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: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 BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20270328T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20271031T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250829T170000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250829T210000 DTSTAMP:20250811T110025Z CREATED:20250810T161300Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250811T110025Z UID:10000094-1756486800-1756501200@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Opening nieuwe expositie over familie Zee in Chinatown Katendrecht door David Zee & Vera Zhou 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/opening-nieuwe-expositie-over-familie-zee-in-chinatown-katendrecht-door-david-zee-vera-zhou/ LOCATION:Verhalenhuis Belvédère\, Rechthuislaan 1\, Rotterdam\, Zuid Holland\, 3072 LB\, Nederland CATEGORIES:Cultuur en Maatschappij,Partner ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/verhaalhuis-29-augustus-TJwTge.tmp_.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Verhalenhuis Belv%C3%A9d%C3%A8re":MAILTO:info@verhalenhuisbelvedere.nl END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250831T123000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250831T150000 DTSTAMP:20250829T182230Z CREATED:20250725T131504Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250829T182230Z UID:10000087-1756643400-1756652400@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:VNC China Dining Club - 31 August 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-china-eating-club-31-august-in-amsterdam/ LOCATION:Dimsum King\, Fogostraat 10\, Amsterdam\, Noord-Holland\, 1060 LJ\, 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:20250908T170000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250908T190000 DTSTAMP:20250805T114532Z CREATED:20250805T114532Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250805T114532Z UID:10000096-1757350800-1757358000@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:China Café\, Corporate Social Responsibility 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/china-cafe-corporate-social-responsibility-in-china/ LOCATION:De Utrechter Stadsbrasserie en Bar\, Vredenburg 40\, Utrecht\, 3511 BD CATEGORIES:China Cafe calendar,Economie en zakelijk,VNC event 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:20250916T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250916T153000 DTSTAMP:20250903T161848Z CREATED:20250825T092739Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250903T161848Z UID:10000099-1758020400-1758036600@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Welcome to Prinsjesdag 2025 in The Hague 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/welcome-to-prinsjesdag-2025-in-the-hague/ CATEGORIES:China Cafe calendar,Cultuur en Maatschappij,VNC event END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250920T153000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250920T170000 DTSTAMP:20250915T100827Z CREATED:20250911T132754Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250915T100827Z UID:10000109-1758382200-1758387600@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Interview and signing session Zhang Yueran: 'Swan Hotel' 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/interview-and-signing-session-zhang-yueran-swan-hotel/ LOCATION:Broese Boekverkopers\, Oudegracht 112-b\, Utrecht\, Utrecht\, 3511 AW\, Netherlands CATEGORIES:Culture and Society,Cultuur en Maatschappij,VNC event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/zhangyueran.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Broese Boekverkopers":MAILTO:klantenservice@broese.nl END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250927T130000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20250927T150000 DTSTAMP:20250704T164437Z CREATED:20250313T091210Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250704T164437Z UID:10000053-1758978000-1758985200@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/ LOCATION:Groninger Museum\, Museumeiland 1\, Groningen\, Groningen\, 9711 ME\, Netherlands CATEGORIES:Art and culture,VNC event 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:20251002T183000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251002T213000 DTSTAMP:20250911T130026Z CREATED:20250911T094937Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250911T130026Z UID:10000106-1759429800-1759440600@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:VNC China Eetclub - October 2 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-china-eetclub-october-2-in-rotterdam/ LOCATION:Restaurant Little Asia\, Kleiweg 87\, Rotterdam CATEGORIES:Art and culture,Cultuur en Maatschappij,VNC event 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:20251010T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251011T170000 DTSTAMP:20250927T114615Z CREATED:20250927T114615Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250927T114615Z UID:10000113-1760094000-1760202000@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Rombouts-Shilin 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/rombouts-shilin-conference/ LOCATION:Lipsius gebouw en Wijnhaven\, Cleveringaplaats 1\, 2311 BD Leiden\, Leiden\, Zuid-Holland\, Netherlands CATEGORIES:Education and science,Partner ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSC_0185_edit_2177576367298455.