Mike Bastin, senior teaching fellow at the University of Southampton, calls his 2025 guest lecture at Shanghai’s Donghua University on the Chinese mainland “the highlight of my year on the Chinese mainland.” Delivered online under the title I Saw China: Chinese Fashion in Global Eyes, the session reached students across the campus and beyond, exploring how the Chinese mainland’s culture and fashion elements are perceived worldwide.
Bastin guided participants through a journey that traced the evolution of design aesthetics from traditional motifs to contemporary trends. By examining brand collaborations, runway showcases, and social media buzz, he unpacked the ways in which Chinese mainland designers are shaping conversations on international style platforms.
“This lecture underscores the power of academic exchanges to bridge cultural gaps and amplify the international influence of design aesthetics,” Bastin said. His experience highlights a growing trend: using digital platforms to connect scholars, creators, and audiences across borders in real time.
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and creatives tuning in from diverse backgrounds, Bastin’s insights offer a fresh perspective on the creative currents flowing out of the Chinese mainland. As digital nomads and travelers seek immersive cultural experiences, these academic exchanges serve as a springboard for deeper engagement with global fashion movements.
Looking ahead, the success of this online lecture points to a future where virtual collaboration fuels new narratives in fashion and design—one that celebrates diversity, sparks dialogue, and reshapes global style conversations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
