhouettes and materials.” \nWhile traditional Chinese clothing is mainly worn during festivals and ceremonial occasions\, Neo-Chinese fashion translates this tradition into everyday life. The designs are suitable for work\, social occasions and other everyday moments. The essence of traditional clothing is retained\, but given a new interpretation that is in line with contemporary\, global fashion. This creates clothing that is culturally meaningful\, but at the same time fits into everyday life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image En Shi de Weijer: Top of lace with pan-cold buttons in a Dutch shop window)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Many explanations for the increasing popularity\nThere is no one clear explanation for the growing popularity of this style in the Netherlands. The visibility of the style may be partly due to the Chinese diaspora; for Chinese people living abroad\, fashion is a way to express one’s own identity. Wearing Western clothes sometimes lacks the cultural connection for them\, while wearing traditional clothing is too ceremonial. With that\, the Neo-Chinese style offers the perfect combination. \nIn addition\, the hype surrounding the Adidas Tang jacket has greatly enhanced the development. Van Paridon thinks it is therefore not surprising that fast-fashion brands\, which usually adapt quickly to new fashion trends\, go along with this. The visibility among major brands creates extra attention and increases the chance that this aesthetic will be widely adopted. Moreover\, the style is spreading at a breakneck pace via social media. China has become increasingly present in the online lifestyle culture in recent years. An example of this is the online phenomenon ‘Chinamaxxing’\, in which young people in particular are inspired by Chinese culture\, lifestyle\, fashion and beauty. \nThe leading fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue highlights the minimalist nature of Neo-Chinese fashion\, which can be seen as one of the characteristics that contribute to the popularity of this style. The aesthetic fits seamlessly with the minimalist design trend that has been popular in Europe for some time\, in which timeless designs\, high-quality materials and a modest appearance are central. The feeling of luxury also plays a role in this; Due to the emphasis on quality\, material and careful workmanship\, the clothing does not have to be outspoken or striking to make an impression. \nUltimately\, the rise of this trend shows that fashion knows no boundaries. We don’t just copy trends from each other\, but constantly exchange ideas\, styles and influences with each other. What becomes popular in China finds its way to Europe and vice versa. Trends come and go and are influenced by what is going on in the world. Still\, I secretly hope that this style will stay for a while. This way I can bring a little bit of China to my wardrobe\, without having to travel far. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nIn addition to Neo-Chinese fashion\, you can also encounter this on the streets of China: \n(Images A. Swijtink) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sources: \nImage Adidas Tang jacket: adidas Tang Track Jacket New Chinese Style “Focus Olive”- KT3847 \nAnonymous. (2023\, July 18). National Trend – 国朝 (guó cháo). CHIN 3343: Chinese Popular Culture Terms\, Vol. 1. https://uhlibraries.pressbooks.pub/chin3343sp23/chapter/nationaltrend/#:~:text=Guochao%2C%20%E5%9B%BD%E6%9C%9D%2C%20gu%C3%B3%20ch%C3%A1o%2C%20means%20%E2%80%9Cnational%20trend%E2%80%9D.%20This\,faith%20and%20took%20on%20a%20Taoism%20inspired%20look. \nBabayigit\, S. (2026\, January 25). Cultural appreciation: this is why ‘mandarin jackets’ are absolutely not a trend. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/nl/fashion/a70089397/mandarin-jackets-cultural-appropriation/ \nCalloway\, J. (2026\, August 31). Tang Suit Chinese Style: A Beginner’s Guide to Tangzhuang. The Garment Atlas. https://thegarmentatlas.com/asian-traditions/chinese-tang-suit-beginner-guide \nCriales-Unzueta\, J. (2024\, April 8). What is “New Chinese style”? and everything else you missed from Shanghai Fashion Week. British Vogue. \n https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/new-chinese-style-shanghai-fashion-weekNeo Chinese Style Clothing | Modern Chinese fashion. (s.d.). Hanfu Story. \n https://thehanfustory.com/collections/neo-chinese-style卢晓芳. (2026\, March 11). The Rise of Neo-Chinese Style in 2026: Why Modern Chinese Fashion Is Redefining Global Elegance. Luxury Orienta CO.\, LIMITED. \n https://luxeorienta.com/blogs/fashion-trends/the-rise-of-neo-chinese-style-in-2026-why-modern-chinese-fashion-is-redefining-global-eleganceGoudsmit\, L.\, & Goudsmit\, L. (2026\, January 6). Jackets and cardigans with this special closure are an unexpected hit. Vogue NL. https://www.vogue.nl/shoppings/mandarijns-jasje-vest-sluiting/ URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/beijing-tongzhou-district-cooperation-conference/ LOCATION:Jollemanhof 26\, Amsterdam\, Jollemanhof 26\, Amsterdam\, Noord Holland\, 1019GW\, Netherlands CATEGORIES:Culture and Society,Partner ORGANIZER;CN="Beijing Tongzhou":MAILTO:shirleyyan09@sina.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250621T180000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250621T200000 DTSTAMP:20250501T085308Z CREATED:20250410T130035Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250501T085308Z UID:10000069-1750528800-1750536000@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:VNC Chinese Eating Club - 21 June in Rotterdam DESCRIPTION:by En Shi de Weijer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nWith my traditional Chinese dress\, which is called a qipao in Chinese\, I used to go to school proudly. At the time\, I thought you could only buy something like that in China. I saw Chinese clothing at most once as part of a carnival costume. Now\, a few years later\, I walk through the city and suddenly I see dresses hanging in the Zara that look suspiciously like a qipao. It now suddenly seems to be part of the Dutch street scene\, but how did such a Chinese dress actually end up in Dutch stores? \n \n \n \n \n \nRunning for a Tang jacket\nAt the beginning of this year\, Adidas went viral on the internet with its Chinese New Year collection. One of the most popular items was its own interpretation of the Tang jacket\, which made its debut at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025. The design was inspired by the traditional tangzhuang\, but was combined with the contemporary style that is so characteristic of Adidas. The tangzhuang is a modern version of the magua\, a traditional Chinese garment that was originally worn by soldiers in the army during the Qing Dynasty. The tangzhuang has a long history within Chinese clothing culture and is mainly characterized by the mandarin collar and the characteristic pankou buttons: decorative\, often fabric-covered button closures that are intertwined. Thanks to the enormous online attention\, Adidas brought the jackets exclusively to the Western market and they also proved extremely popular in the Netherlands. They were sold out in a short time and interested parties even had to participate in a draw to have a chance of winning such a jacket at all. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image Adidas website: Viral Adidas Tang jacket\, February 2026) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese identity in fashion\nWhile Adidas seems to have been an important catalyst for the visibility of Chinese fashion elements in the West\, the brand was certainly not the first to bring this style to an international audience. Chinese sports brand Li-Ning combined contemporary clothing with traditional Chinese elements for the first time in 2018. This turned out to be a huge success and a new movement within Chinese fashion emerged. \nElsbeth van Paridon\, sinologist and journalist who has lived and worked in China for years\, knows all about the trends and developments within Chinese fashion and urban culture. “At the moment\, Guochao 国朝 the biggest trend in China\, which means ‘national trend’ in English. In recent years\, Chinese fashion brands and designers have started to look much more at what can be found in their own cultural arsenal\,” says Van Paridon. This is closely related to a growing pride and appreciation for their own culture among Chinese consumers. Pride in one’s own culture was especially fueled during the corona pandemic\, a period in which China was in a very uncertain position internationally. \nIt was a smart move by Adidas to capitalize on that Guochao trend. By working together with Chinese designers\, they came to understand Chinese culture better. In doing so\, they go beyond the traditional\, often stereotypical image of the dragon or the excessive use of the color red. For international brands\, this is the way to connect with the Chinese consumer\, who belongs to one of the most important consumer markets in the world. \nTradition with a modern twist\nBut what exactly is what we see in Dutch clothing stores? For example\, with average denim jackets\, where you can see that the press studs have been replaced by pankou buttons. Van Paridon explains that this falls under the Neo-Chinese style (Xinzhongshi). “This trend is also super popular in China at the moment and also originated from Guohao. It is not traditional clothing\, but the characteristic elements are applied to contemporary silhouettes and materials.” \nWhile traditional Chinese clothing is mainly worn during festivals and ceremonial occasions\, Neo-Chinese fashion translates this tradition into everyday life. The designs are suitable for work\, social occasions and other everyday moments. The essence of traditional clothing is retained\, but given a new interpretation that is in line with contemporary\, global fashion. This creates clothing that is culturally meaningful\, but at the same time fits into everyday life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image En Shi de Weijer: Top of lace with pan-cold buttons in a Dutch shop window)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Many explanations for the increasing popularity\nThere is no one clear explanation for the growing popularity of this style in the Netherlands. The visibility of the style may be partly due to the Chinese diaspora; for Chinese people living abroad\, fashion is a way to express one’s own identity. Wearing Western clothes sometimes lacks the cultural connection for them\, while wearing traditional clothing is too ceremonial. With that\, the Neo-Chinese style offers the perfect combination. \nIn addition\, the hype surrounding the Adidas Tang jacket has greatly enhanced the development. Van Paridon thinks it is therefore not surprising that fast-fashion brands\, which usually adapt quickly to new fashion trends\, go along with this. The visibility among major brands creates extra attention and increases the chance that this aesthetic will be widely adopted. Moreover\, the style is spreading at a breakneck pace via social media. China has become increasingly present in the online lifestyle culture in recent years. An example of this is the online phenomenon ‘Chinamaxxing’\, in which young people in particular are inspired by Chinese culture\, lifestyle\, fashion and beauty. \nThe leading fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue highlights the minimalist nature of Neo-Chinese fashion\, which can be seen as one of the characteristics that contribute to the popularity of this style. The aesthetic fits seamlessly with the minimalist design trend that has been popular in Europe for some time\, in which timeless designs\, high-quality materials and a modest appearance are central. The feeling of luxury also plays a role in this; Due to the emphasis on quality\, material and careful workmanship\, the clothing does not have to be outspoken or striking to make an impression. \nUltimately\, the rise of this trend shows that fashion knows no boundaries. We don’t just copy trends from each other\, but constantly exchange ideas\, styles and influences with each other. What becomes popular in China finds its way to Europe and vice versa. Trends come and go and are influenced by what is going on in the world. Still\, I secretly hope that this style will stay for a while. This way I can bring a little bit of China to my wardrobe\, without having to travel far. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nIn addition to Neo-Chinese fashion\, you can also encounter this on the streets of China: \n(Images A. Swijtink) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sources: \nImage Adidas Tang jacket: adidas Tang Track Jacket New Chinese Style “Focus Olive”- KT3847 \nAnonymous. (2023\, July 18). National Trend – 国朝 (guó cháo). CHIN 3343: Chinese Popular Culture Terms\, Vol. 1. https://uhlibraries.pressbooks.pub/chin3343sp23/chapter/nationaltrend/#:~:text=Guochao%2C%20%E5%9B%BD%E6%9C%9D%2C%20gu%C3%B3%20ch%C3%A1o%2C%20means%20%E2%80%9Cnational%20trend%E2%80%9D.%20This\,faith%20and%20took%20on%20a%20Taoism%20inspired%20look. \nBabayigit\, S. (2026\, January 25). Cultural appreciation: this is why ‘mandarin jackets’ are absolutely not a trend. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/nl/fashion/a70089397/mandarin-jackets-cultural-appropriation/ \nCalloway\, J. (2026\, August 31). Tang Suit Chinese Style: A Beginner’s Guide to Tangzhuang. The Garment Atlas. https://thegarmentatlas.com/asian-traditions/chinese-tang-suit-beginner-guide \nCriales-Unzueta\, J. (2024\, April 8). What is “New Chinese style”? and everything else you missed from Shanghai Fashion Week. British Vogue. \n https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/new-chinese-style-shanghai-fashion-weekNeo Chinese Style Clothing | Modern Chinese fashion. (s.d.). Hanfu Story. \n https://thehanfustory.com/collections/neo-chinese-style卢晓芳. (2026\, March 11). The Rise of Neo-Chinese Style in 2026: Why Modern Chinese Fashion Is Redefining Global Elegance. Luxury Orienta CO.\, LIMITED. \n https://luxeorienta.com/blogs/fashion-trends/the-rise-of-neo-chinese-style-in-2026-why-modern-chinese-fashion-is-redefining-global-eleganceGoudsmit\, L.\, & Goudsmit\, L. (2026\, January 6). Jackets and cardigans with this special closure are an unexpected hit. Vogue NL. https://www.vogue.nl/shoppings/mandarijns-jasje-vest-sluiting/ URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/vnc-chinese-eetclub-21-juni-in-rotterdam/ LOCATION:Sansan Restaurant Sichuan Cuisine\, Hang 33\, Rotterdam\, 3011 GG CATEGORIES:Art and culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/food-china-3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250618T200000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250618T220000 DTSTAMP:20250611T192218Z CREATED:20250611T192218Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250611T192218Z UID:10000083-1750276800-1750284000@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Een avond met Jeanne Boden over haar literaire memoir 'De Grens' DESCRIPTION:by En Shi de Weijer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nWith my traditional Chinese dress\, which is called a qipao in Chinese\, I used to go to school proudly. At the time\, I thought you could only buy something like that in China. I saw Chinese clothing at most once as part of a carnival costume. Now\, a few years later\, I walk through the city and suddenly I see dresses hanging in the Zara that look suspiciously like a qipao. It now suddenly seems to be part of the Dutch street scene\, but how did such a Chinese dress actually end up in Dutch stores? \n \n \n \n \n \nRunning for a Tang jacket\nAt the beginning of this year\, Adidas went viral on the internet with its Chinese New Year collection. One of the most popular items was its own interpretation of the Tang jacket\, which made its debut at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025. The design was inspired by the traditional tangzhuang\, but was combined with the contemporary style that is so characteristic of Adidas. The tangzhuang is a modern version of the magua\, a traditional Chinese garment that was originally worn by soldiers in the army during the Qing Dynasty. The tangzhuang has a long history within Chinese clothing culture and is mainly characterized by the mandarin collar and the characteristic pankou buttons: decorative\, often fabric-covered button closures that are intertwined. Thanks to the enormous online attention\, Adidas brought the jackets exclusively to the Western market and they also proved extremely popular in the Netherlands. They were sold out in a short time and interested parties even had to participate in a draw to have a chance of winning such a jacket at all. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image Adidas website: Viral Adidas Tang jacket\, February 2026) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese identity in fashion\nWhile Adidas seems to have been an important catalyst for the visibility of Chinese fashion elements in the West\, the brand was certainly not the first to bring this style to an international audience. Chinese sports brand Li-Ning combined contemporary clothing with traditional Chinese elements for the first time in 2018. This turned out to be a huge success and a new movement within Chinese fashion emerged. \nElsbeth van Paridon\, sinologist and journalist who has lived and worked in China for years\, knows all about the trends and developments within Chinese fashion and urban culture. “At the moment\, Guochao 国朝 the biggest trend in China\, which means ‘national trend’ in English. In recent years\, Chinese fashion brands and designers have started to look much more at what can be found in their own cultural arsenal\,” says Van Paridon. This is closely related to a growing pride and appreciation for their own culture among Chinese consumers. Pride in one’s own culture was especially fueled during the corona pandemic\, a period in which China was in a very uncertain position internationally. \nIt was a smart move by Adidas to capitalize on that Guochao trend. By working together with Chinese designers\, they came to understand Chinese culture better. In doing so\, they go beyond the traditional\, often stereotypical image of the dragon or the excessive use of the color red. For international brands\, this is the way to connect with the Chinese consumer\, who belongs to one of the most important consumer markets in the world. \nTradition with a modern twist\nBut what exactly is what we see in Dutch clothing stores? For example\, with average denim jackets\, where you can see that the press studs have been replaced by pankou buttons. Van Paridon explains that this falls under the Neo-Chinese style (Xinzhongshi). “This trend is also super popular in China at the moment and also originated from Guohao. It is not traditional clothing\, but the characteristic elements are applied to contemporary silhouettes and materials.” \nWhile traditional Chinese clothing is mainly worn during festivals and ceremonial occasions\, Neo-Chinese fashion translates this tradition into everyday life. The designs are suitable for work\, social occasions and other everyday moments. The essence of traditional clothing is retained\, but given a new interpretation that is in line with contemporary\, global fashion. This creates clothing that is culturally meaningful\, but at the same time fits into everyday life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image En Shi de Weijer: Top of lace with pan-cold buttons in a Dutch shop window)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Many explanations for the increasing popularity\nThere is no one clear explanation for the growing popularity of this style in the Netherlands. The visibility of the style may be partly due to the Chinese diaspora; for Chinese people living abroad\, fashion is a way to express one’s own identity. Wearing Western clothes sometimes lacks the cultural connection for them\, while wearing traditional clothing is too ceremonial. With that\, the Neo-Chinese style offers the perfect combination. \nIn addition\, the hype surrounding the Adidas Tang jacket has greatly enhanced the development. Van Paridon thinks it is therefore not surprising that fast-fashion brands\, which usually adapt quickly to new fashion trends\, go along with this. The visibility among major brands creates extra attention and increases the chance that this aesthetic will be widely adopted. Moreover\, the style is spreading at a breakneck pace via social media. China has become increasingly present in the online lifestyle culture in recent years. An example of this is the online phenomenon ‘Chinamaxxing’\, in which young people in particular are inspired by Chinese culture\, lifestyle\, fashion and beauty. \nThe leading fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue highlights the minimalist nature of Neo-Chinese fashion\, which can be seen as one of the characteristics that contribute to the popularity of this style. The aesthetic fits seamlessly with the minimalist design trend that has been popular in Europe for some time\, in which timeless designs\, high-quality materials and a modest appearance are central. The feeling of luxury also plays a role in this; Due to the emphasis on quality\, material and careful workmanship\, the clothing does not have to be outspoken or striking to make an impression. \nUltimately\, the rise of this trend shows that fashion knows no boundaries. We don’t just copy trends from each other\, but constantly exchange ideas\, styles and influences with each other. What becomes popular in China finds its way to Europe and vice versa. Trends come and go and are influenced by what is going on in the world. Still\, I secretly hope that this style will stay for a while. This way I can bring a little bit of China to my wardrobe\, without having to travel far. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nIn addition to Neo-Chinese fashion\, you can also encounter this on the streets of China: \n(Images A. Swijtink) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sources: \nImage Adidas Tang jacket: adidas Tang Track Jacket New Chinese Style “Focus Olive”- KT3847 \nAnonymous. (2023\, July 18). National Trend – 国朝 (guó cháo). CHIN 3343: Chinese Popular Culture Terms\, Vol. 1. https://uhlibraries.pressbooks.pub/chin3343sp23/chapter/nationaltrend/#:~:text=Guochao%2C%20%E5%9B%BD%E6%9C%9D%2C%20gu%C3%B3%20ch%C3%A1o%2C%20means%20%E2%80%9Cnational%20trend%E2%80%9D.%20This\,faith%20and%20took%20on%20a%20Taoism%20inspired%20look. \nBabayigit\, S. (2026\, January 25). Cultural appreciation: this is why ‘mandarin jackets’ are absolutely not a trend. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/nl/fashion/a70089397/mandarin-jackets-cultural-appropriation/ \nCalloway\, J. (2026\, August 31). Tang Suit Chinese Style: A Beginner’s Guide to Tangzhuang. The Garment Atlas. https://thegarmentatlas.com/asian-traditions/chinese-tang-suit-beginner-guide \nCriales-Unzueta\, J. (2024\, April 8). What is “New Chinese style”? and everything else you missed from Shanghai Fashion Week. British Vogue. \n https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/new-chinese-style-shanghai-fashion-weekNeo Chinese Style Clothing | Modern Chinese fashion. (s.d.). Hanfu Story. \n https://thehanfustory.com/collections/neo-chinese-style卢晓芳. (2026\, March 11). The Rise of Neo-Chinese Style in 2026: Why Modern Chinese Fashion Is Redefining Global Elegance. Luxury Orienta CO.\, LIMITED. \n https://luxeorienta.com/blogs/fashion-trends/the-rise-of-neo-chinese-style-in-2026-why-modern-chinese-fashion-is-redefining-global-eleganceGoudsmit\, L.\, & Goudsmit\, L. (2026\, January 6). Jackets and cardigans with this special closure are an unexpected hit. Vogue NL. https://www.vogue.nl/shoppings/mandarijns-jasje-vest-sluiting/ URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/een-avond-met-jeanne-boden-over-haar-literaire-memoir-de-grens/ LOCATION:Schiller Theater\, Minrebroederstraat 11\, Utrecht\, Utrecht\, 3512GS\, Nederland CATEGORIES:Cultuur en Maatschappij,Partner ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1-002-cC7Uxb.tmp_.png ORGANIZER;CN="Dimsum Reizen":MAILTO:christel@dim-sum.nl END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250616T170000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250616T190000 DTSTAMP:20250527T204308Z CREATED:20250410T130858Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250527T204308Z UID:10000068-1750093200-1750100400@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:16 June 2025 China Café about Branding in China DESCRIPTION:by En Shi de Weijer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nWith my traditional Chinese dress\, which is called a qipao in Chinese\, I used to go to school proudly. At the time\, I thought you could only buy something like that in China. I saw Chinese clothing at most once as part of a carnival costume. Now\, a few years later\, I walk through the city and suddenly I see dresses hanging in the Zara that look suspiciously like a qipao. It now suddenly seems to be part of the Dutch street scene\, but how did such a Chinese dress actually end up in Dutch stores? \n \n \n \n \n \nRunning for a Tang jacket\nAt the beginning of this year\, Adidas went viral on the internet with its Chinese New Year collection. One of the most popular items was its own interpretation of the Tang jacket\, which made its debut at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025. The design was inspired by the traditional tangzhuang\, but was combined with the contemporary style that is so characteristic of Adidas. The tangzhuang is a modern version of the magua\, a traditional Chinese garment that was originally worn by soldiers in the army during the Qing Dynasty. The tangzhuang has a long history within Chinese clothing culture and is mainly characterized by the mandarin collar and the characteristic pankou buttons: decorative\, often fabric-covered button closures that are intertwined. Thanks to the enormous online attention\, Adidas brought the jackets exclusively to the Western market and they also proved extremely popular in the Netherlands. They were sold out in a short time and interested parties even had to participate in a draw to have a chance of winning such a jacket at all. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image Adidas website: Viral Adidas Tang jacket\, February 2026) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese identity in fashion\nWhile Adidas seems to have been an important catalyst for the visibility of Chinese fashion elements in the West\, the brand was certainly not the first to bring this style to an international audience. Chinese sports brand Li-Ning combined contemporary clothing with traditional Chinese elements for the first time in 2018. This turned out to be a huge success and a new movement within Chinese fashion emerged. \nElsbeth van Paridon\, sinologist and journalist who has lived and worked in China for years\, knows all about the trends and developments within Chinese fashion and urban culture. “At the moment\, Guochao 国朝 the biggest trend in China\, which means ‘national trend’ in English. In recent years\, Chinese fashion brands and designers have started to look much more at what can be found in their own cultural arsenal\,” says Van Paridon. This is closely related to a growing pride and appreciation for their own culture among Chinese consumers. Pride in one’s own culture was especially fueled during the corona pandemic\, a period in which China was in a very uncertain position internationally. \nIt was a smart move by Adidas to capitalize on that Guochao trend. By working together with Chinese designers\, they came to understand Chinese culture better. In doing so\, they go beyond the traditional\, often stereotypical image of the dragon or the excessive use of the color red. For international brands\, this is the way to connect with the Chinese consumer\, who belongs to one of the most important consumer markets in the world. \nTradition with a modern twist\nBut what exactly is what we see in Dutch clothing stores? For example\, with average denim jackets\, where you can see that the press studs have been replaced by pankou buttons. Van Paridon explains that this falls under the Neo-Chinese style (Xinzhongshi). “This trend is also super popular in China at the moment and also originated from Guohao. It is not traditional clothing\, but the characteristic elements are applied to contemporary silhouettes and materials.” \nWhile traditional Chinese clothing is mainly worn during festivals and ceremonial occasions\, Neo-Chinese fashion translates this tradition into everyday life. The designs are suitable for work\, social occasions and other everyday moments. The essence of traditional clothing is retained\, but given a new interpretation that is in line with contemporary\, global fashion. This creates clothing that is culturally meaningful\, but at the same time fits into everyday life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image En Shi de Weijer: Top of lace with pan-cold buttons in a Dutch shop window)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Many explanations for the increasing popularity\nThere is no one clear explanation for the growing popularity of this style in the Netherlands. The visibility of the style may be partly due to the Chinese diaspora; for Chinese people living abroad\, fashion is a way to express one’s own identity. Wearing Western clothes sometimes lacks the cultural connection for them\, while wearing traditional clothing is too ceremonial. With that\, the Neo-Chinese style offers the perfect combination. \nIn addition\, the hype surrounding the Adidas Tang jacket has greatly enhanced the development. Van Paridon thinks it is therefore not surprising that fast-fashion brands\, which usually adapt quickly to new fashion trends\, go along with this. The visibility among major brands creates extra attention and increases the chance that this aesthetic will be widely adopted. Moreover\, the style is spreading at a breakneck pace via social media. China has become increasingly present in the online lifestyle culture in recent years. An example of this is the online phenomenon ‘Chinamaxxing’\, in which young people in particular are inspired by Chinese culture\, lifestyle\, fashion and beauty. \nThe leading fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue highlights the minimalist nature of Neo-Chinese fashion\, which can be seen as one of the characteristics that contribute to the popularity of this style. The aesthetic fits seamlessly with the minimalist design trend that has been popular in Europe for some time\, in which timeless designs\, high-quality materials and a modest appearance are central. The feeling of luxury also plays a role in this; Due to the emphasis on quality\, material and careful workmanship\, the clothing does not have to be outspoken or striking to make an impression. \nUltimately\, the rise of this trend shows that fashion knows no boundaries. We don’t just copy trends from each other\, but constantly exchange ideas\, styles and influences with each other. What becomes popular in China finds its way to Europe and vice versa. Trends come and go and are influenced by what is going on in the world. Still\, I secretly hope that this style will stay for a while. This way I can bring a little bit of China to my wardrobe\, without having to travel far. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nIn addition to Neo-Chinese fashion\, you can also encounter this on the streets of China: \n(Images A. Swijtink) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sources: \nImage Adidas Tang jacket: adidas Tang Track Jacket New Chinese Style “Focus Olive”- KT3847 \nAnonymous. (2023\, July 18). National Trend – 国朝 (guó cháo). CHIN 3343: Chinese Popular Culture Terms\, Vol. 1. https://uhlibraries.pressbooks.pub/chin3343sp23/chapter/nationaltrend/#:~:text=Guochao%2C%20%E5%9B%BD%E6%9C%9D%2C%20gu%C3%B3%20ch%C3%A1o%2C%20means%20%E2%80%9Cnational%20trend%E2%80%9D.%20This\,faith%20and%20took%20on%20a%20Taoism%20inspired%20look. \nBabayigit\, S. (2026\, January 25). Cultural appreciation: this is why ‘mandarin jackets’ are absolutely not a trend. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/nl/fashion/a70089397/mandarin-jackets-cultural-appropriation/ \nCalloway\, J. (2026\, August 31). Tang Suit Chinese Style: A Beginner’s Guide to Tangzhuang. The Garment Atlas. https://thegarmentatlas.com/asian-traditions/chinese-tang-suit-beginner-guide \nCriales-Unzueta\, J. (2024\, April 8). What is “New Chinese style”? and everything else you missed from Shanghai Fashion Week. British Vogue. \n https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/new-chinese-style-shanghai-fashion-weekNeo Chinese Style Clothing | Modern Chinese fashion. (s.d.). Hanfu Story. \n https://thehanfustory.com/collections/neo-chinese-style卢晓芳. (2026\, March 11). The Rise of Neo-Chinese Style in 2026: Why Modern Chinese Fashion Is Redefining Global Elegance. Luxury Orienta CO.\, LIMITED. \n https://luxeorienta.com/blogs/fashion-trends/the-rise-of-neo-chinese-style-in-2026-why-modern-chinese-fashion-is-redefining-global-eleganceGoudsmit\, L.\, & Goudsmit\, L. (2026\, January 6). Jackets and cardigans with this special closure are an unexpected hit. Vogue NL. https://www.vogue.nl/shoppings/mandarijns-jasje-vest-sluiting/ URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/16-juni-2025-china-cafe-over-branding-in-china/ LOCATION:De Utrechter Stadsbrasserie en Bar\, Vredenburg 40\, Utrecht\, 3511 BD CATEGORIES:China Cafe calendar,Economie en zakelijk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/foto-china-cafe.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250604T143000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250604T170000 DTSTAMP:20250601T161459Z CREATED:20250403T090646Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250601T161459Z UID:10000064-1749047400-1749056400@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Company visit to Huawei DESCRIPTION:by En Shi de Weijer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nWith my traditional Chinese dress\, which is called a qipao in Chinese\, I used to go to school proudly. At the time\, I thought you could only buy something like that in China. I saw Chinese clothing at most once as part of a carnival costume. Now\, a few years later\, I walk through the city and suddenly I see dresses hanging in the Zara that look suspiciously like a qipao. It now suddenly seems to be part of the Dutch street scene\, but how did such a Chinese dress actually end up in Dutch stores? \n \n \n \n \n \nRunning for a Tang jacket\nAt the beginning of this year\, Adidas went viral on the internet with its Chinese New Year collection. One of the most popular items was its own interpretation of the Tang jacket\, which made its debut at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025. The design was inspired by the traditional tangzhuang\, but was combined with the contemporary style that is so characteristic of Adidas. The tangzhuang is a modern version of the magua\, a traditional Chinese garment that was originally worn by soldiers in the army during the Qing Dynasty. The tangzhuang has a long history within Chinese clothing culture and is mainly characterized by the mandarin collar and the characteristic pankou buttons: decorative\, often fabric-covered button closures that are intertwined. Thanks to the enormous online attention\, Adidas brought the jackets exclusively to the Western market and they also proved extremely popular in the Netherlands. They were sold out in a short time and interested parties even had to participate in a draw to have a chance of winning such a jacket at all. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image Adidas website: Viral Adidas Tang jacket\, February 2026) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese identity in fashion\nWhile Adidas seems to have been an important catalyst for the visibility of Chinese fashion elements in the West\, the brand was certainly not the first to bring this style to an international audience. Chinese sports brand Li-Ning combined contemporary clothing with traditional Chinese elements for the first time in 2018. This turned out to be a huge success and a new movement within Chinese fashion emerged. \nElsbeth van Paridon\, sinologist and journalist who has lived and worked in China for years\, knows all about the trends and developments within Chinese fashion and urban culture. “At the moment\, Guochao 国朝 the biggest trend in China\, which means ‘national trend’ in English. In recent years\, Chinese fashion brands and designers have started to look much more at what can be found in their own cultural arsenal\,” says Van Paridon. This is closely related to a growing pride and appreciation for their own culture among Chinese consumers. Pride in one’s own culture was especially fueled during the corona pandemic\, a period in which China was in a very uncertain position internationally. \nIt was a smart move by Adidas to capitalize on that Guochao trend. By working together with Chinese designers\, they came to understand Chinese culture better. In doing so\, they go beyond the traditional\, often stereotypical image of the dragon or the excessive use of the color red. For international brands\, this is the way to connect with the Chinese consumer\, who belongs to one of the most important consumer markets in the world. \nTradition with a modern twist\nBut what exactly is what we see in Dutch clothing stores? For example\, with average denim jackets\, where you can see that the press studs have been replaced by pankou buttons. Van Paridon explains that this falls under the Neo-Chinese style (Xinzhongshi). “This trend is also super popular in China at the moment and also originated from Guohao. It is not traditional clothing\, but the characteristic elements are applied to contemporary silhouettes and materials.” \nWhile traditional Chinese clothing is mainly worn during festivals and ceremonial occasions\, Neo-Chinese fashion translates this tradition into everyday life. The designs are suitable for work\, social occasions and other everyday moments. The essence of traditional clothing is retained\, but given a new interpretation that is in line with contemporary\, global fashion. This creates clothing that is culturally meaningful\, but at the same time fits into everyday life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image En Shi de Weijer: Top of lace with pan-cold buttons in a Dutch shop window)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Many explanations for the increasing popularity\nThere is no one clear explanation for the growing popularity of this style in the Netherlands. The visibility of the style may be partly due to the Chinese diaspora; for Chinese people living abroad\, fashion is a way to express one’s own identity. Wearing Western clothes sometimes lacks the cultural connection for them\, while wearing traditional clothing is too ceremonial. With that\, the Neo-Chinese style offers the perfect combination. \nIn addition\, the hype surrounding the Adidas Tang jacket has greatly enhanced the development. Van Paridon thinks it is therefore not surprising that fast-fashion brands\, which usually adapt quickly to new fashion trends\, go along with this. The visibility among major brands creates extra attention and increases the chance that this aesthetic will be widely adopted. Moreover\, the style is spreading at a breakneck pace via social media. China has become increasingly present in the online lifestyle culture in recent years. An example of this is the online phenomenon ‘Chinamaxxing’\, in which young people in particular are inspired by Chinese culture\, lifestyle\, fashion and beauty. \nThe leading fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue highlights the minimalist nature of Neo-Chinese fashion\, which can be seen as one of the characteristics that contribute to the popularity of this style. The aesthetic fits seamlessly with the minimalist design trend that has been popular in Europe for some time\, in which timeless designs\, high-quality materials and a modest appearance are central. The feeling of luxury also plays a role in this; Due to the emphasis on quality\, material and careful workmanship\, the clothing does not have to be outspoken or striking to make an impression. \nUltimately\, the rise of this trend shows that fashion knows no boundaries. We don’t just copy trends from each other\, but constantly exchange ideas\, styles and influences with each other. What becomes popular in China finds its way to Europe and vice versa. Trends come and go and are influenced by what is going on in the world. Still\, I secretly hope that this style will stay for a while. This way I can bring a little bit of China to my wardrobe\, without having to travel far. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nIn addition to Neo-Chinese fashion\, you can also encounter this on the streets of China: \n(Images A. Swijtink) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sources: \nImage Adidas Tang jacket: adidas Tang Track Jacket New Chinese Style “Focus Olive”- KT3847 \nAnonymous. (2023\, July 18). National Trend – 国朝 (guó cháo). CHIN 3343: Chinese Popular Culture Terms\, Vol. 1. https://uhlibraries.pressbooks.pub/chin3343sp23/chapter/nationaltrend/#:~:text=Guochao%2C%20%E5%9B%BD%E6%9C%9D%2C%20gu%C3%B3%20ch%C3%A1o%2C%20means%20%E2%80%9Cnational%20trend%E2%80%9D.