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251011T101500 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251011T173000 DTSTAMP:20250925T162304Z CREATED:20250925T162304Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250925T162304Z UID:10000133-1760177700-1760203800@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:The 4th Chinese Mental Health Day in the Netherlands 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/the-4th-chinese-mental-health-day-in-the-netherlands/ LOCATION:Nio House Amsterdam\, Nio House\, Leidsestraat 32–34\,Amsterdam\, Amsterdam\, Noord Holland\, 1017PB\, Nederland CATEGORIES:Cultuur en Maatschappij,Partner ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/schedule-hnwVo8.tmp_.png ORGANIZER;CN="Stichting Interculturele Participatie van Chinese Families":MAILTO:info@cnfamiliesinnl.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251013T160000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251013T173000 DTSTAMP:20250929T083032Z CREATED:20250929T083032Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250929T083032Z UID:10000132-1760371200-1760376600@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Book talk: The Party's Interests Come First by Joseph Torigian 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/book-talk-the-partys-interests-come-first-by-joseph-torigian/ LOCATION:Wijnhavengebouw\, The Hague Campus\, Universiteit Leiden\, Wijnhaven 3.46\, Turfmarkt 99\, Den Haag\, Zuid-Holland\, 2511 DP CATEGORIES:Education and science,Partner ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/25-09-28-Book-cover-The-Partys-Interests-Come-First-2-1dgKiJ.tmp_.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Leiden Asia Centre":MAILTO:info@leidenasiacentre.nl END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251014T090000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251014T100000 DTSTAMP:20250929T081742Z CREATED:20250929T081742Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250929T081742Z UID:10000131-1760432400-1760436000@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:CKN Knowledge Session: China's Nuclear Energy Push – A Blueprint for the World? 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/ckn-knowledge-session-chinas-nuclear-energy-push-a-blueprint-for-the-world/ LOCATION:Wijnhavengebouw\, The Hague Campus\, Universiteit Leiden\, Wijnhaven 3.46\, Turfmarkt 99\, Den Haag\, Zuid-Holland\, 2511 DP CATEGORIES:Economie en zakelijk,Partner ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/25-10-14-Uitnodiging-Chinas-Nuclear-Power-Ambitions-OGwIqR.tmp_.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251015T150000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251015T160000 DTSTAMP:20251010T120621Z CREATED:20251010T120621Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251010T120621Z UID:10000130-1760540400-1760544000@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Millennial Whispers of Paper: Elegance in Artistic Splendor 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/millennial-whispers-of-paper-elegance-in-artistic-splendor/ CATEGORIES:Culture and Society,Partner ORGANIZER;CN="China Cultural Center in the Hague":MAILTO:info@ccchague.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251017T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251017T220000 DTSTAMP:20251019T124431Z CREATED:20250925T151625Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251019T124431Z UID:10000126-1760727600-1760738400@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:ART EXPERIENCE 2025-Art Fair 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/art-experience-2025-kunstbeurs/ LOCATION:Metaal Kathedraal Utrecht De Meern\, De Metaal Kathedraal\, Utrecht\, Utrecht\, 3545NA\, Nederland CATEGORIES:Cultuur en Maatschappij,Partner ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_9062-2-Pfe9cL.tmp_.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Galerie Kunstbroeders in de Metaalkathedraal/Art Experience":MAILTO:rijkschipper@live.nl END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251018T150000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251018T170000 DTSTAMP:20251018T130439Z CREATED:20250929T124232Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251018T130439Z UID:10000120-1760799600-1760806800@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Exhibition Toyism: I Play\, Therefore I Am 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/exhibition-toyism-i-play-therefore-i-am/ LOCATION:The Banque Art Gallery Plein 29 Bergen\, Plein 29\, Bergen\, Netherlands CATEGORIES:Culture and Society,Cultuur en Maatschappij,VNC event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TOYISM-©-CLAMAOING-GIRLFRIENDS.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251022T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251022T123000 DTSTAMP:20251020T091247Z CREATED:20250905T133446Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T091247Z UID:10000129-1761127200-1761136200@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Creative Industry Dialogue in Architecture\, Interior Design\, Product Design sectors 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/creative-industry-dialogue-in-architecture-interior-design-product-design-sectors/ LOCATION:Capital C Amsterdam\, Weesperplein 4B\, Amsterdam\, North Holland\, 1018 XA\, Netherlands CATEGORIES:Economics and Business ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Cover-page-2-events-5HE1UZ.tmp_.