On July 28, the Guangdong Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo made its debut with a stunning fashion show featuring the "God Will" brand's buttercup silk collection. Sixteen models, dressed in elegant buttercup silk outfits, brought a blend of traditional Chinese charm and modern style to the event, setting the tone for Guangdong Week. As a representative of Guangdong's fashion culture, the "God Will" brand showcased the revival of the national intangible cultural heritage—buttercup silk—through runway presentations, on-site exhibitions, and demonstrations of the ancient silk-making process.
Buttercup silk, known for its soft texture and unique production method, has a history spanning over 500 years. This time, it was not just an artifact from the Ming Dynasty but a symbol of high fashion. The question on everyone's mind was: why did Guangdong choose "God Will" buttercup silk as the highlight of the week? The answer lies in its perfect balance of tradition and modernity. Its long history and fashionable appeal have made it a powerful representation of Lingnan culture.
Historically, buttercup silk was a luxury item in the 1920s and 1930s. Made from raw silk, it was treated with herbal extracts from Guangdong, then laid on grass and river mud under the morning dew. This eco-friendly process, completed before sunrise, gave the fabric its distinctive texture and natural beauty, embodying the concept of "low-carbon beauty."
The production of buttercup silk is complex and labor-intensive, making it one of the most expensive fabrics in the world. By the last century, it had nearly disappeared. However, through the efforts of Liang Zi, the brand has revived this rare craft, bringing it back into contemporary fashion.
To protect the traditional silk-making techniques, Liang Zi has worked closely with local authorities to establish a heritage protection base and promote the inclusion of buttercup silk in the national intangible cultural heritage list. In 2008, the dyeing and finishing techniques of buttercup silk were officially recognized as part of China’s cultural heritage.
Liang Zi also collaborated with the National Standards Commission to develop industry standards for buttercup silk clothing, ensuring its preservation and quality. Recently, the "Non-Heritage Fashion" promotion event highlighted Liang Zi’s efforts, with officials praising the brand for not only preserving the craft but also protecting the ecological environment surrounding it.
In Shunde’s Lunjiao Town, where buttercup silk originated, Liang Zi signed an agreement with the local government to create an intangible cultural heritage protection base. This project, covering over 7,000 square meters, includes agricultural land and is now a key eco-cultural initiative in Guangdong.
Liang Zi has also developed a range of silk products and gifts, blending the elegance of traditional buttercup silk with modern home fashion. This fusion offers new opportunities for the development of this ancient craft.
At the Guangdong Pavilion during the World Expo, visitors can witness the entire production process of buttercup silk, from the use of natural materials like plant extracts, river mud, and grass to the final fashion pieces. The "God Will" collection showcases how ancient craftsmanship meets contemporary design, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of China.
The Shanghai World Expo has become a global stage for showcasing the beauty of oriental culture. As Liang Zi said, “We want to preserve the roots of our traditional culture, but the power to do so comes from around the world.â€
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