%20This\,faith%20and%20took%20on%20a%20Taoism%20inspired%20look. \nBabayigit\, S. (2026\, January 25). Cultural appreciation: this is why ‘mandarin jackets’ are absolutely not a trend. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/nl/fashion/a70089397/mandarin-jackets-cultural-appropriation/ \nCalloway\, J. (2026\, August 31). Tang Suit Chinese Style: A Beginner’s Guide to Tangzhuang. The Garment Atlas. https://thegarmentatlas.com/asian-traditions/chinese-tang-suit-beginner-guide \nCriales-Unzueta\, J. (2024\, April 8). What is “New Chinese style”? and everything else you missed from Shanghai Fashion Week. British Vogue. \n https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/new-chinese-style-shanghai-fashion-weekNeo Chinese Style Clothing | Modern Chinese fashion. (s.d.). Hanfu Story. \n https://thehanfustory.com/collections/neo-chinese-style卢晓芳. (2026\, March 11). The Rise of Neo-Chinese Style in 2026: Why Modern Chinese Fashion Is Redefining Global Elegance. Luxury Orienta CO.\, LIMITED. \n https://luxeorienta.com/blogs/fashion-trends/the-rise-of-neo-chinese-style-in-2026-why-modern-chinese-fashion-is-redefining-global-eleganceGoudsmit\, L.\, & Goudsmit\, L. (2026\, January 6). Jackets and cardigans with this special closure are an unexpected hit. Vogue NL. https://www.vogue.nl/shoppings/mandarijns-jasje-vest-sluiting/ URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/company-visit-to-huawei/ LOCATION:Huawei Technologies Netherlands B.V.\, Laan van Vredenoord 56\, Rijswijk\, 2289 DJ \, Netherlands CATEGORIES:Economie en zakelijk,VNC event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/unnamed.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250524T134500 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250524T180000 DTSTAMP:20250519T110129Z CREATED:20250519T110054Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250519T110129Z UID:10000073-1748094300-1748109600@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Monsieur Loo and Asian Art Collections: Life\, Legacy and Ethics DESCRIPTION:by En Shi de Weijer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nWith my traditional Chinese dress\, which is called a qipao in Chinese\, I used to go to school proudly. At the time\, I thought you could only buy something like that in China. I saw Chinese clothing at most once as part of a carnival costume. Now\, a few years later\, I walk through the city and suddenly I see dresses hanging in the Zara that look suspiciously like a qipao. It now suddenly seems to be part of the Dutch street scene\, but how did such a Chinese dress actually end up in Dutch stores? \n \n \n \n \n \nRunning for a Tang jacket\nAt the beginning of this year\, Adidas went viral on the internet with its Chinese New Year collection. One of the most popular items was its own interpretation of the Tang jacket\, which made its debut at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025. The design was inspired by the traditional tangzhuang\, but was combined with the contemporary style that is so characteristic of Adidas. The tangzhuang is a modern version of the magua\, a traditional Chinese garment that was originally worn by soldiers in the army during the Qing Dynasty. The tangzhuang has a long history within Chinese clothing culture and is mainly characterized by the mandarin collar and the characteristic pankou buttons: decorative\, often fabric-covered button closures that are intertwined. Thanks to the enormous online attention\, Adidas brought the jackets exclusively to the Western market and they also proved extremely popular in the Netherlands. They were sold out in a short time and interested parties even had to participate in a draw to have a chance of winning such a jacket at all. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image Adidas website: Viral Adidas Tang jacket\, February 2026) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese identity in fashion\nWhile Adidas seems to have been an important catalyst for the visibility of Chinese fashion elements in the West\, the brand was certainly not the first to bring this style to an international audience. Chinese sports brand Li-Ning combined contemporary clothing with traditional Chinese elements for the first time in 2018. This turned out to be a huge success and a new movement within Chinese fashion emerged. \nElsbeth van Paridon\, sinologist and journalist who has lived and worked in China for years\, knows all about the trends and developments within Chinese fashion and urban culture. “At the moment\, Guochao 国朝 the biggest trend in China\, which means ‘national trend’ in English. In recent years\, Chinese fashion brands and designers have started to look much more at what can be found in their own cultural arsenal\,” says Van Paridon. This is closely related to a growing pride and appreciation for their own culture among Chinese consumers. Pride in one’s own culture was especially fueled during the corona pandemic\, a period in which China was in a very uncertain position internationally. \nIt was a smart move by Adidas to capitalize on that Guochao trend. By working together with Chinese designers\, they came to understand Chinese culture better. In doing so\, they go beyond the traditional\, often stereotypical image of the dragon or the excessive use of the color red. For international brands\, this is the way to connect with the Chinese consumer\, who belongs to one of the most important consumer markets in the world. \nTradition with a modern twist\nBut what exactly is what we see in Dutch clothing stores? For example\, with average denim jackets\, where you can see that the press studs have been replaced by pankou buttons. Van Paridon explains that this falls under the Neo-Chinese style (Xinzhongshi). “This trend is also super popular in China at the moment and also originated from Guohao. It is not traditional clothing\, but the characteristic elements are applied to contemporary silhouettes and materials.” \nWhile traditional Chinese clothing is mainly worn during festivals and ceremonial occasions\, Neo-Chinese fashion translates this tradition into everyday life. The designs are suitable for work\, social occasions and other everyday moments. The essence of traditional clothing is retained\, but given a new interpretation that is in line with contemporary\, global fashion. This creates clothing that is culturally meaningful\, but at the same time fits into everyday life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image En Shi de Weijer: Top of lace with pan-cold buttons in a Dutch shop window)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Many explanations for the increasing popularity\nThere is no one clear explanation for the growing popularity of this style in the Netherlands. The visibility of the style may be partly due to the Chinese diaspora; for Chinese people living abroad\, fashion is a way to express one’s own identity. Wearing Western clothes sometimes lacks the cultural connection for them\, while wearing traditional clothing is too ceremonial. With that\, the Neo-Chinese style offers the perfect combination. \nIn addition\, the hype surrounding the Adidas Tang jacket has greatly enhanced the development. Van Paridon thinks it is therefore not surprising that fast-fashion brands\, which usually adapt quickly to new fashion trends\, go along with this. The visibility among major brands creates extra attention and increases the chance that this aesthetic will be widely adopted. Moreover\, the style is spreading at a breakneck pace via social media. China has become increasingly present in the online lifestyle culture in recent years. An example of this is the online phenomenon ‘Chinamaxxing’\, in which young people in particular are inspired by Chinese culture\, lifestyle\, fashion and beauty. \nThe leading fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue highlights the minimalist nature of Neo-Chinese fashion\, which can be seen as one of the characteristics that contribute to the popularity of this style. The aesthetic fits seamlessly with the minimalist design trend that has been popular in Europe for some time\, in which timeless designs\, high-quality materials and a modest appearance are central. The feeling of luxury also plays a role in this; Due to the emphasis on quality\, material and careful workmanship\, the clothing does not have to be outspoken or striking to make an impression. \nUltimately\, the rise of this trend shows that fashion knows no boundaries. We don’t just copy trends from each other\, but constantly exchange ideas\, styles and influences with each other. What becomes popular in China finds its way to Europe and vice versa. Trends come and go and are influenced by what is going on in the world. Still\, I secretly hope that this style will stay for a while. This way I can bring a little bit of China to my wardrobe\, without having to travel far. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nIn addition to Neo-Chinese fashion\, you can also encounter this on the streets of China: \n(Images A. Swijtink) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sources: \nImage Adidas Tang jacket: adidas Tang Track Jacket New Chinese Style “Focus Olive”- KT3847 \nAnonymous. (2023\, July 18). National Trend – 国朝 (guó cháo). CHIN 3343: Chinese Popular Culture Terms\, Vol. 1. https://uhlibraries.pressbooks.pub/chin3343sp23/chapter/nationaltrend/#:~:text=Guochao%2C%20%E5%9B%BD%E6%9C%9D%2C%20gu%C3%B3%20ch%C3%A1o%2C%20means%20%E2%80%9Cnational%20trend%E2%80%9D.%20This\,faith%20and%20took%20on%20a%20Taoism%20inspired%20look. \nBabayigit\, S. (2026\, January 25). Cultural appreciation: this is why ‘mandarin jackets’ are absolutely not a trend. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/nl/fashion/a70089397/mandarin-jackets-cultural-appropriation/ \nCalloway\, J. (2026\, August 31). Tang Suit Chinese Style: A Beginner’s Guide to Tangzhuang. The Garment Atlas. https://thegarmentatlas.com/asian-traditions/chinese-tang-suit-beginner-guide \nCriales-Unzueta\, J. (2024\, April 8). What is “New Chinese style”? and everything else you missed from Shanghai Fashion Week. British Vogue. \n https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/new-chinese-style-shanghai-fashion-weekNeo Chinese Style Clothing | Modern Chinese fashion. (s.d.). Hanfu Story. \n https://thehanfustory.com/collections/neo-chinese-style卢晓芳. (2026\, March 11). The Rise of Neo-Chinese Style in 2026: Why Modern Chinese Fashion Is Redefining Global Elegance. Luxury Orienta CO.\, LIMITED. \n https://luxeorienta.com/blogs/fashion-trends/the-rise-of-neo-chinese-style-in-2026-why-modern-chinese-fashion-is-redefining-global-eleganceGoudsmit\, L.\, & Goudsmit\, L. (2026\, January 6). Jackets and cardigans with this special closure are an unexpected hit. Vogue NL. https://www.vogue.nl/shoppings/mandarijns-jasje-vest-sluiting/ URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/monsieur-loo-and-asian-art-collections-life-legacy-and-ethics/ LOCATION:Auditorium Rijksmuseum\, Museumstraat 1\, Amsterdam\, Noord-Holland\, 1071 XX\, Netherlands CATEGORIES:Partner ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CT_Loo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250522T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250522T160000 DTSTAMP:20250313T091020Z CREATED:20250313T091020Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250313T091020Z UID:10000054-1747922400-1747929600@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Museum Visit Dragons and Demons\, Groninger Museum DESCRIPTION:by En Shi de Weijer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nWith my traditional Chinese dress\, which is called a qipao in Chinese\, I used to go to school proudly. At the time\, I thought you could only buy something like that in China. I saw Chinese clothing at most once as part of a carnival costume. Now\, a few years later\, I walk through the city and suddenly I see dresses hanging in the Zara that look suspiciously like a qipao. It now suddenly seems to be part of the Dutch street scene\, but how did such a Chinese dress actually end up in Dutch stores? \n \n \n \n \n \nRunning for a Tang jacket\nAt the beginning of this year\, Adidas went viral on the internet with its Chinese New Year collection. One of the most popular items was its own interpretation of the Tang jacket\, which made its debut at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025. The design was inspired by the traditional tangzhuang\, but was combined with the contemporary style that is so characteristic of Adidas. The tangzhuang is a modern version of the magua\, a traditional Chinese garment that was originally worn by soldiers in the army during the Qing Dynasty. The tangzhuang has a long history within Chinese clothing culture and is mainly characterized by the mandarin collar and the characteristic pankou buttons: decorative\, often fabric-covered button closures that are intertwined. Thanks to the enormous online attention\, Adidas brought the jackets exclusively to the Western market and they also proved extremely popular in the Netherlands. They were sold out in a short time and interested parties even had to participate in a draw to have a chance of winning such a jacket at all. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image Adidas website: Viral Adidas Tang jacket\, February 2026) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese identity in fashion\nWhile Adidas seems to have been an important catalyst for the visibility of Chinese fashion elements in the West\, the brand was certainly not the first to bring this style to an international audience. Chinese sports brand Li-Ning combined contemporary clothing with traditional Chinese elements for the first time in 2018. This turned out to be a huge success and a new movement within Chinese fashion emerged. \nElsbeth van Paridon\, sinologist and journalist who has lived and worked in China for years\, knows all about the trends and developments within Chinese fashion and urban culture. “At the moment\, Guochao 国朝 the biggest trend in China\, which means ‘national trend’ in English. In recent years\, Chinese fashion brands and designers have started to look much more at what can be found in their own cultural arsenal\,” says Van Paridon. This is closely related to a growing pride and appreciation for their own culture among Chinese consumers. Pride in one’s own culture was especially fueled during the corona pandemic\, a period in which China was in a very uncertain position internationally. \nIt was a smart move by Adidas to capitalize on that Guochao trend. By working together with Chinese designers\, they came to understand Chinese culture better. In doing so\, they go beyond the traditional\, often stereotypical image of the dragon or the excessive use of the color red. For international brands\, this is the way to connect with the Chinese consumer\, who belongs to one of the most important consumer markets in the world. \nTradition with a modern twist\nBut what exactly is what we see in Dutch clothing stores? For example\, with average denim jackets\, where you can see that the press studs have been replaced by pankou buttons. Van Paridon explains that this falls under the Neo-Chinese style (Xinzhongshi). “This trend is also super popular in China at the moment and also originated from Guohao. It is not traditional clothing\, but the characteristic elements are applied to contemporary silhouettes and materials.” \nWhile traditional Chinese clothing is mainly worn during festivals and ceremonial occasions\, Neo-Chinese fashion translates this tradition into everyday life. The designs are suitable for work\, social occasions and other everyday moments. The essence of traditional clothing is retained\, but given a new interpretation that is in line with contemporary\, global fashion. This creates clothing that is culturally meaningful\, but at the same time fits into everyday life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image En Shi de Weijer: Top of lace with pan-cold buttons in a Dutch shop window)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Many explanations for the increasing popularity\nThere is no one clear explanation for the growing popularity of this style in the Netherlands. The visibility of the style may be partly due to the Chinese diaspora; for Chinese people living abroad\, fashion is a way to express one’s own identity. Wearing Western clothes sometimes lacks the cultural connection for them\, while wearing traditional clothing is too ceremonial. With that\, the Neo-Chinese style offers the perfect combination. \nIn addition\, the hype surrounding the Adidas Tang jacket has greatly enhanced the development. Van Paridon thinks it is therefore not surprising that fast-fashion brands\, which usually adapt quickly to new fashion trends\, go along with this. The visibility among major brands creates extra attention and increases the chance that this aesthetic will be widely adopted. Moreover\, the style is spreading at a breakneck pace via social media. China has become increasingly present in the online lifestyle culture in recent years. An example of this is the online phenomenon ‘Chinamaxxing’\, in which young people in particular are inspired by Chinese culture\, lifestyle\, fashion and beauty. \nThe leading fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue highlights the minimalist nature of Neo-Chinese fashion\, which can be seen as one of the characteristics that contribute to the popularity of this style. The aesthetic fits seamlessly with the minimalist design trend that has been popular in Europe for some time\, in which timeless designs\, high-quality materials and a modest appearance are central. The feeling of luxury also plays a role in this; Due to the emphasis on quality\, material and careful workmanship\, the clothing does not have to be outspoken or striking to make an impression. \nUltimately\, the rise of this trend shows that fashion knows no boundaries. We don’t just copy trends from each other\, but constantly exchange ideas\, styles and influences with each other. What becomes popular in China finds its way to Europe and vice versa. Trends come and go and are influenced by what is going on in the world. Still\, I secretly hope that this style will stay for a while. This way I can bring a little bit of China to my wardrobe\, without having to travel far. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nIn addition to Neo-Chinese fashion\, you can also encounter this on the streets of China: \n(Images A. Swijtink) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sources: \nImage Adidas Tang jacket: adidas Tang Track Jacket New Chinese Style “Focus Olive”- KT3847 \nAnonymous. (2023\, July 18). National Trend – 国朝 (guó cháo). CHIN 3343: Chinese Popular Culture Terms\, Vol. 1. https://uhlibraries.pressbooks.pub/chin3343sp23/chapter/nationaltrend/#:~:text=Guochao%2C%20%E5%9B%BD%E6%9C%9D%2C%20gu%C3%B3%20ch%C3%A1o%2C%20means%20%E2%80%9Cnational%20trend%E2%80%9D.%20This\,faith%20and%20took%20on%20a%20Taoism%20inspired%20look. \nBabayigit\, S. (2026\, January 25). Cultural appreciation: this is why ‘mandarin jackets’ are absolutely not a trend. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/nl/fashion/a70089397/mandarin-jackets-cultural-appropriation/ \nCalloway\, J. (2026\, August 31). Tang Suit Chinese Style: A Beginner’s Guide to Tangzhuang. The Garment Atlas. https://thegarmentatlas.com/asian-traditions/chinese-tang-suit-beginner-guide \nCriales-Unzueta\, J. (2024\, April 8). What is “New Chinese style”? and everything else you missed from Shanghai Fashion Week. British Vogue. \n https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/new-chinese-style-shanghai-fashion-weekNeo Chinese Style Clothing | Modern Chinese fashion. (s.d.). Hanfu Story. \n https://thehanfustory.com/collections/neo-chinese-style卢晓芳. (2026\, March 11). The Rise of Neo-Chinese Style in 2026: Why Modern Chinese Fashion Is Redefining Global Elegance. Luxury Orienta CO.\, LIMITED. \n https://luxeorienta.com/blogs/fashion-trends/the-rise-of-neo-chinese-style-in-2026-why-modern-chinese-fashion-is-redefining-global-eleganceGoudsmit\, L.\, & Goudsmit\, L. (2026\, January 6). Jackets and cardigans with this special closure are an unexpected hit. Vogue NL. https://www.vogue.nl/shoppings/mandarijns-jasje-vest-sluiting/ URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/museum-visit-dragons-and-demons-groninger-museum-2/ LOCATION:Groninger Museum\, Museumeiland 1\, Groningen\, Groningen\, 9711 ME\, Netherlands CATEGORIES:Art and culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Tentoonstellingen2024Draken-en-demonen_1200x670_crop_center-center_95_none_nsDraken-en-Demonen-campagnebeeld.