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Europe China MICE Network":MAILTO:k.wu@ecmnorg.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251023T160000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251023T173000 DTSTAMP:20250929T082212Z CREATED:20250929T082212Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250929T082212Z UID:10000128-1761235200-1761240600@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Jeffrey Wasserstrom on China\, Protest and Asia’s Struggle against Autocracy 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/jeffrey-wasserstrom-on-china-protest-and-asias-struggle-against-autocracy/ LOCATION:Wijnhavengebouw\, The Hague Campus\, Universiteit Leiden\, Wijnhaven 3.46\, Turfmarkt 99\, Den Haag\, Zuid-Holland\, 2511 DP CATEGORIES:Education and science,Partner ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/25-09-28-milk-tea-alliance-3-EavVyF.tmp_.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251117T170000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251117T190000 DTSTAMP:20251110T203402Z CREATED:20251013T092551Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T203402Z UID:10000124-1763398800-1763406000@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:November 17\, 2025 China Café: Finger on the Urban Pulse 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-the-new-urban-generation-in-china/ LOCATION:De Utrechter Stadsbrasserie en Bar\, Vredenburg 40\, Utrecht\, 3511 BD CATEGORIES:China Cafe calendar,Economics and Business,Economie en zakelijk,VNC event END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251123T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251123T160000 DTSTAMP:20251114T104356Z CREATED:20251112T121205Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251114T104356Z UID:10000142-1763906400-1763913600@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Sinterklaasfeest voor de Chinese gemeenschap 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/sinterklaasfeest-voor-de-chinese-gemeenschap/ LOCATION:Chinees Cultureel Centrum\, Spui 192a\, Den Haag\, Zuid-Holland\, 2511BW\, Nederland CATEGORIES:Culture and Society,Cultuur en Maatschappij,VNC event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Afbeelding1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251127T143000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251127T200000 DTSTAMP:20251115T091643Z CREATED:20251113T140652Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251115T091643Z UID:10000144-1764253800-1764273600@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:China Network Event: Stronger Together! 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-network-event-stronger-together/ LOCATION:Steigenberger Airport Hotel\, Stationsplein ZW 951\, Schiphol CATEGORIES:Economics and Business,VNC event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/45a846a0-07ff-4595-8701-6842215518da.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251210T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251210T163000 DTSTAMP:20251001T134317Z CREATED:20251001T134317Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251001T134317Z UID:10000127-1765364400-1765384200@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Dongzhi Seminar Luncheon – PART III PILLARS OF HONG KONG 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/dongzhi-seminar-luncheon-part-iii-pillars-of-hong-kong/ LOCATION:Koninklijke Industrieele Groote Club\, Amsterdam\, Dam 27\, Amsterdam\, Noord-Holland\, 1012 JS\, Nederland CATEGORIES:Economie en zakelijk,Partner ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/9M15518_Panorama-Edit-MurkFeitsma-GsXcX7.tmp_-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Netherlands Hong Kong Business Association":MAILTO:secretariat@nhkba.nl END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251215T170000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20251215T193000 DTSTAMP:20251211T153303Z CREATED:20251117T105920Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251211T153303Z UID:10000146-1765818000-1765827000@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:China Café South; Behind the headlines of the Nexperia Case: China\, Chips & Choices 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-about-nexperia-behind-the-headlines-of-the-nexperia-case-china-chips-choices/ LOCATION:Academisch Genootschap AG Eindhoven\, Parklaan 93\, Eindhoven\, Netherlands CATEGORIES:China Cafe calendar,Economics and Business,Economie en zakelijk,VNC event 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:20260112T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20260112T203000 DTSTAMP:20251219T144931Z CREATED:20251219T144931Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251219T144931Z UID:10000156-1768246200-1768249800@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Information evening Table tennis trip China summer 2026 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/information-evening-table-tennis-trip-china-summer-2026/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Cultuur en Maatschappij,VNC event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Table-tennis-camp.