Peng Liyuan’s ‘fashion with Chinese characteristics’ a symbol of China’s soft power
Eschewing conspicuous luxury labels and Western bling, the first lady has curated a style that’s confident, chic and yet conservative, with nods to her Chinese heritage
Whilst many people are analysing the political minutiae of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Mar-A-Lago meeting with US President Donald Trump, others are focused on the high-profile women by their sides. Despite airstrikes in Syria, like it or not, people still obsess over the two superpower’s first ladies and their fashion. Each time Xi’s wife Peng Liyuan makes a public appearance, Chinese netizens take to social media in droves to comment on her appearance – most writing elaborate praise and stating what a relief it is to finally have a globally “presentable” first lady.
During this US visit, American first lady Melania Trump accompanied Peng to surprise students and teachers with a visit at the Bak Middle School of the Arts in West Palm Beach on Friday. With her hair swept up in a chic style, Peng, a famous singer in the People’s Liberation Army at one time, chatted to students and watched their musical performances.
At these highly publicised diplomatic summits, the first ladies and their fashion choices can carry heavy cultural clout; wielding soft power at home and abroad. Much was made of Trump’s auspiciously red, simple Valentino dress and Peng’s deep purple floral embroidered qipao at the official Mar-A-Lago greeting, dinner and photo call. Both women amped up the glamour, nodding to the meeting of cultures. While Peng’s qipao was classically Chinese and embellished with embroidery, Trump went for a modern, simple look.