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250519T184500 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250519T220000 DTSTAMP:20250517T110323Z CREATED:20250403T100454Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250517T110323Z UID:10000067-1747680300-1747692000@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:VNC China Pubquiz! DESCRIPTION:by En Shi de Weijer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nWith my traditional Chinese dress\, which is called a qipao in Chinese\, I used to go to school proudly. At the time\, I thought you could only buy something like that in China. I saw Chinese clothing at most once as part of a carnival costume. Now\, a few years later\, I walk through the city and suddenly I see dresses hanging in the Zara that look suspiciously like a qipao. It now suddenly seems to be part of the Dutch street scene\, but how did such a Chinese dress actually end up in Dutch stores? \n \n \n \n \n \nRunning for a Tang jacket\nAt the beginning of this year\, Adidas went viral on the internet with its Chinese New Year collection. One of the most popular items was its own interpretation of the Tang jacket\, which made its debut at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025. The design was inspired by the traditional tangzhuang\, but was combined with the contemporary style that is so characteristic of Adidas. The tangzhuang is a modern version of the magua\, a traditional Chinese garment that was originally worn by soldiers in the army during the Qing Dynasty. The tangzhuang has a long history within Chinese clothing culture and is mainly characterized by the mandarin collar and the characteristic pankou buttons: decorative\, often fabric-covered button closures that are intertwined. Thanks to the enormous online attention\, Adidas brought the jackets exclusively to the Western market and they also proved extremely popular in the Netherlands. They were sold out in a short time and interested parties even had to participate in a draw to have a chance of winning such a jacket at all. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image Adidas website: Viral Adidas Tang jacket\, February 2026) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese identity in fashion\nWhile Adidas seems to have been an important catalyst for the visibility of Chinese fashion elements in the West\, the brand was certainly not the first to bring this style to an international audience. Chinese sports brand Li-Ning combined contemporary clothing with traditional Chinese elements for the first time in 2018. This turned out to be a huge success and a new movement within Chinese fashion emerged. \nElsbeth van Paridon\, sinologist and journalist who has lived and worked in China for years\, knows all about the trends and developments within Chinese fashion and urban culture. “At the moment\, Guochao 国朝 the biggest trend in China\, which means ‘national trend’ in English. In recent years\, Chinese fashion brands and designers have started to look much more at what can be found in their own cultural arsenal\,” says Van Paridon. This is closely related to a growing pride and appreciation for their own culture among Chinese consumers. Pride in one’s own culture was especially fueled during the corona pandemic\, a period in which China was in a very uncertain position internationally. \nIt was a smart move by Adidas to capitalize on that Guochao trend. By working together with Chinese designers\, they came to understand Chinese culture better. In doing so\, they go beyond the traditional\, often stereotypical image of the dragon or the excessive use of the color red. For international brands\, this is the way to connect with the Chinese consumer\, who belongs to one of the most important consumer markets in the world. \nTradition with a modern twist\nBut what exactly is what we see in Dutch clothing stores? For example\, with average denim jackets\, where you can see that the press studs have been replaced by pankou buttons. Van Paridon explains that this falls under the Neo-Chinese style (Xinzhongshi). “This trend is also super popular in China at the moment and also originated from Guohao. It is not traditional clothing\, but the characteristic elements are applied to contemporary silhouettes and materials.” \nWhile traditional Chinese clothing is mainly worn during festivals and ceremonial occasions\, Neo-Chinese fashion translates this tradition into everyday life. The designs are suitable for work\, social occasions and other everyday moments. The essence of traditional clothing is retained\, but given a new interpretation that is in line with contemporary\, global fashion. This creates clothing that is culturally meaningful\, but at the same time fits into everyday life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image En Shi de Weijer: Top of lace with pan-cold buttons in a Dutch shop window)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Many explanations for the increasing popularity\nThere is no one clear explanation for the growing popularity of this style in the Netherlands. The visibility of the style may be partly due to the Chinese diaspora; for Chinese people living abroad\, fashion is a way to express one’s own identity. Wearing Western clothes sometimes lacks the cultural connection for them\, while wearing traditional clothing is too ceremonial. With that\, the Neo-Chinese style offers the perfect combination. \nIn addition\, the hype surrounding the Adidas Tang jacket has greatly enhanced the development. Van Paridon thinks it is therefore not surprising that fast-fashion brands\, which usually adapt quickly to new fashion trends\, go along with this. The visibility among major brands creates extra attention and increases the chance that this aesthetic will be widely adopted. Moreover\, the style is spreading at a breakneck pace via social media. China has become increasingly present in the online lifestyle culture in recent years. An example of this is the online phenomenon ‘Chinamaxxing’\, in which young people in particular are inspired by Chinese culture\, lifestyle\, fashion and beauty. \nThe leading fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue highlights the minimalist nature of Neo-Chinese fashion\, which can be seen as one of the characteristics that contribute to the popularity of this style. The aesthetic fits seamlessly with the minimalist design trend that has been popular in Europe for some time\, in which timeless designs\, high-quality materials and a modest appearance are central. The feeling of luxury also plays a role in this; Due to the emphasis on quality\, material and careful workmanship\, the clothing does not have to be outspoken or striking to make an impression. \nUltimately\, the rise of this trend shows that fashion knows no boundaries. We don’t just copy trends from each other\, but constantly exchange ideas\, styles and influences with each other. What becomes popular in China finds its way to Europe and vice versa. Trends come and go and are influenced by what is going on in the world. Still\, I secretly hope that this style will stay for a while. This way I can bring a little bit of China to my wardrobe\, without having to travel far. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nIn addition to Neo-Chinese fashion\, you can also encounter this on the streets of China: \n(Images A. Swijtink) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sources: \nImage Adidas Tang jacket: adidas Tang Track Jacket New Chinese Style “Focus Olive”- KT3847 \nAnonymous. (2023\, July 18). National Trend – 国朝 (guó cháo). CHIN 3343: Chinese Popular Culture Terms\, Vol. 1. https://uhlibraries.pressbooks.pub/chin3343sp23/chapter/nationaltrend/#:~:text=Guochao%2C%20%E5%9B%BD%E6%9C%9D%2C%20gu%C3%B3%20ch%C3%A1o%2C%20means%20%E2%80%9Cnational%20trend%E2%80%9D.%20This\,faith%20and%20took%20on%20a%20Taoism%20inspired%20look. \nBabayigit\, S. (2026\, January 25). Cultural appreciation: this is why ‘mandarin jackets’ are absolutely not a trend. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/nl/fashion/a70089397/mandarin-jackets-cultural-appropriation/ \nCalloway\, J. (2026\, August 31). Tang Suit Chinese Style: A Beginner’s Guide to Tangzhuang. The Garment Atlas. https://thegarmentatlas.com/asian-traditions/chinese-tang-suit-beginner-guide \nCriales-Unzueta\, J. (2024\, April 8). What is “New Chinese style”? and everything else you missed from Shanghai Fashion Week. British Vogue. \n https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/new-chinese-style-shanghai-fashion-weekNeo Chinese Style Clothing | Modern Chinese fashion. (s.d.). Hanfu Story. \n https://thehanfustory.com/collections/neo-chinese-style卢晓芳. (2026\, March 11). The Rise of Neo-Chinese Style in 2026: Why Modern Chinese Fashion Is Redefining Global Elegance. Luxury Orienta CO.\, LIMITED. \n https://luxeorienta.com/blogs/fashion-trends/the-rise-of-neo-chinese-style-in-2026-why-modern-chinese-fashion-is-redefining-global-eleganceGoudsmit\, L.\, & Goudsmit\, L. (2026\, January 6). Jackets and cardigans with this special closure are an unexpected hit. Vogue NL. https://www.vogue.nl/shoppings/mandarijns-jasje-vest-sluiting/ URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/vnc-china-pubquiz/ LOCATION:FC Den Bosch\, Victorialaan 21\, Den Bosch\, Netherlands CATEGORIES:Economie en zakelijk,VNC event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pubquiz.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250515T170000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250515T200000 DTSTAMP:20250501T084536Z CREATED:20250409T140143Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250501T084536Z UID:10000066-1747328400-1747339200@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:VNC Chinese Eating Club - 15 May in Amsterdam DESCRIPTION:by En Shi de Weijer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nWith my traditional Chinese dress\, which is called a qipao in Chinese\, I used to go to school proudly. At the time\, I thought you could only buy something like that in China. I saw Chinese clothing at most once as part of a carnival costume. Now\, a few years later\, I walk through the city and suddenly I see dresses hanging in the Zara that look suspiciously like a qipao. It now suddenly seems to be part of the Dutch street scene\, but how did such a Chinese dress actually end up in Dutch stores? \n \n \n \n \n \nRunning for a Tang jacket\nAt the beginning of this year\, Adidas went viral on the internet with its Chinese New Year collection. One of the most popular items was its own interpretation of the Tang jacket\, which made its debut at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025. The design was inspired by the traditional tangzhuang\, but was combined with the contemporary style that is so characteristic of Adidas. The tangzhuang is a modern version of the magua\, a traditional Chinese garment that was originally worn by soldiers in the army during the Qing Dynasty. The tangzhuang has a long history within Chinese clothing culture and is mainly characterized by the mandarin collar and the characteristic pankou buttons: decorative\, often fabric-covered button closures that are intertwined. Thanks to the enormous online attention\, Adidas brought the jackets exclusively to the Western market and they also proved extremely popular in the Netherlands. They were sold out in a short time and interested parties even had to participate in a draw to have a chance of winning such a jacket at all. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image Adidas website: Viral Adidas Tang jacket\, February 2026) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese identity in fashion\nWhile Adidas seems to have been an important catalyst for the visibility of Chinese fashion elements in the West\, the brand was certainly not the first to bring this style to an international audience. Chinese sports brand Li-Ning combined contemporary clothing with traditional Chinese elements for the first time in 2018. This turned out to be a huge success and a new movement within Chinese fashion emerged. \nElsbeth van Paridon\, sinologist and journalist who has lived and worked in China for years\, knows all about the trends and developments within Chinese fashion and urban culture. “At the moment\, Guochao 国朝 the biggest trend in China\, which means ‘national trend’ in English. In recent years\, Chinese fashion brands and designers have started to look much more at what can be found in their own cultural arsenal\,” says Van Paridon. This is closely related to a growing pride and appreciation for their own culture among Chinese consumers. Pride in one’s own culture was especially fueled during the corona pandemic\, a period in which China was in a very uncertain position internationally. \nIt was a smart move by Adidas to capitalize on that Guochao trend. By working together with Chinese designers\, they came to understand Chinese culture better. In doing so\, they go beyond the traditional\, often stereotypical image of the dragon or the excessive use of the color red. For international brands\, this is the way to connect with the Chinese consumer\, who belongs to one of the most important consumer markets in the world. \nTradition with a modern twist\nBut what exactly is what we see in Dutch clothing stores? For example\, with average denim jackets\, where you can see that the press studs have been replaced by pankou buttons. Van Paridon explains that this falls under the Neo-Chinese style (Xinzhongshi). “This trend is also super popular in China at the moment and also originated from Guohao. It is not traditional clothing\, but the characteristic elements are applied to contemporary silhouettes and materials.” \nWhile traditional Chinese clothing is mainly worn during festivals and ceremonial occasions\, Neo-Chinese fashion translates this tradition into everyday life. The designs are suitable for work\, social occasions and other everyday moments. The essence of traditional clothing is retained\, but given a new interpretation that is in line with contemporary\, global fashion. This creates clothing that is culturally meaningful\, but at the same time fits into everyday life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image En Shi de Weijer: Top of lace with pan-cold buttons in a Dutch shop window)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Many explanations for the increasing popularity\nThere is no one clear explanation for the growing popularity of this style in the Netherlands. The visibility of the style may be partly due to the Chinese diaspora; for Chinese people living abroad\, fashion is a way to express one’s own identity. Wearing Western clothes sometimes lacks the cultural connection for them\, while wearing traditional clothing is too ceremonial. With that\, the Neo-Chinese style offers the perfect combination. \nIn addition\, the hype surrounding the Adidas Tang jacket has greatly enhanced the development. Van Paridon thinks it is therefore not surprising that fast-fashion brands\, which usually adapt quickly to new fashion trends\, go along with this. The visibility among major brands creates extra attention and increases the chance that this aesthetic will be widely adopted. Moreover\, the style is spreading at a breakneck pace via social media. China has become increasingly present in the online lifestyle culture in recent years. An example of this is the online phenomenon ‘Chinamaxxing’\, in which young people in particular are inspired by Chinese culture\, lifestyle\, fashion and beauty. \nThe leading fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue highlights the minimalist nature of Neo-Chinese fashion\, which can be seen as one of the characteristics that contribute to the popularity of this style. The aesthetic fits seamlessly with the minimalist design trend that has been popular in Europe for some time\, in which timeless designs\, high-quality materials and a modest appearance are central. The feeling of luxury also plays a role in this; Due to the emphasis on quality\, material and careful workmanship\, the clothing does not have to be outspoken or striking to make an impression. \nUltimately\, the rise of this trend shows that fashion knows no boundaries. We don’t just copy trends from each other\, but constantly exchange ideas\, styles and influences with each other. What becomes popular in China finds its way to Europe and vice versa. Trends come and go and are influenced by what is going on in the world. Still\, I secretly hope that this style will stay for a while. This way I can bring a little bit of China to my wardrobe\, without having to travel far. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nIn addition to Neo-Chinese fashion\, you can also encounter this on the streets of China: \n(Images A. Swijtink) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sources: \nImage Adidas Tang jacket: adidas Tang Track Jacket New Chinese Style “Focus Olive”- KT3847 \nAnonymous. (2023\, July 18). National Trend – 国朝 (guó cháo). CHIN 3343: Chinese Popular Culture Terms\, Vol. 1. https://uhlibraries.pressbooks.pub/chin3343sp23/chapter/nationaltrend/#:~:text=Guochao%2C%20%E5%9B%BD%E6%9C%9D%2C%20gu%C3%B3%20ch%C3%A1o%2C%20means%20%E2%80%9Cnational%20trend%E2%80%9D.%20This\,faith%20and%20took%20on%20a%20Taoism%20inspired%20look. \nBabayigit\, S. (2026\, January 25). Cultural appreciation: this is why ‘mandarin jackets’ are absolutely not a trend. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/nl/fashion/a70089397/mandarin-jackets-cultural-appropriation/ \nCalloway\, J. (2026\, August 31). Tang Suit Chinese Style: A Beginner’s Guide to Tangzhuang. The Garment Atlas. https://thegarmentatlas.com/asian-traditions/chinese-tang-suit-beginner-guide \nCriales-Unzueta\, J. (2024\, April 8). What is “New Chinese style”? and everything else you missed from Shanghai Fashion Week. British Vogue. \n https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/new-chinese-style-shanghai-fashion-weekNeo Chinese Style Clothing | Modern Chinese fashion. (s.d.). Hanfu Story. \n https://thehanfustory.com/collections/neo-chinese-style卢晓芳. (2026\, March 11). The Rise of Neo-Chinese Style in 2026: Why Modern Chinese Fashion Is Redefining Global Elegance. Luxury Orienta CO.\, LIMITED. \n https://luxeorienta.com/blogs/fashion-trends/the-rise-of-neo-chinese-style-in-2026-why-modern-chinese-fashion-is-redefining-global-eleganceGoudsmit\, L.\, & Goudsmit\, L. (2026\, January 6). Jackets and cardigans with this special closure are an unexpected hit. Vogue NL. https://www.vogue.nl/shoppings/mandarijns-jasje-vest-sluiting/ URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/vnc-chinese-eetclub/ LOCATION:Full Moon Garden – Dim Sum & Cantonese Cuisine\, Leidsestraat 95\, Amsterdam\, 1017 NZ\, Netherlands CATEGORIES:Art and culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/food-china-3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250510T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250510T130000 DTSTAMP:20250506T130713Z CREATED:20250312T130500Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250506T130713Z UID:10000065-1746874800-1746882000@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:General Members Meeting VNC DESCRIPTION:by En Shi de Weijer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nWith my traditional Chinese dress\, which is called a qipao in Chinese\, I used to go to school proudly. At the time\, I thought you could only buy something like that in China. I saw Chinese clothing at most once as part of a carnival costume. Now\, a few years later\, I walk through the city and suddenly I see dresses hanging in the Zara that look suspiciously like a qipao. It now suddenly seems to be part of the Dutch street scene\, but how did such a Chinese dress actually end up in Dutch stores? \n \n \n \n \n \nRunning for a Tang jacket\nAt the beginning of this year\, Adidas went viral on the internet with its Chinese New Year collection. One of the most popular items was its own interpretation of the Tang jacket\, which made its debut at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025. The design was inspired by the traditional tangzhuang\, but was combined with the contemporary style that is so characteristic of Adidas. The tangzhuang is a modern version of the magua\, a traditional Chinese garment that was originally worn by soldiers in the army during the Qing Dynasty. The tangzhuang has a long history within Chinese clothing culture and is mainly characterized by the mandarin collar and the characteristic pankou buttons: decorative\, often fabric-covered button closures that are intertwined. Thanks to the enormous online attention\, Adidas brought the jackets exclusively to the Western market and they also proved extremely popular in the Netherlands. They were sold out in a short time and interested parties even had to participate in a draw to have a chance of winning such a jacket at all. