FAUX leather qipao

armor built into a traditionally delicate outfit

Chinese knot cord

Faux leather

Sew-in interfacing

Metal eyelets

Black and red thread

Cotton cloth

Tracing paper

Sew-on snap buttons

Invisible zipper

Iron-on adhesive

its been heartbreaking and frustrating watching our elderly be attacked because of ignorance and racism. we the asian-american community are slowly learning to speak up and protect ourselves. help spread awareness and stop the hate. racism is inexcusable. #stopasianhate

The recent attacks on Asian-Americans have been appalling. It made me realize how many things we inherit in culture. There are traditions and history, but there is also racism because of appearance. I never understand how someone can be racist off on appearance, something the owner could never control. The color of my skin and the shape of my eyes doesn't inherently say something about me. For this project, I was proud to wear the qipao, a traditional dress from my culture. I wanted to show that there is beauty to being an Asian-American and being Chinese, but also that we as a community are strong and not easily bullied. We are more than our appearances and the color of our skin.