of the Met’s exhibition distract attention from the beauty and importance of the exhibition itself, and its goal of celebrating and showcasing the importance of Chinese culture and its influence over the rest of the world. To say The Met’s Costume Institute is only interested in China as an exotic idea or as a subordinate within a paradigm of cultural elitism is not entirely fair. The Met is one of the largest and finest art institutions in the world, and with that status comes an equally high responsibility and standard of excellence to uphold. China has been a source of visual inspiration; it is fine to celebrate, but do it well. Showcasing Chinese designers and the results of inspiration sourced from China that are culturally sensitive is great. Appointing diverse co-chairs for the event, including Gong Li and Wendi Murdoch, is fantastic. But do not ruin those efforts by using an ill-conceived title, lest celebrities like Katy Perry show up to the event with chopsticks in their hair.
Image 1: Festival Robe, 19th century, Qing dynasty, China, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photo by Platon Image 2: “In the Mood for Love,” 2000, film still courtesy of Block 2 Pictures Inc. Image 3: 19th-centuy rubbing from 10th-century stele, Photo courtesy of Special Collections, Fine Arts Library, Harvard University
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