On the evening of May 27, the “Pattern Culture” – Chongqing Normal University College of Fine Arts Fashion and Accessories Design Graduation Show and Southwest Ethnic Costume Innovation Special Dynamic Show took place brilliantly at the Danzishi Square in Nan’an.

This event was the first fashion dynamic show of the “Open June” Fourth Chongqing Urban Art Festival, offering the public a visual feast that combines cultural depth with modern texture.

Exhibition scene

The graduation show, themed “Pattern Culture,” focused on redesigning intangible cultural heritage as its core innovation practice. Seventy-six graduates presented over a hundred original works, deeply exploring intangible heritage techniques such as cross-stitch embroidery (Wuxi wedding embroidery), Guizhou ethnic costume weaving and embroidery, extracting traditional patterns, ancient stitching methods, and classic forms, integrating the roots of ethnic culture into modern design.

Exhibition scene
Fashion dynamic show scene

The works are rooted in contemporary aesthetics, integrating modern garment techniques, sustainable concepts, and youthful dressing trends. Through methods such as fabric reengineering, structural innovation, and color reconstruction, they organically combine ancient intangible heritage elements with modern design language, embodying both humanistic sentiment and creative ingenuity, showcasing the strength and responsibility of a new generation of designers in inheriting local cultural heritage.

This dynamic show was divided into three chapters, presenting in sequence the graduation works from Chongqing Normal University College of Fine Arts, the “Clothing as Medium, Resonance in Presence” works from Yangtze Normal University College of Fine Arts, and a special exhibition of Southwest ethnic costume innovation. Notably, Yangtze Normal University College of Fine Arts participated as a guest performance, enriching the exhibition content and demonstrating the collaborative educational achievements of fashion programs in southeastern Chongqing universities.

Exhibition scene
Fashion dynamic show scene

A representative from Chongqing Normal University College of Fine Arts stated

Danzishi Square

Danzishi Square is a historic public square located in the Yuzhong District of Chongqing, China, known for its integration of ancient stone steps and modern urban design. Its name, meaning “single stone steps,” originates from a massive stone staircase built during the Qing Dynasty, which served as a vital transportation route along the Yangtze River. Today, the square has been restored as a cultural landmark, preserving its historical character while offering scenic views and showcasing the area’s rich heritage.

Chongqing Urban Art Festival

The Chongqing Urban Art Festival is an annual cultural event that transforms the city’s public spaces into vibrant galleries, showcasing contemporary art, street performances, and interactive installations. Originating in the early 2010s, the festival aims to revitalize urban areas, celebrate local creativity, and foster cultural exchange, often highlighting Chongqing’s unique mountainous landscape and industrial heritage. It has become a key platform for both domestic and international artists to engage with the public and reimagine the city’s identity through art.