Australian
Screen

an NFSA website




Mao’s New Suit (1997)

Synopsis

Two young Chinese fashion designers combine forces to stage a fashion show in Shanghai. The enterprise is plagued with problems but the designers are optimistic about their future.

Curator’s notes

The documentary gives an interesting insight into contemporary life for young people in modern China, and the rapid changes that were taking place. At the time, this was relatively unknown to much of the West, and the film was a valuable look behind the scenes with two very articulate young Chinese women. At the end of the film the designers express their views about their lives. The film is entirely subtitled.