Application of K’o-ssu in Fashion Design for the Ageing Population

Abstract

Clothing design for Chinese senior citizens is characterized by a lack of innovation and outdated styles with monotonous surface design. Despite the growing population and increasing demands, senior citizens have limited options for their garment. Therefore, we experimented with an innovative method to revive a traditional Chinese handicraft, K’o-ssu, for fashion design for Chinese senior citizens. On the one hand, this meets the aesthetic needs of the senior citizens, fits their cultural identity and thus enhances their life quality. On the other hand, the traditional cultural elements are a constant source of inspiration for the design of senior clothing.

KEYWORDS:

• K’o-ssu
• fashion design
• Chinese ageing population
• traditional handicraft

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Zhang Nan

Zhang Nan is a second-year graduate student at the Shanghai University of Engineering Science. Her research interests include traditional ethnic crafts, costume history and costume design. [email protected].

Yuan Rong*

Yuan Rong* (corresponding author) is an Associate Professor at the Shanghai University of Engineering Science, College of Art. Her research direction is smart clothing customization, creative fashion design and management operation, and clothing behaviour. [email protected]

Zhang Man

Zhang Man is a first-year graduate student at Shanghai University of International Studies. Her main research interests are English literature, American literature and translation studies.