The China Institute Pulls Out the Stops for 100th Anniversary with Star-Studded Centennial Grand Fashion Gala

Chinese and Chinese-American fashion was on full display Tuesday night at The Pierre hotel where the China Institute of America celebrated its 100th anniversary at the Centennial Grand Fashion Gala.

The black-tie event honored the artistry and impact of international acclaimed Chinese and American designers such as Vera Wang and Guo Pei — who were named as ambassadors — as well as Jason Wu, Vivienne Tam, Grace Chen, Laurence Xu, Julie Guo of Sandriver, Wang Feng and Xiong Ying. The event also recognized the China Institute’s century-long commitment to building cultural synergy between China and the U.S.

“I’m very happy to be alive to see this, and that’s the truth,” said Vera Wang, one of the honorees. “I mean, seriously, at this stage my life. You really see the proliferation and embracing of Chinese fashion and it’s something I perhaps couldn’t imagine 20 or 30 years ago.”

Wang also said she was honored to see the younger generation of Chinese designers being supported. “It’s wonderful to see and something that I’ll treasure because you never know if you’re going to see evolution in your lifetime. To see young Chinese talent being supported, being believed in and being looked at means a lot.”

Asked what more can be done to support young Chinese designers, Wang said that the more they show on the global stage, such as Paris, Milan and the U.S., the more opportunities they will have. “Even though China is so big and vast, there’s so much Chinese fashion going on there. It’s still very insulating until these designers step out onto other stages,” Wang said. She said these Chinese designers bring that mix of Asian culture. “I was raised as an American, but they bring their own aesthetics, and I think to be able to embrace their own aesthetic in a modern way in this era, shows an incredible development, an incredible evolution, and we’re all affected by what goes on around the world,” she said.

Wu showcased an exclusive selection of 10 fall looks, while Tam presented a special capsule collection for the Centennial. Designers Pei, Chen, Ying, Feng and Xu showed designs pushing the line between fashion and fine art.

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized by the China Institute during its Centennial celebration and to present my fall 2026 collection. The China Institute’s Fashion Initiative is doing important work to champion Chinese creativity and the next generation of talent. This collection reflects my own perspective celebrating my Chinese heritage while continuing to evolve and contribute to the story of American fashion,” Wu said.

Tam said this is a time for designers to do shows in the U.S. “Fashion is about love and bringing love and happiness. Fashion and art unifies everybody,” she said.

Among others who were also honored during the evening were Fern Mallis, fashion consultant and former CFDA executive director; Fadil Berisha, fashion photographer; Ma Yanli, model, actress and fashion designer; Bonnie Chen, model and filmmaker; Roseline Lou, model and former Miss Universe China; Kerina Wang, fashion, beauty and lifestyle creator, and Jessica Wang, fashion, beauty and lifestyle creator.

Yue-Sai Kan, the chair of the Centennial Grand fashion Gal and co-chair of the China Institute of America, explained that 40 years ago, when she first carried her camera into China there was no fashion and everyone was wearing dull, dark colors. There was no brightness on the streets. But she then began to see the beginning of self-expression, and Chinese fashion was born.

She said she wanted to honor Vera Wang because “she’s a world-renowned name.”

“But tonight I really want you to watch because you will see some of the most delightful, most creative design, and all of these designers are truly famous. Tonight is a transformation of China from a gray, colorless country just 40 years ago.”

Guo Pei, the first couture designer in China who was the first and only invited member from China of the Federation de la Hate Couture et de la Mode, was honored and showed her fashion at the event. Asked about the honor, she said, through a translator, “I know it’s the centennial celebration so I know it’s a landmark moment. I feel very encouraged.”

Gala proceeds will help China Institute of America advance its important mission to provide people with the tools and insight to understand the complexity and dynamism that is China through classes, events, and programs in arts and culture, cuisine, business and education.