Pet clothing designer inspired by ancient Chinese beauties

Ready for the catwalk: Liu Liu modelling a hanfu gown made by Wu in Changsha. — AFP

Changsha: Liu Liu is a fashion designer’s dream model and muse – happy to spend hour upon hour being measured and dressed, and posing in tailored couture outfits and artistic designs. Liu Liu is also a cat.

Her doting owner, Wu Qiuqiao, makes a living by designing miniature versions of traditional flowing Chinese gowns known as “hanfu” for cats and dogs that sell for up to 500 yuan (RM300).

After quitting her job as a copy editor last year, the 26-year-old now works from her apartment in the central city of Changsha designing pet-sized dresses out of pastel-

coloured chiffon and decorated with embroidery, beads, frills and motifs that she sells online.

Liu Liu ably models her owner’s creations inspired by the historic costumes of the

Han ethnic majority that are seeing a resurgence in popularity among young people – and now pet owners.

“Some of my regulars may have already bought all the clothing in my store and occasionally ask me to introduce new designs, ” Wu said.

She got the idea for making historic garb for pets after failing to find suitable styles for Liu Liu.

And she clearly is not the only one who likes her furry companion dressed in something traditional.

Wu sells up to a thousand pieces a month from her online store Chunfeng Daxiaoqiao and regularly rolls out new designs to satisfy demand.

“I think hanfu is a heritage of history and is also very beautiful, ” she said.

“(My business) can allow people who enjoy traditional culture or young people who enjoy hanfu... to be able to adopt ideas they like through pet clothing.” — AFP

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