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image Adidas website: Viral Adidas Tang jacket\, February 2026) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese identity in fashion\nWhile Adidas seems to have been an important catalyst for the visibility of Chinese fashion elements in the West\, the brand was certainly not the first to bring this style to an international audience. Chinese sports brand Li-Ning combined contemporary clothing with traditional Chinese elements for the first time in 2018. This turned out to be a huge success and a new movement within Chinese fashion emerged. \nElsbeth van Paridon\, sinologist and journalist who has lived and worked in China for years\, knows all about the trends and developments within Chinese fashion and urban culture. “At the moment\, Guochao 国朝 the biggest trend in China\, which means ‘national trend’ in English. In recent years\, Chinese fashion brands and designers have started to look much more at what can be found in their own cultural arsenal\,” says Van Paridon. This is closely related to a growing pride and appreciation for their own culture among Chinese consumers. Pride in one’s own culture was especially fueled during the corona pandemic\, a period in which China was in a very uncertain position internationally. \nIt was a smart move by Adidas to capitalize on that Guochao trend. By working together with Chinese designers\, they came to understand Chinese culture better. In doing so\, they go beyond the traditional\, often stereotypical image of the dragon or the excessive use of the color red. For international brands\, this is the way to connect with the Chinese consumer\, who belongs to one of the most important consumer markets in the world. \nTradition with a modern twist\nBut what exactly is what we see in Dutch clothing stores? For example\, with average denim jackets\, where you can see that the press studs have been replaced by pankou buttons. Van Paridon explains that this falls under the Neo-Chinese style (Xinzhongshi). “This trend is also super popular in China at the moment and also originated from Guohao. It is not traditional clothing\, but the characteristic elements are applied to contemporary silhouettes and materials.” \nWhile traditional Chinese clothing is mainly worn during festivals and ceremonial occasions\, Neo-Chinese fashion translates this tradition into everyday life. The designs are suitable for work\, social occasions and other everyday moments. The essence of traditional clothing is retained\, but given a new interpretation that is in line with contemporary\, global fashion. This creates clothing that is culturally meaningful\, but at the same time fits into everyday life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image En Shi de Weijer: Top of lace with pan-cold buttons in a Dutch shop window)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Many explanations for the increasing popularity\nThere is no one clear explanation for the growing popularity of this style in the Netherlands. The visibility of the style may be partly due to the Chinese diaspora; for Chinese people living abroad\, fashion is a way to express one’s own identity. Wearing Western clothes sometimes lacks the cultural connection for them\, while wearing traditional clothing is too ceremonial. With that\, the Neo-Chinese style offers the perfect combination. \nIn addition\, the hype surrounding the Adidas Tang jacket has greatly enhanced the development. Van Paridon thinks it is therefore not surprising that fast-fashion brands\, which usually adapt quickly to new fashion trends\, go along with this. The visibility among major brands creates extra attention and increases the chance that this aesthetic will be widely adopted. Moreover\, the style is spreading at a breakneck pace via social media. China has become increasingly present in the online lifestyle culture in recent years. An example of this is the online phenomenon ‘Chinamaxxing’\, in which young people in particular are inspired by Chinese culture\, lifestyle\, fashion and beauty. \nThe leading fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue highlights the minimalist nature of Neo-Chinese fashion\, which can be seen as one of the characteristics that contribute to the popularity of this style. The aesthetic fits seamlessly with the minimalist design trend that has been popular in Europe for some time\, in which timeless designs\, high-quality materials and a modest appearance are central. The feeling of luxury also plays a role in this; Due to the emphasis on quality\, material and careful workmanship\, the clothing does not have to be outspoken or striking to make an impression. \nUltimately\, the rise of this trend shows that fashion knows no boundaries. We don’t just copy trends from each other\, but constantly exchange ideas\, styles and influences with each other. What becomes popular in China finds its way to Europe and vice versa. Trends come and go and are influenced by what is going on in the world. Still\, I secretly hope that this style will stay for a while. This way I can bring a little bit of China to my wardrobe\, without having to travel far. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nIn addition to Neo-Chinese fashion\, you can also encounter this on the streets of China: \n(Images A. Swijtink) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sources: \nImage Adidas Tang jacket: adidas Tang Track Jacket New Chinese Style “Focus Olive”- KT3847 \nAnonymous. (2023\, July 18). National Trend – 国朝 (guó cháo). CHIN 3343: Chinese Popular Culture Terms\, Vol. 1. https://uhlibraries.pressbooks.pub/chin3343sp23/chapter/nationaltrend/#:~:text=Guochao%2C%20%E5%9B%BD%E6%9C%9D%2C%20gu%C3%B3%20ch%C3%A1o%2C%20means%20%E2%80%9Cnational%20trend%E2%80%9D.%20This\,faith%20and%20took%20on%20a%20Taoism%20inspired%20look. \nBabayigit\, S. (2026\, January 25). Cultural appreciation: this is why ‘mandarin jackets’ are absolutely not a trend. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/nl/fashion/a70089397/mandarin-jackets-cultural-appropriation/ \nCalloway\, J. (2026\, August 31). Tang Suit Chinese Style: A Beginner’s Guide to Tangzhuang. The Garment Atlas. https://thegarmentatlas.com/asian-traditions/chinese-tang-suit-beginner-guide \nCriales-Unzueta\, J. (2024\, April 8). What is “New Chinese style”? and everything else you missed from Shanghai Fashion Week. British Vogue. \n https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/new-chinese-style-shanghai-fashion-weekNeo Chinese Style Clothing | Modern Chinese fashion. (s.d.). Hanfu Story. \n https://thehanfustory.com/collections/neo-chinese-style卢晓芳. (2026\, March 11). The Rise of Neo-Chinese Style in 2026: Why Modern Chinese Fashion Is Redefining Global Elegance. Luxury Orienta CO.\, LIMITED. \n https://luxeorienta.com/blogs/fashion-trends/the-rise-of-neo-chinese-style-in-2026-why-modern-chinese-fashion-is-redefining-global-eleganceGoudsmit\, L.\, & Goudsmit\, L. (2026\, January 6). Jackets and cardigans with this special closure are an unexpected hit. Vogue NL. https://www.vogue.nl/shoppings/mandarijns-jasje-vest-sluiting/ URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/algemene-ledenvergadering-vnc/ LOCATION:VNC kantoor\, Burgemeester van Karnebeeklaan 6\, Den Haag\, 2585BB CATEGORIES:VNC event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/VNC_NL-tekst_900x455px.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250324T170000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250324T190000 DTSTAMP:20250313T085840Z CREATED:20250221T121412Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250313T085840Z UID:10000047-1742835600-1742842800@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:China Café - China’s ambitions in the AI domain DESCRIPTION:by En Shi de Weijer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nWith my traditional Chinese dress\, which is called a qipao in Chinese\, I used to go to school proudly. At the time\, I thought you could only buy something like that in China. I saw Chinese clothing at most once as part of a carnival costume. Now\, a few years later\, I walk through the city and suddenly I see dresses hanging in the Zara that look suspiciously like a qipao. It now suddenly seems to be part of the Dutch street scene\, but how did such a Chinese dress actually end up in Dutch stores? \n \n \n \n \n \nRunning for a Tang jacket\nAt the beginning of this year\, Adidas went viral on the internet with its Chinese New Year collection. One of the most popular items was its own interpretation of the Tang jacket\, which made its debut at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025. The design was inspired by the traditional tangzhuang\, but was combined with the contemporary style that is so characteristic of Adidas. The tangzhuang is a modern version of the magua\, a traditional Chinese garment that was originally worn by soldiers in the army during the Qing Dynasty. The tangzhuang has a long history within Chinese clothing culture and is mainly characterized by the mandarin collar and the characteristic pankou buttons: decorative\, often fabric-covered button closures that are intertwined. Thanks to the enormous online attention\, Adidas brought the jackets exclusively to the Western market and they also proved extremely popular in the Netherlands. They were sold out in a short time and interested parties even had to participate in a draw to have a chance of winning such a jacket at all. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image Adidas website: Viral Adidas Tang jacket\, February 2026) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese identity in fashion\nWhile Adidas seems to have been an important catalyst for the visibility of Chinese fashion elements in the West\, the brand was certainly not the first to bring this style to an international audience. Chinese sports brand Li-Ning combined contemporary clothing with traditional Chinese elements for the first time in 2018. This turned out to be a huge success and a new movement within Chinese fashion emerged. \nElsbeth van Paridon\, sinologist and journalist who has lived and worked in China for years\, knows all about the trends and developments within Chinese fashion and urban culture. “At the moment\, Guochao 国朝 the biggest trend in China\, which means ‘national trend’ in English. In recent years\, Chinese fashion brands and designers have started to look much more at what can be found in their own cultural arsenal\,” says Van Paridon. This is closely related to a growing pride and appreciation for their own culture among Chinese consumers. Pride in one’s own culture was especially fueled during the corona pandemic\, a period in which China was in a very uncertain position internationally. \nIt was a smart move by Adidas to capitalize on that Guochao trend. By working together with Chinese designers\, they came to understand Chinese culture better. In doing so\, they go beyond the traditional\, often stereotypical image of the dragon or the excessive use of the color red. For international brands\, this is the way to connect with the Chinese consumer\, who belongs to one of the most important consumer markets in the world. \nTradition with a modern twist\nBut what exactly is what we see in Dutch clothing stores? For example\, with average denim jackets\, where you can see that the press studs have been replaced by pankou buttons. Van Paridon explains that this falls under the Neo-Chinese style (Xinzhongshi). “This trend is also super popular in China at the moment and also originated from Guohao. It is not traditional clothing\, but the characteristic elements are applied to contemporary silhouettes and materials.” \nWhile traditional Chinese clothing is mainly worn during festivals and ceremonial occasions\, Neo-Chinese fashion translates this tradition into everyday life. The designs are suitable for work\, social occasions and other everyday moments. The essence of traditional clothing is retained\, but given a new interpretation that is in line with contemporary\, global fashion. This creates clothing that is culturally meaningful\, but at the same time fits into everyday life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image En Shi de Weijer: Top of lace with pan-cold buttons in a Dutch shop window)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Many explanations for the increasing popularity\nThere is no one clear explanation for the growing popularity of this style in the Netherlands. The visibility of the style may be partly due to the Chinese diaspora; for Chinese people living abroad\, fashion is a way to express one’s own identity. Wearing Western clothes sometimes lacks the cultural connection for them\, while wearing traditional clothing is too ceremonial. With that\, the Neo-Chinese style offers the perfect combination. \nIn addition\, the hype surrounding the Adidas Tang jacket has greatly enhanced the development. Van Paridon thinks it is therefore not surprising that fast-fashion brands\, which usually adapt quickly to new fashion trends\, go along with this. The visibility among major brands creates extra attention and increases the chance that this aesthetic will be widely adopted. Moreover\, the style is spreading at a breakneck pace via social media. China has become increasingly present in the online lifestyle culture in recent years. An example of this is the online phenomenon ‘Chinamaxxing’\, in which young people in particular are inspired by Chinese culture\, lifestyle\, fashion and beauty. \nThe leading fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue highlights the minimalist nature of Neo-Chinese fashion\, which can be seen as one of the characteristics that contribute to the popularity of this style. The aesthetic fits seamlessly with the minimalist design trend that has been popular in Europe for some time\, in which timeless designs\, high-quality materials and a modest appearance are central. The feeling of luxury also plays a role in this; Due to the emphasis on quality\, material and careful workmanship\, the clothing does not have to be outspoken or striking to make an impression. \nUltimately\, the rise of this trend shows that fashion knows no boundaries. We don’t just copy trends from each other\, but constantly exchange ideas\, styles and influences with each other. What becomes popular in China finds its way to Europe and vice versa. Trends come and go and are influenced by what is going on in the world. Still\, I secretly hope that this style will stay for a while. This way I can bring a little bit of China to my wardrobe\, without having to travel far. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nIn addition to Neo-Chinese fashion\, you can also encounter this on the streets of China: \n(Images A. Swijtink) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sources: \nImage Adidas Tang jacket: adidas Tang Track Jacket New Chinese Style “Focus Olive”- KT3847 \nAnonymous. (2023\, July 18). National Trend – 国朝 (guó cháo). CHIN 3343: Chinese Popular Culture Terms\, Vol. 1. https://uhlibraries.pressbooks.pub/chin3343sp23/chapter/nationaltrend/#:~:text=Guochao%2C%20%E5%9B%BD%E6%9C%9D%2C%20gu%C3%B3%20ch%C3%A1o%2C%20means%20%E2%80%9Cnational%20trend%E2%80%9D.%20This\,faith%20and%20took%20on%20a%20Taoism%20inspired%20look. \nBabayigit\, S. (2026\, January 25). Cultural appreciation: this is why ‘mandarin jackets’ are absolutely not a trend. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/nl/fashion/a70089397/mandarin-jackets-cultural-appropriation/ \nCalloway\, J. (2026\, August 31). Tang Suit Chinese Style: A Beginner’s Guide to Tangzhuang. The Garment Atlas. https://thegarmentatlas.com/asian-traditions/chinese-tang-suit-beginner-guide \nCriales-Unzueta\, J. (2024\, April 8). What is “New Chinese style”? and everything else you missed from Shanghai Fashion Week. British Vogue. \n https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/new-chinese-style-shanghai-fashion-weekNeo Chinese Style Clothing | Modern Chinese fashion. (s.d.). Hanfu Story. \n https://thehanfustory.com/collections/neo-chinese-style卢晓芳. (2026\, March 11). The Rise of Neo-Chinese Style in 2026: Why Modern Chinese Fashion Is Redefining Global Elegance. Luxury Orienta CO.\, LIMITED. \n https://luxeorienta.com/blogs/fashion-trends/the-rise-of-neo-chinese-style-in-2026-why-modern-chinese-fashion-is-redefining-global-eleganceGoudsmit\, L.\, & Goudsmit\, L. (2026\, January 6). Jackets and cardigans with this special closure are an unexpected hit. Vogue NL. https://www.vogue.nl/shoppings/mandarijns-jasje-vest-sluiting/ URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/24-maart-china-cafe-over-chinas-ambities-op-het-gebied-van-ai/ LOCATION:De Utrechter Stadsbrasserie en Bar\, Vredenburg 40\, Utrecht\, 3511 BD CATEGORIES:China Cafe calendar,Economie en zakelijk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/foto-china-cafe.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250303T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250303T203000 DTSTAMP:20250413T111027Z CREATED:20250218T154433Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250413T111027Z UID:10000063-1741030200-1741033800@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Informatie bijeenkomst -Tafeltenniskamp te Shanghai 26 juli t/m 9 augustus 2025 DESCRIPTION:by En Shi de Weijer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nWith my traditional Chinese dress\, which is called a qipao in Chinese\, I used to go to school proudly. At the time\, I thought you could only buy something like that in China. I saw Chinese clothing at most once as part of a carnival costume. Now\, a few years later\, I walk through the city and suddenly I see dresses hanging in the Zara that look suspiciously like a qipao. It now suddenly seems to be part of the Dutch street scene\, but how did such a Chinese dress actually end up in Dutch stores? \n \n \n \n \n \nRunning for a Tang jacket\nAt the beginning of this year\, Adidas went viral on the internet with its Chinese New Year collection. One of the most popular items was its own interpretation of the Tang jacket\, which made its debut at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025. The design was inspired by the traditional tangzhuang\, but was combined with the contemporary style that is so characteristic of Adidas. The tangzhuang is a modern version of the magua\, a traditional Chinese garment that was originally worn by soldiers in the army during the Qing Dynasty. The tangzhuang has a long history within Chinese clothing culture and is mainly characterized by the mandarin collar and the characteristic pankou buttons: decorative\, often fabric-covered button closures that are intertwined. Thanks to the enormous online attention\, Adidas brought the jackets exclusively to the Western market and they also proved extremely popular in the Netherlands. They were sold out in a short time and interested parties even had to participate in a draw to have a chance of winning such a jacket at all. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image Adidas website: Viral Adidas Tang jacket\, February 2026) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese identity in fashion\nWhile Adidas seems to have been an important catalyst for the visibility of Chinese fashion elements in the West\, the brand was certainly not the first to bring this style to an international audience. Chinese sports brand Li-Ning combined contemporary clothing with traditional Chinese elements for the first time in 2018. This turned out to be a huge success and a new movement within Chinese fashion emerged. \nElsbeth van Paridon\, sinologist and journalist who has lived and worked in China for years\, knows all about the trends and developments within Chinese fashion and urban culture. “At the moment\, Guochao 国朝 the biggest trend in China\, which means ‘national trend’ in English. In recent years\, Chinese fashion brands and designers have started to look much more at what can be found in their own cultural arsenal\,” says Van Paridon. This is closely related to a growing pride and appreciation for their own culture among Chinese consumers. Pride in one’s own culture was especially fueled during the corona pandemic\, a period in which China was in a very uncertain position internationally. \nIt was a smart move by Adidas to capitalize on that Guochao trend. By working together with Chinese designers\, they came to understand Chinese culture better. In doing so\, they go beyond the traditional\, often stereotypical image of the dragon or the excessive use of the color red. For international brands\, this is the way to connect with the Chinese consumer\, who belongs to one of the most important consumer markets in the world. \nTradition with a modern twist\nBut what exactly is what we see in Dutch clothing stores? For example\, with average denim jackets\, where you can see that the press studs have been replaced by pankou buttons. Van Paridon explains that this falls under the Neo-Chinese style (Xinzhongshi). “This trend is also super popular in China at the moment and also originated from Guohao. It is not traditional clothing\, but the characteristic elements are applied to contemporary silhouettes and materials.” \nWhile traditional Chinese clothing is mainly worn during festivals and ceremonial occasions\, Neo-Chinese fashion translates this tradition into everyday life. The designs are suitable for work\, social occasions and other everyday moments. The essence of traditional clothing is retained\, but given a new interpretation that is in line with contemporary\, global fashion. This creates clothing that is culturally meaningful\, but at the same time fits into everyday life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image En Shi de Weijer: Top of lace with pan-cold buttons in a Dutch shop window)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Many explanations for the increasing popularity\nThere is no one clear explanation for the growing popularity of this style in the Netherlands. The visibility of the style may be partly due to the Chinese diaspora; for Chinese people living abroad\, fashion is a way to express one’s own identity. Wearing Western clothes sometimes lacks the cultural connection for them\, while wearing traditional clothing is too ceremonial. With that\, the Neo-Chinese style offers the perfect combination. \nIn addition\, the hype surrounding the Adidas Tang jacket has greatly enhanced the development. Van Paridon thinks it is therefore not surprising that fast-fashion brands\, which usually adapt quickly to new fashion trends\, go along with this. The visibility among major brands creates extra attention and increases the chance that this aesthetic will be widely adopted. Moreover\, the style is spreading at a breakneck pace via social media. China has become increasingly present in the online lifestyle culture in recent years. An example of this is the online phenomenon ‘Chinamaxxing’\, in which young people in particular are inspired by Chinese culture\, lifestyle\, fashion and beauty. \nThe leading fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue highlights the minimalist nature of Neo-Chinese fashion\, which can be seen as one of the characteristics that contribute to the popularity of this style. The aesthetic fits seamlessly with the minimalist design trend that has been popular in Europe for some time\, in which timeless designs\, high-quality materials and a modest appearance are central. The feeling of luxury also plays a role in this; Due to the emphasis on quality\, material and careful workmanship\, the clothing does not have to be outspoken or striking to make an impression. \nUltimately\, the rise of this trend shows that fashion knows no boundaries. We don’t just copy trends from each other\, but constantly exchange ideas\, styles and influences with each other. What becomes popular in China finds its way to Europe and vice versa. Trends come and go and are influenced by what is going on in the world. Still\, I secretly hope that this style will stay for a while. This way I can bring a little bit of China to my wardrobe\, without having to travel far. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nIn addition to Neo-Chinese fashion\, you can also encounter this on the streets of China: \n(Images A. Swijtink) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sources: \nImage Adidas Tang jacket: adidas Tang Track Jacket New Chinese Style “Focus Olive”- KT3847 \nAnonymous. (2023\, July 18). National Trend – 国朝 (guó cháo). CHIN 3343: Chinese Popular Culture Terms\, Vol. 1. https://uhlibraries.pressbooks.pub/chin3343sp23/chapter/nationaltrend/#:~:text=Guochao%2C%20%E5%9B%BD%E6%9C%9D%2C%20gu%C3%B3%20ch%C3%A1o%2C%20means%20%E2%80%9Cnational%20trend%E2%80%9D.%20This\,faith%20and%20took%20on%20a%20Taoism%20inspired%20look. \nBabayigit\, S. (2026\, January 25). Cultural appreciation: this is why ‘mandarin jackets’ are absolutely not a trend. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/nl/fashion/a70089397/mandarin-jackets-cultural-appropriation/ \nCalloway\, J. (2026\, August 31). Tang Suit Chinese Style: A Beginner’s Guide to Tangzhuang. The Garment Atlas. https://thegarmentatlas.com/asian-traditions/chinese-tang-suit-beginner-guide \nCriales-Unzueta\, J. (2024\, April 8). What is “New Chinese style”? and everything else you missed from Shanghai Fashion Week. British Vogue. \n https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/new-chinese-style-shanghai-fashion-weekNeo Chinese Style Clothing | Modern Chinese fashion. (s.d.). Hanfu Story. \n https://thehanfustory.com/collections/neo-chinese-style卢晓芳. (2026\, March 11). The Rise of Neo-Chinese Style in 2026: Why Modern Chinese Fashion Is Redefining Global Elegance. Luxury Orienta CO.\, LIMITED. \n https://luxeorienta.com/blogs/fashion-trends/the-rise-of-neo-chinese-style-in-2026-why-modern-chinese-fashion-is-redefining-global-eleganceGoudsmit\, L.\, & Goudsmit\, L. (2026\, January 6). Jackets and cardigans with this special closure are an unexpected hit. Vogue NL. https://www.vogue.nl/shoppings/mandarijns-jasje-vest-sluiting/ URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/informatie-bijeenkomst-tafeltenniskamp-te-shanghai-26-juli-t-m-9-augustus-2025/ LOCATION:Tafeltennisvereniging Tempo-Team\, President Kennedylaan 5\, Amsterdam CATEGORIES:Art and culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/22_0101_CTTCShanghaitrainingssessieyoutube.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250204T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250204T210000 DTSTAMP:20241204T154841Z CREATED:20241009T215338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241204T154841Z UID:10000037-1738697400-1738702800@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Feb. 4\, 2025 - Bettine Vriesekoop at the University of Twente DESCRIPTION:by En Shi de Weijer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nWith my traditional Chinese dress\, which is called a qipao in Chinese\, I used to go to school proudly. At the time\, I thought you could only buy something like that in China. I saw Chinese clothing at most once as part of a carnival costume. Now\, a few years later\, I walk through the city and suddenly I see dresses hanging in the Zara that look suspiciously like a qipao. It now suddenly seems to be part of the Dutch street scene\, but how did such a Chinese dress actually end up in Dutch stores? \n \n \n \n \n \nRunning for a Tang jacket\nAt the beginning of this year\, Adidas went viral on the internet with its Chinese New Year collection. One of the most popular items was its own interpretation of the Tang jacket\, which made its debut at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025. The design was inspired by the traditional tangzhuang\, but was combined with the contemporary style that is so characteristic of Adidas. The tangzhuang is a modern version of the magua\, a traditional Chinese garment that was originally worn by soldiers in the army during the Qing Dynasty. The tangzhuang has a long history within Chinese clothing culture and is mainly characterized by the mandarin collar and the characteristic pankou buttons: decorative\, often fabric-covered button closures that are intertwined. Thanks to the enormous online attention\, Adidas brought the jackets exclusively to the Western market and they also proved extremely popular in the Netherlands. They were sold out in a short time and interested parties even had to participate in a draw to have a chance of winning such a jacket at all. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image Adidas website: Viral Adidas Tang jacket\, February 2026) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese identity in fashion\nWhile Adidas seems to have been an important catalyst for the visibility of Chinese fashion elements in the West\, the brand was certainly not the first to bring this style to an international audience. Chinese sports brand Li-Ning combined contemporary clothing with traditional Chinese elements for the first time in 2018. This turned out to be a huge success and a new movement within Chinese fashion emerged. \nElsbeth van Paridon\, sinologist and journalist who has lived and worked in China for years\, knows all about the trends and developments within Chinese fashion and urban culture. “At the moment\, Guochao 国朝 the biggest trend in China\, which means ‘national trend’ in English. In recent years\, Chinese fashion brands and designers have started to look much more at what can be found in their own cultural arsenal\,” says Van Paridon. This is closely related to a growing pride and appreciation for their own culture among Chinese consumers. Pride in one’s own culture was especially fueled during the corona pandemic\, a period in which China was in a very uncertain position internationally. \nIt was a smart move by Adidas to capitalize on that Guochao trend. By working together with Chinese designers\, they came to understand Chinese culture better. In doing so\, they go beyond the traditional\, often stereotypical image of the dragon or the excessive use of the color red. For international brands\, this is the way to connect with the Chinese consumer\, who belongs to one of the most important consumer markets in the world. \nTradition with a modern twist\nBut what exactly is what we see in Dutch clothing stores? For example\, with average denim jackets\, where you can see that the press studs have been replaced by pankou buttons. Van Paridon explains that this falls under the Neo-Chinese style (Xinzhongshi). “This trend is also super popular in China at the moment and also originated from Guohao. It is not traditional clothing\, but the characteristic elements are applied to contemporary silhouettes and materials.” \nWhile traditional Chinese clothing is mainly worn during festivals and ceremonial occasions\, Neo-Chinese fashion translates this tradition into everyday life. The designs are suitable for work\, social occasions and other everyday moments. The essence of traditional clothing is retained\, but given a new interpretation that is in line with contemporary\, global fashion. This creates clothing that is culturally meaningful\, but at the same time fits into everyday life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image En Shi de Weijer: Top of lace with pan-cold buttons in a Dutch shop window)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Many explanations for the increasing popularity\nThere is no one clear explanation for the growing popularity of this style in the Netherlands. The visibility of the style may be partly due to the Chinese diaspora; for Chinese people living abroad\, fashion is a way to express one’s own identity. Wearing Western clothes sometimes lacks the cultural connection for them\, while wearing traditional clothing is too ceremonial. With that\, the Neo-Chinese style offers the perfect combination. \nIn addition\, the hype surrounding the Adidas Tang jacket has greatly enhanced the development. Van Paridon thinks it is therefore not surprising that fast-fashion brands\, which usually adapt quickly to new fashion trends\, go along with this. The visibility among major brands creates extra attention and increases the chance that this aesthetic will be widely adopted. Moreover\, the style is spreading at a breakneck pace via social media. China has become increasingly present in the online lifestyle culture in recent years. An example of this is the online phenomenon ‘Chinamaxxing’\, in which young people in particular are inspired by Chinese culture\, lifestyle\, fashion and beauty. \nThe leading fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue highlights the minimalist nature of Neo-Chinese fashion\, which can be seen as one of the characteristics that contribute to the popularity of this style. The aesthetic fits seamlessly with the minimalist design trend that has been popular in Europe for some time\, in which timeless designs\, high-quality materials and a modest appearance are central. The feeling of luxury also plays a role in this; Due to the emphasis on quality\, material and careful workmanship\, the clothing does not have to be outspoken or striking to make an impression. \nUltimately\, the rise of this trend shows that fashion knows no boundaries. We don’t just copy trends from each other\, but constantly exchange ideas\, styles and influences with each other. What becomes popular in China finds its way to Europe and vice versa. Trends come and go and are influenced by what is going on in the world. Still\, I secretly hope that this style will stay for a while. This way I can bring a little bit of China to my wardrobe\, without having to travel far. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nIn addition to Neo-Chinese fashion\, you can also encounter this on the streets of China: \n(Images A. Swijtink) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sources: \nImage Adidas Tang jacket: adidas Tang Track Jacket New Chinese Style “Focus Olive”- KT3847 \nAnonymous. (2023\, July 18). National Trend – 国朝 (guó cháo). CHIN 3343: Chinese Popular Culture Terms\, Vol. 1. https://uhlibraries.pressbooks.pub/chin3343sp23/chapter/nationaltrend/#:~:text=Guochao%2C%20%E5%9B%BD%E6%9C%9D%2C%20gu%C3%B3%20ch%C3%A1o%2C%20means%20%E2%80%9Cnational%20trend%E2%80%9D.%20This\,faith%20and%20took%20on%20a%20Taoism%20inspired%20look. \nBabayigit\, S. (2026\, January 25). Cultural appreciation: this is why ‘mandarin jackets’ are absolutely not a trend. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/nl/fashion/a70089397/mandarin-jackets-cultural-appropriation/ \nCalloway\, J. (2026\, August 31). Tang Suit Chinese Style: A Beginner’s Guide to Tangzhuang. The Garment Atlas. https://thegarmentatlas.com/asian-traditions/chinese-tang-suit-beginner-guide \nCriales-Unzueta\, J. (2024\, April 8). What is “New Chinese style”? and everything else you missed from Shanghai Fashion Week. British Vogue. \n https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/new-chinese-style-shanghai-fashion-weekNeo Chinese Style Clothing | Modern Chinese fashion. (s.d.). Hanfu Story. \n https://thehanfustory.com/collections/neo-chinese-style卢晓芳. (2026\, March 11). The Rise of Neo-Chinese Style in 2026: Why Modern Chinese Fashion Is Redefining Global Elegance. Luxury Orienta CO.\, LIMITED. \n https://luxeorienta.com/blogs/fashion-trends/the-rise-of-neo-chinese-style-in-2026-why-modern-chinese-fashion-is-redefining-global-eleganceGoudsmit\, L.\, & Goudsmit\, L. (2026\, January 6). Jackets and cardigans with this special closure are an unexpected hit. Vogue NL. https://www.vogue.nl/shoppings/mandarijns-jasje-vest-sluiting/ URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/feb-4-2025-bettine-vriesekoop-at-the-university-of-twente/ CATEGORIES:Education and science ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Jubileumartikel-interview-met-Bettine-Vriesekoop.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250109T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250109T150000 DTSTAMP:20241219T180903Z CREATED:20241203T130909Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241219T180903Z UID:10000036-1736431200-1736434800@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Visit the 'Wu Zetian' exhibition with VNC DESCRIPTION:by En Shi de Weijer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nWith my traditional Chinese dress\, which is called a qipao in Chinese\, I used to go to school proudly. At the time\, I thought you could only buy something like that in China. I saw Chinese clothing at most once as part of a carnival costume. Now\, a few years later\, I walk through the city and suddenly I see dresses hanging in the Zara that look suspiciously like a qipao. It now suddenly seems to be part of the Dutch street scene\, but how did such a Chinese dress actually end up in Dutch stores? \n \n \n \n \n \nRunning for a Tang jacket\nAt the beginning of this year\, Adidas went viral on the internet with its Chinese New Year collection. One of the most popular items was its own interpretation of the Tang jacket\, which made its debut at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025. The design was inspired by the traditional tangzhuang\, but was combined with the contemporary style that is so characteristic of Adidas. The tangzhuang is a modern version of the magua\, a traditional Chinese garment that was originally worn by soldiers in the army during the Qing Dynasty. The tangzhuang has a long history within Chinese clothing culture and is mainly characterized by the mandarin collar and the characteristic pankou buttons: decorative\, often fabric-covered button closures that are intertwined. Thanks to the enormous online attention\, Adidas brought the jackets exclusively to the Western market and they also proved extremely popular in the Netherlands. They were sold out in a short time and interested parties even had to participate in a draw to have a chance of winning such a jacket at all. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image Adidas website: Viral Adidas Tang jacket\, February 2026) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese identity in fashion\nWhile Adidas seems to have been an important catalyst for the visibility of Chinese fashion elements in the West\, the brand was certainly not the first to bring this style to an international audience. Chinese sports brand Li-Ning combined contemporary clothing with traditional Chinese elements for the first time in 2018. This turned out to be a huge success and a new movement within Chinese fashion emerged. \nElsbeth van Paridon\, sinologist and journalist who has lived and worked in China for years\, knows all about the trends and developments within Chinese fashion and urban culture. “At the moment\, Guochao 国朝 the biggest trend in China\, which means ‘national trend’ in English. In recent years\, Chinese fashion brands and designers have started to look much more at what can be found in their own cultural arsenal\,” says Van Paridon. This is closely related to a growing pride and appreciation for their own culture among Chinese consumers. Pride in one’s own culture was especially fueled during the corona pandemic\, a period in which China was in a very uncertain position internationally. \nIt was a smart move by Adidas to capitalize on that Guochao trend. By working together with Chinese designers\, they came to understand Chinese culture better. In doing so\, they go beyond the traditional\, often stereotypical image of the dragon or the excessive use of the color red. For international brands\, this is the way to connect with the Chinese consumer\, who belongs to one of the most important consumer markets in the world. \nTradition with a modern twist\nBut what exactly is what we see in Dutch clothing stores? For example\, with average denim jackets\, where you can see that the press studs have been replaced by pankou buttons. Van Paridon explains that this falls under the Neo-Chinese style (Xinzhongshi). “This trend is also super popular in China at the moment and also originated from Guohao. It is not traditional clothing\, but the characteristic elements are applied to contemporary silhouettes and materials.” \nWhile traditional Chinese clothing is mainly worn during festivals and ceremonial occasions\, Neo-Chinese fashion translates this tradition into everyday life. The designs are suitable for work\, social occasions and other everyday moments. The essence of traditional clothing is retained\, but given a new interpretation that is in line with contemporary\, global fashion. This creates clothing that is culturally meaningful\, but at the same time fits into everyday life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image En Shi de Weijer: Top of lace with pan-cold buttons in a Dutch shop window)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Many explanations for the increasing popularity\nThere is no one clear explanation for the growing popularity of this style in the Netherlands. The visibility of the style may be partly due to the Chinese diaspora; for Chinese people living abroad\, fashion is a way to express one’s own identity. Wearing Western clothes sometimes lacks the cultural connection for them\, while wearing traditional clothing is too ceremonial. With that\, the Neo-Chinese style offers the perfect combination. \nIn addition\, the hype surrounding the Adidas Tang jacket has greatly enhanced the development. Van Paridon thinks it is therefore not surprising that fast-fashion brands\, which usually adapt quickly to new fashion trends\, go along with this. The visibility among major brands creates extra attention and increases the chance that this aesthetic will be widely adopted. Moreover\, the style is spreading at a breakneck pace via social media. China has become increasingly present in the online lifestyle culture in recent years. An example of this is the online phenomenon ‘Chinamaxxing’\, in which young people in particular are inspired by Chinese culture\, lifestyle\, fashion and beauty. \nThe leading fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue highlights the minimalist nature of Neo-Chinese fashion\, which can be seen as one of the characteristics that contribute to the popularity of this style. The aesthetic fits seamlessly with the minimalist design trend that has been popular in Europe for some time\, in which timeless designs\, high-quality materials and a modest appearance are central. The feeling of luxury also plays a role in this; Due to the emphasis on quality\, material and careful workmanship\, the clothing does not have to be outspoken or striking to make an impression. \nUltimately\, the rise of this trend shows that fashion knows no boundaries. We don’t just copy trends from each other\, but constantly exchange ideas\, styles and influences with each other. What becomes popular in China finds its way to Europe and vice versa. Trends come and go and are influenced by what is going on in the world. Still\, I secretly hope that this style will stay for a while. This way I can bring a little bit of China to my wardrobe\, without having to travel far. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nIn addition to Neo-Chinese fashion\, you can also encounter this on the streets of China: \n(Images A. Swijtink) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sources: \nImage Adidas Tang jacket: adidas Tang Track Jacket New Chinese Style “Focus Olive”- KT3847 \nAnonymous. (2023\, July 18). National Trend – 国朝 (guó cháo). CHIN 3343: Chinese Popular Culture Terms\, Vol. 1. https://uhlibraries.pressbooks.pub/chin3343sp23/chapter/nationaltrend/#:~:text=Guochao%2C%20%E5%9B%BD%E6%9C%9D%2C%20gu%C3%B3%20ch%C3%A1o%2C%20means%20%E2%80%9Cnational%20trend%E2%80%9D.%20This\,faith%20and%20took%20on%20a%20Taoism%20inspired%20look. \nBabayigit\, S. (2026\, January 25). Cultural appreciation: this is why ‘mandarin jackets’ are absolutely not a trend. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/nl/fashion/a70089397/mandarin-jackets-cultural-appropriation/ \nCalloway\, J. (2026\, August 31). Tang Suit Chinese Style: A Beginner’s Guide to Tangzhuang. The Garment Atlas. https://thegarmentatlas.com/asian-traditions/chinese-tang-suit-beginner-guide \nCriales-Unzueta\, J. (2024\, April 8). What is “New Chinese style”? and everything else you missed from Shanghai Fashion Week. British Vogue. \n https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/new-chinese-style-shanghai-fashion-weekNeo Chinese Style Clothing | Modern Chinese fashion. (s.d.). Hanfu Story. \n https://thehanfustory.com/collections/neo-chinese-style卢晓芳. (2026\, March 11). The Rise of Neo-Chinese Style in 2026: Why Modern Chinese Fashion Is Redefining Global Elegance. Luxury Orienta CO.\, LIMITED. \n https://luxeorienta.com/blogs/fashion-trends/the-rise-of-neo-chinese-style-in-2026-why-modern-chinese-fashion-is-redefining-global-eleganceGoudsmit\, L.\, & Goudsmit\, L. (2026\, January 6). Jackets and cardigans with this special closure are an unexpected hit. Vogue NL. https://www.vogue.nl/shoppings/mandarijns-jasje-vest-sluiting/ URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/visit-the-wu-zetian-exhibition-with-vnc/ LOCATION:Prinsessehof\, Grote Kerkstraat 9\, Leeuwarden\, 8911 DZ CATEGORIES:Art and culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Wu-Zetian-hires-final-B20086-12-AC-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20241215T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20241215T170000 DTSTAMP:20241219T173840Z CREATED:20241109T110729Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241219T173840Z UID:10000035-1734271200-1734282000@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Mahjong Meet-Up DESCRIPTION:by En Shi de Weijer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nWith my traditional Chinese dress\, which is called a qipao in Chinese\, I used to go to school proudly. At the time\, I thought you could only buy something like that in China. I saw Chinese clothing at most once as part of a carnival costume. Now\, a few years later\, I walk through the city and suddenly I see dresses hanging in the Zara that look suspiciously like a qipao. It now suddenly seems to be part of the Dutch street scene\, but how did such a Chinese dress actually end up in Dutch stores? \n \n \n \n \n \nRunning for a Tang jacket\nAt the beginning of this year\, Adidas went viral on the internet with its Chinese New Year collection. One of the most popular items was its own interpretation of the Tang jacket\, which made its debut at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025. The design was inspired by the traditional tangzhuang\, but was combined with the contemporary style that is so characteristic of Adidas. The tangzhuang is a modern version of the magua\, a traditional Chinese garment that was originally worn by soldiers in the army during the Qing Dynasty. The tangzhuang has a long history within Chinese clothing culture and is mainly characterized by the mandarin collar and the characteristic pankou buttons: decorative\, often fabric-covered button closures that are intertwined. Thanks to the enormous online attention\, Adidas brought the jackets exclusively to the Western market and they also proved extremely popular in the Netherlands. They were sold out in a short time and interested parties even had to participate in a draw to have a chance of winning such a jacket at all. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image Adidas website: Viral Adidas Tang jacket\, February 2026) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese identity in fashion\nWhile Adidas seems to have been an important catalyst for the visibility of Chinese fashion elements in the West\, the brand was certainly not the first to bring this style to an international audience. Chinese sports brand Li-Ning combined contemporary clothing with traditional Chinese elements for the first time in 2018. This turned out to be a huge success and a new movement within Chinese fashion emerged. \nElsbeth van Paridon\, sinologist and journalist who has lived and worked in China for years\, knows all about the trends and developments within Chinese fashion and urban culture. “At the moment\, Guochao 国朝 the biggest trend in China\, which means ‘national trend’ in English. In recent years\, Chinese fashion brands and designers have started to look much more at what can be found in their own cultural arsenal\,” says Van Paridon. This is closely related to a growing pride and appreciation for their own culture among Chinese consumers. Pride in one’s own culture was especially fueled during the corona pandemic\, a period in which China was in a very uncertain position internationally. \nIt was a smart move by Adidas to capitalize on that Guochao trend. By working together with Chinese designers\, they came to understand Chinese culture better. In doing so\, they go beyond the traditional\, often stereotypical image of the dragon or the excessive use of the color red. For international brands\, this is the way to connect with the Chinese consumer\, who belongs to one of the most important consumer markets in the world. \nTradition with a modern twist\nBut what exactly is what we see in Dutch clothing stores? For example\, with average denim jackets\, where you can see that the press studs have been replaced by pankou buttons. Van Paridon explains that this falls under the Neo-Chinese style (Xinzhongshi). “This trend is also super popular in China at the moment and also originated from Guohao. It is not traditional clothing\, but the characteristic elements are applied to contemporary silhouettes and materials.” \nWhile traditional Chinese clothing is mainly worn during festivals and ceremonial occasions\, Neo-Chinese fashion translates this tradition into everyday life. The designs are suitable for work\, social occasions and other everyday moments. The essence of traditional clothing is retained\, but given a new interpretation that is in line with contemporary\, global fashion. This creates clothing that is culturally meaningful\, but at the same time fits into everyday life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image En Shi de Weijer: Top of lace with pan-cold buttons in a Dutch shop window)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Many explanations for the increasing popularity\nThere is no one clear explanation for the growing popularity of this style in the Netherlands. The visibility of the style may be partly due to the Chinese diaspora; for Chinese people living abroad\, fashion is a way to express one’s own identity. Wearing Western clothes sometimes lacks the cultural connection for them\, while wearing traditional clothing is too ceremonial. With that\, the Neo-Chinese style offers the perfect combination. \nIn addition\, the hype surrounding the Adidas Tang jacket has greatly enhanced the development. Van Paridon thinks it is therefore not surprising that fast-fashion brands\, which usually adapt quickly to new fashion trends\, go along with this. The visibility among major brands creates extra attention and increases the chance that this aesthetic will be widely adopted. Moreover\, the style is spreading at a breakneck pace via social media. China has become increasingly present in the online lifestyle culture in recent years. An example of this is the online phenomenon ‘Chinamaxxing’\, in which young people in particular are inspired by Chinese culture\, lifestyle\, fashion and beauty. \nThe leading fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue highlights the minimalist nature of Neo-Chinese fashion\, which can be seen as one of the characteristics that contribute to the popularity of this style. The aesthetic fits seamlessly with the minimalist design trend that has been popular in Europe for some time\, in which timeless designs\, high-quality materials and a modest appearance are central. The feeling of luxury also plays a role in this; Due to the emphasis on quality\, material and careful workmanship\, the clothing does not have to be outspoken or striking to make an impression. \nUltimately\, the rise of this trend shows that fashion knows no boundaries. We don’t just copy trends from each other\, but constantly exchange ideas\, styles and influences with each other. What becomes popular in China finds its way to Europe and vice versa. Trends come and go and are influenced by what is going on in the world. Still\, I secretly hope that this style will stay for a while. This way I can bring a little bit of China to my wardrobe\, without having to travel far. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nIn addition to Neo-Chinese fashion\, you can also encounter this on the streets of China: \n(Images A. Swijtink) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sources: \nImage Adidas Tang jacket: adidas Tang Track Jacket New Chinese Style “Focus Olive”- KT3847 \nAnonymous. (2023\, July 18). National Trend – 国朝 (guó cháo). CHIN 3343: Chinese Popular Culture Terms\, Vol. 1. https://uhlibraries.pressbooks.pub/chin3343sp23/chapter/nationaltrend/#:~:text=Guochao%2C%20%E5%9B%BD%E6%9C%9D%2C%20gu%C3%B3%20ch%C3%A1o%2C%20means%20%E2%80%9Cnational%20trend%E2%80%9D.%20This\,faith%20and%20took%20on%20a%20Taoism%20inspired%20look. \nBabayigit\, S. (2026\, January 25). Cultural appreciation: this is why ‘mandarin jackets’ are absolutely not a trend. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/nl/fashion/a70089397/mandarin-jackets-cultural-appropriation/ \nCalloway\, J. (2026\, August 31). Tang Suit Chinese Style: A Beginner’s Guide to Tangzhuang. The Garment Atlas. https://thegarmentatlas.com/asian-traditions/chinese-tang-suit-beginner-guide \nCriales-Unzueta\, J. (2024\, April 8). What is “New Chinese style”? and everything else you missed from Shanghai Fashion Week. British Vogue. \n https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/new-chinese-style-shanghai-fashion-weekNeo Chinese Style Clothing | Modern Chinese fashion. (s.d.). Hanfu Story. \n https://thehanfustory.com/collections/neo-chinese-style卢晓芳. (2026\, March 11). The Rise of Neo-Chinese Style in 2026: Why Modern Chinese Fashion Is Redefining Global Elegance. Luxury Orienta CO.\, LIMITED. \n https://luxeorienta.com/blogs/fashion-trends/the-rise-of-neo-chinese-style-in-2026-why-modern-chinese-fashion-is-redefining-global-eleganceGoudsmit\, L.\, & Goudsmit\, L. (2026\, January 6). Jackets and cardigans with this special closure are an unexpected hit. Vogue NL. https://www.vogue.nl/shoppings/mandarijns-jasje-vest-sluiting/ URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/mahjong-meet-up/ LOCATION:Zijp 25\, Zijpendaalseweg 25\, Arnhem\, Zijpendaalseweg 25\, arnhem\, Netherlands CATEGORIES:Art and culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Mahjong-Tournament-2100x920-1.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20241212T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20241212T150000 DTSTAMP:20241112T143306Z CREATED:20241112T143306Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241112T143306Z UID:10000034-1734012000-1734015600@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Demons and Dragons exhibition DESCRIPTION:by En Shi de Weijer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nWith my traditional Chinese dress\, which is called a qipao in Chinese\, I used to go to school proudly. At the time\, I thought you could only buy something like that in China. I saw Chinese clothing at most once as part of a carnival costume. Now\, a few years later\, I walk through the city and suddenly I see dresses hanging in the Zara that look suspiciously like a qipao. It now suddenly seems to be part of the Dutch street scene\, but how did such a Chinese dress actually end up in Dutch stores? \n \n \n \n \n \nRunning for a Tang jacket\nAt the beginning of this year\, Adidas went viral on the internet with its Chinese New Year collection. One of the most popular items was its own interpretation of the Tang jacket\, which made its debut at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025. The design was inspired by the traditional tangzhuang\, but was combined with the contemporary style that is so characteristic of Adidas. The tangzhuang is a modern version of the magua\, a traditional Chinese garment that was originally worn by soldiers in the army during the Qing Dynasty. The tangzhuang has a long history within Chinese clothing culture and is mainly characterized by the mandarin collar and the characteristic pankou buttons: decorative\, often fabric-covered button closures that are intertwined. Thanks to the enormous online attention\, Adidas brought the jackets exclusively to the Western market and they also proved extremely popular in the Netherlands. They were sold out in a short time and interested parties even had to participate in a draw to have a chance of winning such a jacket at all. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image Adidas website: Viral Adidas Tang jacket\, February 2026) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese identity in fashion\nWhile Adidas seems to have been an important catalyst for the visibility of Chinese fashion elements in the West\, the brand was certainly not the first to bring this style to an international audience. Chinese sports brand Li-Ning combined contemporary clothing with traditional Chinese elements for the first time in 2018. This turned out to be a huge success and a new movement within Chinese fashion emerged. \nElsbeth van Paridon\, sinologist and journalist who has lived and worked in China for years\, knows all about the trends and developments within Chinese fashion and urban culture. “At the moment\, Guochao 国朝 the biggest trend in China\, which means ‘national trend’ in English. In recent years\, Chinese fashion brands and designers have started to look much more at what can be found in their own cultural arsenal\,” says Van Paridon. This is closely related to a growing pride and appreciation for their own culture among Chinese consumers. Pride in one’s own culture was especially fueled during the corona pandemic\, a period in which China was in a very uncertain position internationally. \nIt was a smart move by Adidas to capitalize on that Guochao trend. By working together with Chinese designers\, they came to understand Chinese culture better. In doing so\, they go beyond the traditional\, often stereotypical image of the dragon or the excessive use of the color red. For international brands\, this is the way to connect with the Chinese consumer\, who belongs to one of the most important consumer markets in the world. \nTradition with a modern twist\nBut what exactly is what we see in Dutch clothing stores? For example\, with average denim jackets\, where you can see that the press studs have been replaced by pankou buttons. Van Paridon explains that this falls under the Neo-Chinese style (Xinzhongshi). “This trend is also super popular in China at the moment and also originated from Guohao. It is not traditional clothing\, but the characteristic elements are applied to contemporary silhouettes and materials.” \nWhile traditional Chinese clothing is mainly worn during festivals and ceremonial occasions\, Neo-Chinese fashion translates this tradition into everyday life. The designs are suitable for work\, social occasions and other everyday moments. The essence of traditional clothing is retained\, but given a new interpretation that is in line with contemporary\, global fashion. This creates clothing that is culturally meaningful\, but at the same time fits into everyday life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image En Shi de Weijer: Top of lace with pan-cold buttons in a Dutch shop window)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Many explanations for the increasing popularity\nThere is no one clear explanation for the growing popularity of this style in the Netherlands. The visibility of the style may be partly due to the Chinese diaspora; for Chinese people living abroad\, fashion is a way to express one’s own identity. Wearing Western clothes sometimes lacks the cultural connection for them\, while wearing traditional clothing is too ceremonial. With that\, the Neo-Chinese style offers the perfect combination. \nIn addition\, the hype surrounding the Adidas Tang jacket has greatly enhanced the development. Van Paridon thinks it is therefore not surprising that fast-fashion brands\, which usually adapt quickly to new fashion trends\, go along with this. The visibility among major brands creates extra attention and increases the chance that this aesthetic will be widely adopted. Moreover\, the style is spreading at a breakneck pace via social media. China has become increasingly present in the online lifestyle culture in recent years. An example of this is the online phenomenon ‘Chinamaxxing’\, in which young people in particular are inspired by Chinese culture\, lifestyle\, fashion and beauty. \nThe leading fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue highlights the minimalist nature of Neo-Chinese fashion\, which can be seen as one of the characteristics that contribute to the popularity of this style. The aesthetic fits seamlessly with the minimalist design trend that has been popular in Europe for some time\, in which timeless designs\, high-quality materials and a modest appearance are central. The feeling of luxury also plays a role in this; Due to the emphasis on quality\, material and careful workmanship\, the clothing does not have to be outspoken or striking to make an impression. \nUltimately\, the rise of this trend shows that fashion knows no boundaries. We don’t just copy trends from each other\, but constantly exchange ideas\, styles and influences with each other. What becomes popular in China finds its way to Europe and vice versa. Trends come and go and are influenced by what is going on in the world. Still\, I secretly hope that this style will stay for a while. This way I can bring a little bit of China to my wardrobe\, without having to travel far. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nIn addition to Neo-Chinese fashion\, you can also encounter this on the streets of China: \n(Images A. Swijtink) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sources: \nImage Adidas Tang jacket: adidas Tang Track Jacket New Chinese Style “Focus Olive”- KT3847 \nAnonymous. (2023\, July 18). National Trend – 国朝 (guó cháo). CHIN 3343: Chinese Popular Culture Terms\, Vol. 1. https://uhlibraries.pressbooks.pub/chin3343sp23/chapter/nationaltrend/#:~:text=Guochao%2C%20%E5%9B%BD%E6%9C%9D%2C%20gu%C3%B3%20ch%C3%A1o%2C%20means%20%E2%80%9Cnational%20trend%E2%80%9D.