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20260116T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20260116T180000 DTSTAMP:20260108T111101Z CREATED:20251219T110642Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T111101Z UID:10000153-1768572000-1768586400@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Healthy living 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/healthy-living-in-china/ LOCATION:Kargadoor\, Oudegracht 36\, Utrecht CATEGORIES:Education and science,VNC event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/China-Briefing-chinas-fitness-industry.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20260123T143000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20260123T160000 DTSTAMP:20260108T102255Z CREATED:20251219T150331Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T102255Z UID:10000157-1769178600-1769184000@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Join us for the exhibition 'Made 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/join-us-for-the-exhibition-made-in-china/ LOCATION:wereldmuseum\, Linaeusstraat 2\, Amsterdam CATEGORIES:Art and culture,Cultuur en Maatschappij,VNC event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/WM_Made_In_China_AMSTERDAM_111_OKT2025.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20260123T180000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20260123T210000 DTSTAMP:20260108T133957Z CREATED:20260108T100150Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T133957Z UID:10000161-1769191200-1769202000@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:VNC China Eetclub January 23 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-china-eetclub-january-23-in-amsterdam/ LOCATION:restaurant NorthEast Kitchen\, Ferdinand Bolstraat 26 H\, Amsterdam\, 1014BA\, Netherlands CATEGORIES:Art and culture,Culture and Society,Cultuur en Maatschappij,VNC event 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:20260125T130000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20260125T163000 DTSTAMP:20260119T201751Z CREATED:20251223T093017Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T201751Z UID:10000159-1769346000-1769358600@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Story series: Chinese diaspora in NL and VNC New Year's drink 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/story-series-chinese-diaspora-in-nl/ LOCATION:Verhalenhuis Belvédère\, Rechthuislaan 1\, Rotterdam\, Zuid Holland\, 3072 LB\, Nederland CATEGORIES:Art and culture,Culture and Society,Cultuur en Maatschappij,VNC event,Vol ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Verhalenserie-Chinese-diaspora-in-NL-002.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20260125T153000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20260125T163000 DTSTAMP:20260108T103404Z CREATED:20260108T103404Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T103404Z UID:10000163-1769355000-1769358600@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Welcome to the VNC New Year's reception on January 25 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/welcome-to-the-vnc-new-years-reception-on-january-25-in-rotterdam/ LOCATION:Verhalenhuis Belvédère\, Rechthuislaan 1\, Rotterdam\, Zuid Holland\, 3072 LB\, Nederland CATEGORIES:Art and culture,Culture and Society,Cultuur en Maatschappij,Economics and Business,Economie en zakelijk,Education and science,VNC event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Logo_VNC_900x455px.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20260212T200000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20260212T220000 DTSTAMP:20260206T205539Z CREATED:20260206T205004Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260206T205539Z UID:10000178-1770926400-1770933600@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:An evening with Jung Chang\, author of the bestseller "Wild Swans" 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-jung-chang-author-of-the-bestseller-wild-swans/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3D_9789049208394-t0GcAt.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20260213T211500 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20260213T230000 DTSTAMP:20260121T132819Z CREATED:20260121T132819Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T132819Z UID:10000165-1771017300-1771023600@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:🎉🎬 CinemAsia x Filmhuis Den Haag: Lunar New Year celebration 13–24 February 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/%f0%9f%8e%89%f0%9f%8e%ac-cinemasia-x-filmhuis-den-haag-lunar-new-year-celebration-13-24-february/ CATEGORIES:Cultuur en Maatschappij,Partner ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/CinemAsia_Filmhuis-DenHaag_Lunar-New_year-2026-IQ33Hs.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20260217T080000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20260217T170000 DTSTAMP:20251005T095920Z CREATED:20251005T095920Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251005T095920Z UID:10000125-1771315200-1771347600@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:VNC Competition for secondary school students 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-competition-for-secondary-school-students/ LOCATION:VNC kantoor\, Burgemeester van Karnebeeklaan 6\, Den Haag\, 2585BB CATEGORIES:Cultuur en Maatschappij,VNC event END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR