This outfit is from contemporary Chinese fashion designer Chen Xiang's Summer 1997 collection for his label '3 Eux et Elles'. Chen Xiang (b 1969) was born during the Cultural Revolution (1966-76), a time when interest in fashion was considered a sign of spiritual corruption and bourgeois tendencies. The implementation of the Open Door policy and associated economic reforms following the end of the Cultural Revolution made way for a resurgence of interest in fashion and design.

Chen Xiang studied the China Textile University in Shanghai before establishing '3 Eux et Elles'. Designed to appeal to young women with disposable incomes, his work is deliberately commercial and retails in major department stores in China.

Clothing ensemble, women's, comprising top, trousers and shoes (pair), Chen Xiang/ 3E Eux et Elles/ Diana Jean Manufacturing & Yang Hu Footwear Corporation, Shanghai, China, 1997

Top: tailored top made of printed silk satin with beige roses on a black ground. The top is sleeveless and has one singlet-style strap and one shoe string strap. The proper right side seam opening fastens with a black nylon zipper.

Trousers: pair of straight legged trousers made of black wool. The centre front fly opening fastens with a black nylon zipper and a metal hook and bar at waistband.

Shoes: pair of sling back mules made of elasticised black rayon. The shoes have a slightly pointed toe and a black fabric covered shaped heel. Tan soles and white inner soles.

Designed by Chen Xiang (b 1969) for his label '3 Eux et Elles', Summer 1997. Top and trousers made by Chen Xiang's '3E Eux et Elles' label. Shoes made by Diana Jean Manufacturing & Yang Hu Footwear Corporation. Shanghai, China, 1997

Gift of Chen Xiang, 2003

Top: two white fabric labels inside centre back neck '3E/EUX ET ELLES', '38'. White fabric label inside proper left side seam 'SILK 100%', on reverse care instructions in Chinese.

Trousers: three white fabric labels inside centre back waist '3E/EUX ET ELLES', '26', care instructions in Chinese.

Shoes: printed on inner soles 'Diana Jean/fashion & comfortable'. On soles 'Diana Jean/7½/245'.

2003/183/1

1997