Ethnic appreciation inspires stylish designs

For Wei Xianglong, the unique dyed clothes and textiles of the Bouyei ethnic group have taken him on a lifelong journey, from being a humble craftsman of his ethnic culture to a fashion designer whose outfits have appeared on the runway at international fashion week in Beijing.

From his studio in the city of Duyun in the Qiannan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture, Guizhou province, the 35-year-old designs and makes clothing, shoes, computer bags, tea sets, handbags, backpacks and refrigerator magnets all in the style of his Bouyei ethnic heritage.

Bouyei is one of the 56 ethnic groups in China, predominantly hailing from the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau.

Wei opened his studio in his hometown after graduating from Sichuan Fine Arts Institute in 2011. Over the years, the popularity of his work and his customer base have continuously grown.

In 2018, he was recognized as an inheritor of traditional indigo dyeing of the Bouyei ethnic group.

Indigo dyeing, as well as batik, tie-dye, brocade weaving and embroidery are essential techniques for traditional Bouyei clothing.

Wei even takes on custom orders.

"One young lady told me she just wanted the most beautiful and expensive piece I had," Wei said, adding that he wasn't surprised because Bouyei people cherish their traditional ethnic clothing.

Another customer liked a pleated skirt so much that she was willing to pay 30,000 yuan ($4,200) for it, Wei said. "We recognize our ethnic culture and cherish its value ... Bouyei people might have at least three pieces of Bouyei clothing at home for important events."