Luoyang City has seized upon the burgeoning Hanfu industry as a catalyst for integrated cultural and tourism development. The development of the Hanfu economy raises important questions about its underlying logic and how cultural attributes can be effectively transformed into economic assets.
Market-Oriented Operation: Luoyang Hanfu Research Institute Focuses on Originality
Supported vigorously by the Luoyang Municipal Party Committee and Government, the establishment of the Luoyang Hanfu Research Institute (renamed Luoyang Fashion Industry Research Institute) on September 16, 2023, exemplifies the city's proactive stance and innovative institutional mechanisms. Operating under a market-oriented model, the institute leverages a team of renowned experts to drive its activities, with a flexible recruitment platform aimed at attracting high-level professionals and young talents. This initiative not only aims to enhance the professional capabilities in Hanfu research and development but also integrates resources for market-driven economic services.
Mr. Ma Shengjie, spokesperson for the institute, highlights their strategic approach, including organizing industry development seminars and establishing industry standards such as the "Hanfu Terminology Standard" and "Hanfu Design Guidelines." These efforts underscore Luoyang's commitment to fostering a standardized and market-oriented Hanfu industry.
The institute has also ventured into commercial operations through the establishment of the "Seeing Today Hanfu Culture Technology Co., Ltd.," branding under "Huaxia Show," and launching the "Longmen Moon Window" series of clothing. These developments include collaborations with NetEase's "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" game to design themed appearances. Presently, they have completed approximately 300 sets of spring/summer and autumn/winter clothing under the "Huaxia Show" brand, along with over 150 accessory designs, of which 70 clothing sets and 30 accessories have entered the production and sampling stages, with live online broadcasts in the trial phase.
Highlighting Luoyang Hanfu Culture IP to Promote Economic Attributes
The Hanfu economy presents a complex challenge, as observed during interviews with Hanfu store owners in Luoyang, many of whom source their inventory from outside the city. What are the current shortcomings in Luoyang's Hanfu industry development? Should Luoyang exert more effort to enhance the entire Hanfu industry chain, from design to production and sales?
"Luoyang's Hanfu production and manufacturing base is relatively weak," admits Ma Shengjie. He suggests that Luoyang should capitalize on the development opportunities in the Hanfu industry. By expanding from Hanfu rental experiences to encompassing Hanfu design, production, and beyond, Luoyang can fully exhibit its rich historical and cultural elements in the field of clothing and apparel. Establishing Luoyang's Hanfu cultural IP is essential, transforming cultural attributes into economic drivers, and spreading Luoyang's historical, clothing, and fashion culture through market dissemination.
Future Development Focus of Luoyang Hanfu Research Institute
"Next, we plan to progressively enhance the functions of the institute, focusing on building theoretical research, innovative design, market planning and promotion, and training," reveals Ma Shengjie. The institute aims to expand its business scope through digitalization, exhibitions, celebrity workshops, Hanfu workshops, and Hanfu experience activities.
In addition to existing centers for clothing cultural research, Hanfu restoration and innovation, and new Chinese-style clothing research and development, the institute plans to establish centers for workwear and professional wear, school uniform design, leisure sportswear design, cultural creativity, clothing customization experiences, and fashion art training centers. Through market-oriented industrial operations, they aim to promote the "Luoyang Hanfu" and "Huaxia Show" brands. They are also exploring the establishment of Hanfu-themed hotels and Hanfu inheritance and innovation exhibition centers to drive comprehensive cultural and tourism development.
"In advancing Luoyang's Hanfu industry, it is crucial to emphasize cultural heritage, delve deeper into cultural characteristics, initiate top-level design, enact a series of policies beneficial to industrial development, integrate upstream and downstream industry resources, attract specialized talents, and pursue quality and brand-oriented development paths," concludes Ma Shengjie.
Luoyang's proactive stance towards developing its Hanfu industry not only underscores its commitment to preserving cultural heritage but also exemplifies its strategic approach to integrating cultural elements into economic prosperity. As the city continues to refine its approach and expand its influence, Luoyang is poised to become a beacon of Hanfu culture, both nationally and internationally.
As Luoyang City embraces the burgeoning Hanfu industry, it has strategically positioned itself at the forefront of cultural and economic transformation. The establishment of the Luoyang Hanfu Research Institute, now known as the Luoyang Fashion Industry Research Institute, on September 16, 2023, stands as a testament to the city's proactive approach. Underpinned by market-oriented principles, this institute has become pivotal in driving innovation and standardization within the Hanfu sector.
Mr. Ma Shengjie, spokesperson for the institute, emphasizes their commitment to originality and market relevance. Through initiatives such as industry seminars and the establishment of industry standards like the "Hanfu Terminology Standard" and "Hanfu Design Guidelines," Luoyang aims to foster a robust and professional Hanfu industry ecosystem. This proactive stance extends to commercial ventures like "Seeing Today Hanfu Culture Technology Co., Ltd.," which operates under the "Huaxia Show" brand, producing themed clothing lines and collaborating with popular entertainment franchises like NetEase's "The Legend of the Condor Heroes."
Despite these advancements, challenges persist, particularly in enhancing Luoyang's local production and manufacturing capabilities. Mr. Ma acknowledges this gap and advocates for further development across the entire Hanfu industry chain—from design and production to retail. By capitalizing on its historical and cultural richness, Luoyang seeks to elevate its Hanfu culture into a robust economic driver, showcasing its heritage through apparel that blends tradition with modernity.
Looking ahead, the Luoyang Hanfu Research Institute plans to expand its scope significantly. This expansion includes digitalization efforts, exhibitions, workshops, and immersive Hanfu experiences. New research and development centers are set to focus on workwear, school uniforms, and leisure sportswear, among others, aiming to diversify and deepen the cultural footprint of Luoyang's fashion industry.
Furthermore, the institute's ambitions extend beyond mere economic gains. Plans are underway to establish Hanfu-themed hotels and exhibition centers dedicated to Hanfu inheritance and innovation. These initiatives not only aim to bolster tourism but also to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of Hanfu culture both domestically and internationally.
In conclusion, Luoyang's strategic initiatives in developing its Hanfu industry exemplify a synergy between cultural heritage preservation and economic prosperity. By leveraging its historical assets and fostering innovation, Luoyang is poised to emerge as a leader in the global Hanfu market. As these efforts continue to unfold, Luoyang is set to redefine the cultural and economic landscape of Hanfu, establishing itself as a beacon of tradition and innovation in the fashion world.
