#1: She’s made a name for herself as China’s top couturier
Considered as China’s undisputed haute couture queen, Guo is the first born-and-raised Asian designer to be invited as a guest member of the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture and was also named as one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2016.
#2: She’s the designer behind Rihanna’s opulent cape/gown at last year’s Met Gala
The dress that spawned a thousand memes reportedly took 20 months to construct, and is made from gold thread and fox fur. Another fun fact: It weighs about 25 kilograms.
#3: Intricate, jaw-dropping embroidery work is her brand’s USP
During Beijing Fashion Week in 2008, she created a dress that required no less than 50,000 hours of work thanks to its detailed embroidery. For her Fall 2016 couture collection, her final look was fit for a queen with its shimmery, bejewelled and pearlescent embellishments.
#4: Her designs are museum-worthy
Last year, she showcased her “Porcelain” collection at the New York Metropolitan Museum as part of the “China: Through the Looking Glass” exhibition. More recently, her gowns were shown at a one-day-only event organised by the China Institute, which aims to promote deeper understandings of China in America.
#5: She just debuted at Paris Haute Couture Week
After Rihanna wore her gown on the Met Gala red carpet, Guo was given the opportunity to be a part of Paris Couture Week for the very first time this January. What formed her Spring collection: Stunning ballgowns and girly, frilly creations with Oriental motifs like mandarin collars, painterly florals and elaborate tassels.
The Guo Pei Spring/Summer 2016 Courtyard Collection will show on Wednesday, 26 October, 6.45pm at the National Gallery. Buy tickets here
Main Image: Singapore Fashion Week website
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