PhD research
Working title: The role of dress in the articulation of British Chinese identity
My PhD researches British Chinese identity using the lens of diaspora dress studies, exploring how the act of dressing the body incorporates the embodiment of ethnic identity. I analyse the impact of Orientalist and Chinoiserie fashion design and Chinese fashion history on the identity-formation of Chinese-heritage people in the UK. I consider the impact of Chinoiserie and Orientalist fashion design alongside Chinese fashion history, as experienced in the Chinese diaspora.
Methods
I recorded a series of dress-focussed oral history interviews from 2019-2021. Visual and material culture are central to my assessment of the affective experience of Chinese dress. My interview analysis is underpinned by close-readings of personal and museum objects, photography, and fashion media and paraphernalia.
I was awarded a competitive Techne scholarship by the UK Arts & Humanities Research Council. I’m currently writing up my research, and I study on a part-time basis alongside my freelance design work.
Awards
I’m honoured to have won several grants and scholarships to support my research and studies.
Techne full PhD studentship, Arts & Humanities Research Council, UKRI
Fashion Matters Project Bursary, London College of Fashion
Pasold Textiles Research Grant
Costume Society Yarwood Award
Yorkshire Ladies’ Council of Education Award
Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship, University of the Arts London
Access To Learning Fund, University of the Arts London
Erasmus+ Study Abroad Grant
I am incredibly grateful to these organisations for all the support and assistance. Thank you so much!