Chasing the Dragon: China in the Western Imagination
The Robert and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection presents an exhibition highlighting the influence of Chinese design throughout fashion history including Western interpretations and imitations (chinoiserie). The exhibition running from  September to December 2023 will open a conversation around cultural appropriation in historic fashion. Not only will the impact of stereotypes in fashion and arts be highlighted, but also diverse voices from the Drexel community will be centered to highlight Asian American perspectives on reclamation of the design narrative.
The objects on display represent original garments produced in China, Euro-American fashions inspired by them, and styles made in Hong Kong, Manila, and Honolulu that reflect the cultural fusion that occurs with global trade.
This exhibition deliberately de-centers the traditional Euro-American fashion chronicle in favor of multiple fashion narratives and encourages audiences to consider the Chinese origins of these historical garments.