%20This\,faith%20and%20took%20on%20a%20Taoism%20inspired%20look. \nBabayigit\, S. (2026\, January 25). Cultural appreciation: this is why ‘mandarin jackets’ are absolutely not a trend. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/nl/fashion/a70089397/mandarin-jackets-cultural-appropriation/ \nCalloway\, J. (2026\, August 31). Tang Suit Chinese Style: A Beginner’s Guide to Tangzhuang. The Garment Atlas. https://thegarmentatlas.com/asian-traditions/chinese-tang-suit-beginner-guide \nCriales-Unzueta\, J. (2024\, April 8). What is “New Chinese style”? and everything else you missed from Shanghai Fashion Week. British Vogue. \n https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/new-chinese-style-shanghai-fashion-weekNeo Chinese Style Clothing | Modern Chinese fashion. (s.d.). Hanfu Story. \n https://thehanfustory.com/collections/neo-chinese-style卢晓芳. (2026\, March 11). The Rise of Neo-Chinese Style in 2026: Why Modern Chinese Fashion Is Redefining Global Elegance. Luxury Orienta CO.\, LIMITED. \n https://luxeorienta.com/blogs/fashion-trends/the-rise-of-neo-chinese-style-in-2026-why-modern-chinese-fashion-is-redefining-global-eleganceGoudsmit\, L.\, & Goudsmit\, L. (2026\, January 6). Jackets and cardigans with this special closure are an unexpected hit. Vogue NL. https://www.vogue.nl/shoppings/mandarijns-jasje-vest-sluiting/ URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/demons-and-dragons-exhibition/ LOCATION:Groninger Museum\, Museumeiland 1\, Groningen\, Groningen\, 9711 ME\, Netherlands CATEGORIES:Art and culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image002.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20241209T170000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20241209T190000 DTSTAMP:20241120T154521Z CREATED:20241120T154521Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241120T154521Z UID:10000033-1733763600-1733770800@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:China Cafe - China Webshops update DESCRIPTION:by En Shi de Weijer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nWith my traditional Chinese dress\, which is called a qipao in Chinese\, I used to go to school proudly. At the time\, I thought you could only buy something like that in China. I saw Chinese clothing at most once as part of a carnival costume. Now\, a few years later\, I walk through the city and suddenly I see dresses hanging in the Zara that look suspiciously like a qipao. It now suddenly seems to be part of the Dutch street scene\, but how did such a Chinese dress actually end up in Dutch stores? \n \n \n \n \n \nRunning for a Tang jacket\nAt the beginning of this year\, Adidas went viral on the internet with its Chinese New Year collection. One of the most popular items was its own interpretation of the Tang jacket\, which made its debut at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025. The design was inspired by the traditional tangzhuang\, but was combined with the contemporary style that is so characteristic of Adidas. The tangzhuang is a modern version of the magua\, a traditional Chinese garment that was originally worn by soldiers in the army during the Qing Dynasty. The tangzhuang has a long history within Chinese clothing culture and is mainly characterized by the mandarin collar and the characteristic pankou buttons: decorative\, often fabric-covered button closures that are intertwined. Thanks to the enormous online attention\, Adidas brought the jackets exclusively to the Western market and they also proved extremely popular in the Netherlands. They were sold out in a short time and interested parties even had to participate in a draw to have a chance of winning such a jacket at all. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image Adidas website: Viral Adidas Tang jacket\, February 2026) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese identity in fashion\nWhile Adidas seems to have been an important catalyst for the visibility of Chinese fashion elements in the West\, the brand was certainly not the first to bring this style to an international audience. Chinese sports brand Li-Ning combined contemporary clothing with traditional Chinese elements for the first time in 2018. This turned out to be a huge success and a new movement within Chinese fashion emerged. \nElsbeth van Paridon\, sinologist and journalist who has lived and worked in China for years\, knows all about the trends and developments within Chinese fashion and urban culture. “At the moment\, Guochao 国朝 the biggest trend in China\, which means ‘national trend’ in English. In recent years\, Chinese fashion brands and designers have started to look much more at what can be found in their own cultural arsenal\,” says Van Paridon. This is closely related to a growing pride and appreciation for their own culture among Chinese consumers. Pride in one’s own culture was especially fueled during the corona pandemic\, a period in which China was in a very uncertain position internationally. \nIt was a smart move by Adidas to capitalize on that Guochao trend. By working together with Chinese designers\, they came to understand Chinese culture better. In doing so\, they go beyond the traditional\, often stereotypical image of the dragon or the excessive use of the color red. For international brands\, this is the way to connect with the Chinese consumer\, who belongs to one of the most important consumer markets in the world. \nTradition with a modern twist\nBut what exactly is what we see in Dutch clothing stores? For example\, with average denim jackets\, where you can see that the press studs have been replaced by pankou buttons. Van Paridon explains that this falls under the Neo-Chinese style (Xinzhongshi). “This trend is also super popular in China at the moment and also originated from Guohao. It is not traditional clothing\, but the characteristic elements are applied to contemporary silhouettes and materials.” \nWhile traditional Chinese clothing is mainly worn during festivals and ceremonial occasions\, Neo-Chinese fashion translates this tradition into everyday life. The designs are suitable for work\, social occasions and other everyday moments. The essence of traditional clothing is retained\, but given a new interpretation that is in line with contemporary\, global fashion. This creates clothing that is culturally meaningful\, but at the same time fits into everyday life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image En Shi de Weijer: Top of lace with pan-cold buttons in a Dutch shop window)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Many explanations for the increasing popularity\nThere is no one clear explanation for the growing popularity of this style in the Netherlands. The visibility of the style may be partly due to the Chinese diaspora; for Chinese people living abroad\, fashion is a way to express one’s own identity. Wearing Western clothes sometimes lacks the cultural connection for them\, while wearing traditional clothing is too ceremonial. With that\, the Neo-Chinese style offers the perfect combination. \nIn addition\, the hype surrounding the Adidas Tang jacket has greatly enhanced the development. Van Paridon thinks it is therefore not surprising that fast-fashion brands\, which usually adapt quickly to new fashion trends\, go along with this. The visibility among major brands creates extra attention and increases the chance that this aesthetic will be widely adopted. Moreover\, the style is spreading at a breakneck pace via social media. China has become increasingly present in the online lifestyle culture in recent years. An example of this is the online phenomenon ‘Chinamaxxing’\, in which young people in particular are inspired by Chinese culture\, lifestyle\, fashion and beauty. \nThe leading fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue highlights the minimalist nature of Neo-Chinese fashion\, which can be seen as one of the characteristics that contribute to the popularity of this style. The aesthetic fits seamlessly with the minimalist design trend that has been popular in Europe for some time\, in which timeless designs\, high-quality materials and a modest appearance are central. The feeling of luxury also plays a role in this; Due to the emphasis on quality\, material and careful workmanship\, the clothing does not have to be outspoken or striking to make an impression. \nUltimately\, the rise of this trend shows that fashion knows no boundaries. We don’t just copy trends from each other\, but constantly exchange ideas\, styles and influences with each other. What becomes popular in China finds its way to Europe and vice versa. Trends come and go and are influenced by what is going on in the world. Still\, I secretly hope that this style will stay for a while. This way I can bring a little bit of China to my wardrobe\, without having to travel far. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nIn addition to Neo-Chinese fashion\, you can also encounter this on the streets of China: \n(Images A. Swijtink) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sources: \nImage Adidas Tang jacket: adidas Tang Track Jacket New Chinese Style “Focus Olive”- KT3847 \nAnonymous. (2023\, July 18). National Trend – 国朝 (guó cháo). CHIN 3343: Chinese Popular Culture Terms\, Vol. 1. https://uhlibraries.pressbooks.pub/chin3343sp23/chapter/nationaltrend/#:~:text=Guochao%2C%20%E5%9B%BD%E6%9C%9D%2C%20gu%C3%B3%20ch%C3%A1o%2C%20means%20%E2%80%9Cnational%20trend%E2%80%9D.%20This\,faith%20and%20took%20on%20a%20Taoism%20inspired%20look. \nBabayigit\, S. (2026\, January 25). Cultural appreciation: this is why ‘mandarin jackets’ are absolutely not a trend. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/nl/fashion/a70089397/mandarin-jackets-cultural-appropriation/ \nCalloway\, J. (2026\, August 31). Tang Suit Chinese Style: A Beginner’s Guide to Tangzhuang. The Garment Atlas. https://thegarmentatlas.com/asian-traditions/chinese-tang-suit-beginner-guide \nCriales-Unzueta\, J. (2024\, April 8). What is “New Chinese style”? and everything else you missed from Shanghai Fashion Week. British Vogue. \n https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/new-chinese-style-shanghai-fashion-weekNeo Chinese Style Clothing | Modern Chinese fashion. (s.d.). Hanfu Story. \n https://thehanfustory.com/collections/neo-chinese-style卢晓芳. (2026\, March 11). The Rise of Neo-Chinese Style in 2026: Why Modern Chinese Fashion Is Redefining Global Elegance. Luxury Orienta CO.\, LIMITED. \n https://luxeorienta.com/blogs/fashion-trends/the-rise-of-neo-chinese-style-in-2026-why-modern-chinese-fashion-is-redefining-global-eleganceGoudsmit\, L.\, & Goudsmit\, L. (2026\, January 6). Jackets and cardigans with this special closure are an unexpected hit. Vogue NL. https://www.vogue.nl/shoppings/mandarijns-jasje-vest-sluiting/ URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/china-cafe-china-webshops-update/ LOCATION:De Utrechter Stadsbrasserie en Bar\, Vredenburg 40\, Utrecht\, 3511 BD CATEGORIES:Art and culture,China Cafe calendar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/China-Cafe-9-december-evenemet.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20241201T120000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250131T170000 DTSTAMP:20241120T125556Z CREATED:20241120T125556Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241120T125556Z UID:10000031-1733054400-1738342800@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:River of time - Ma Hui DESCRIPTION:by En Shi de Weijer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nWith my traditional Chinese dress\, which is called a qipao in Chinese\, I used to go to school proudly. At the time\, I thought you could only buy something like that in China. I saw Chinese clothing at most once as part of a carnival costume. Now\, a few years later\, I walk through the city and suddenly I see dresses hanging in the Zara that look suspiciously like a qipao. It now suddenly seems to be part of the Dutch street scene\, but how did such a Chinese dress actually end up in Dutch stores? \n \n \n \n \n \nRunning for a Tang jacket\nAt the beginning of this year\, Adidas went viral on the internet with its Chinese New Year collection. One of the most popular items was its own interpretation of the Tang jacket\, which made its debut at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025. The design was inspired by the traditional tangzhuang\, but was combined with the contemporary style that is so characteristic of Adidas. The tangzhuang is a modern version of the magua\, a traditional Chinese garment that was originally worn by soldiers in the army during the Qing Dynasty. The tangzhuang has a long history within Chinese clothing culture and is mainly characterized by the mandarin collar and the characteristic pankou buttons: decorative\, often fabric-covered button closures that are intertwined. Thanks to the enormous online attention\, Adidas brought the jackets exclusively to the Western market and they also proved extremely popular in the Netherlands. They were sold out in a short time and interested parties even had to participate in a draw to have a chance of winning such a jacket at all. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image Adidas website: Viral Adidas Tang jacket\, February 2026) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Chinese identity in fashion\nWhile Adidas seems to have been an important catalyst for the visibility of Chinese fashion elements in the West\, the brand was certainly not the first to bring this style to an international audience. Chinese sports brand Li-Ning combined contemporary clothing with traditional Chinese elements for the first time in 2018. This turned out to be a huge success and a new movement within Chinese fashion emerged. \nElsbeth van Paridon\, sinologist and journalist who has lived and worked in China for years\, knows all about the trends and developments within Chinese fashion and urban culture. “At the moment\, Guochao 国朝 the biggest trend in China\, which means ‘national trend’ in English. In recent years\, Chinese fashion brands and designers have started to look much more at what can be found in their own cultural arsenal\,” says Van Paridon. This is closely related to a growing pride and appreciation for their own culture among Chinese consumers. Pride in one’s own culture was especially fueled during the corona pandemic\, a period in which China was in a very uncertain position internationally. \nIt was a smart move by Adidas to capitalize on that Guochao trend. By working together with Chinese designers\, they came to understand Chinese culture better. In doing so\, they go beyond the traditional\, often stereotypical image of the dragon or the excessive use of the color red. For international brands\, this is the way to connect with the Chinese consumer\, who belongs to one of the most important consumer markets in the world. \nTradition with a modern twist\nBut what exactly is what we see in Dutch clothing stores? For example\, with average denim jackets\, where you can see that the press studs have been replaced by pankou buttons. Van Paridon explains that this falls under the Neo-Chinese style (Xinzhongshi). “This trend is also super popular in China at the moment and also originated from Guohao. It is not traditional clothing\, but the characteristic elements are applied to contemporary silhouettes and materials.” \nWhile traditional Chinese clothing is mainly worn during festivals and ceremonial occasions\, Neo-Chinese fashion translates this tradition into everyday life. The designs are suitable for work\, social occasions and other everyday moments. The essence of traditional clothing is retained\, but given a new interpretation that is in line with contemporary\, global fashion. This creates clothing that is culturally meaningful\, but at the same time fits into everyday life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n (Image En Shi de Weijer: Top of lace with pan-cold buttons in a Dutch shop window)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Many explanations for the increasing popularity\nThere is no one clear explanation for the growing popularity of this style in the Netherlands. The visibility of the style may be partly due to the Chinese diaspora; for Chinese people living abroad\, fashion is a way to express one’s own identity. Wearing Western clothes sometimes lacks the cultural connection for them\, while wearing traditional clothing is too ceremonial. With that\, the Neo-Chinese style offers the perfect combination. \nIn addition\, the hype surrounding the Adidas Tang jacket has greatly enhanced the development. Van Paridon thinks it is therefore not surprising that fast-fashion brands\, which usually adapt quickly to new fashion trends\, go along with this. The visibility among major brands creates extra attention and increases the chance that this aesthetic will be widely adopted. Moreover\, the style is spreading at a breakneck pace via social media. China has become increasingly present in the online lifestyle culture in recent years. An example of this is the online phenomenon ‘Chinamaxxing’\, in which young people in particular are inspired by Chinese culture\, lifestyle\, fashion and beauty. \nThe leading fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue highlights the minimalist nature of Neo-Chinese fashion\, which can be seen as one of the characteristics that contribute to the popularity of this style. The aesthetic fits seamlessly with the minimalist design trend that has been popular in Europe for some time\, in which timeless designs\, high-quality materials and a modest appearance are central. The feeling of luxury also plays a role in this; Due to the emphasis on quality\, material and careful workmanship\, the clothing does not have to be outspoken or striking to make an impression. \nUltimately\, the rise of this trend shows that fashion knows no boundaries. We don’t just copy trends from each other\, but constantly exchange ideas\, styles and influences with each other. What becomes popular in China finds its way to Europe and vice versa. Trends come and go and are influenced by what is going on in the world. Still\, I secretly hope that this style will stay for a while. This way I can bring a little bit of China to my wardrobe\, without having to travel far. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nIn addition to Neo-Chinese fashion\, you can also encounter this on the streets of China: \n(Images A. Swijtink) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sources: \nImage Adidas Tang jacket: adidas Tang Track Jacket New Chinese Style “Focus Olive”- KT3847 \nAnonymous. (2023\, July 18). National Trend – 国朝 (guó cháo). CHIN 3343: Chinese Popular Culture Terms\, Vol. 1. https://uhlibraries.pressbooks.pub/chin3343sp23/chapter/nationaltrend/#:~:text=Guochao%2C%20%E5%9B%BD%E6%9C%9D%2C%20gu%C3%B3%20ch%C3%A1o%2C%20means%20%E2%80%9Cnational%20trend%E2%80%9D.%20This\,faith%20and%20took%20on%20a%20Taoism%20inspired%20look. \nBabayigit\, S. (2026\, January 25). Cultural appreciation: this is why ‘mandarin jackets’ are absolutely not a trend. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/nl/fashion/a70089397/mandarin-jackets-cultural-appropriation/ \nCalloway\, J. (2026\, August 31). Tang Suit Chinese Style: A Beginner’s Guide to Tangzhuang. The Garment Atlas. https://thegarmentatlas.com/asian-traditions/chinese-tang-suit-beginner-guide \nCriales-Unzueta\, J. (2024\, April 8). What is “New Chinese style”? and everything else you missed from Shanghai Fashion Week. British Vogue. \n https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/new-chinese-style-shanghai-fashion-weekNeo Chinese Style Clothing | Modern Chinese fashion. (s.d.). Hanfu Story. \n https://thehanfustory.com/collections/neo-chinese-style卢晓芳. (2026\, March 11). The Rise of Neo-Chinese Style in 2026: Why Modern Chinese Fashion Is Redefining Global Elegance. Luxury Orienta CO.\, LIMITED. \n https://luxeorienta.com/blogs/fashion-trends/the-rise-of-neo-chinese-style-in-2026-why-modern-chinese-fashion-is-redefining-global-eleganceGoudsmit\, L.\, & Goudsmit\, L. (2026\, January 6). Jackets and cardigans with this special closure are an unexpected hit. Vogue NL. https://www.vogue.nl/shoppings/mandarijns-jasje-vest-sluiting/ URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/river-of-time-ma-hui/ LOCATION:OOOIT ART – WERKSPOOR INTERNATIONAL ART CENTER\, Nijverheidsweg 27 P\, Utrecht\, 3534AM CATEGORIES:Art and culture ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Afbeelding-e1732108494346.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR