Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Zhao Mei) news: What kind of wonderful creations can emerge when Atlas silk meets Xinjiang cotton? When members of the online themed activity dedicated to showcasing Xinjiang through the "High-Quality Development in Xinjiang" visited the Xinjiang Loulan Clothing Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Loulan Clothing) in Korla City, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, they were pleasantly surprised to see a variety of clothing items such as dresses and T-shirts made of Xinjiang cotton and featuring the unique patterns of Atlas silk.
"These clothes have both ethnic charm and a modern sense of fashion. They're so beautiful!" exclaimed Cai Jinhua, a creator of outstanding works for "Good China," as she couldn't resist trying on a cheongsam with Atlas silk patterns and experiencing it for herself.
Photo shows members of the online themed activity dedicated to showcasing Xinjiang through the "High-Quality Development in Xinjiang" visit Xinjiang Loulan Clothing Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Loulan Clothing) in Korla City, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
A bond with intangible cultural heritage
Atlas silk is woven using traditional tie-dyeing techniques. Its patterns, which reflect the creativity and aesthetics of different eras, are considered a brilliant gem of Chinese culture. In 2008, the weaving and dyeing skills of Atlas silk were included in the second batch of China's national intangible cultural heritage list.
However, with the passage of time, the traditional large and bright patterns, as well as the limited use of Atlas silk mainly for headscarves and long dresses, made it somewhat dormant in modern aesthetics.
How to bring this ancient craft back to life? Tao Tao, the chairman of Loulan Clothing, is one of the many promoters. Influenced by her mother, a seamstress, she has loved fashion design since childhood. After graduating from university in 1997, she returned to her hometown and started a fashion design training class to pursue her dream of fashion design.
Ten years ago, a special order connected Tao with Atlas silk. A customer asked her to make a cheongsam with Atlas silk patterns for a speech on CCTV. "At that time, I thought it was very novel to combine Atlas silk patterns with a cheongsam, so I gave it a try," Tao recalled. Surprisingly, the cheongsam shone brightly on the CCTV stage and added much to the customer's speech. This unexpected success deeply moved her and inspired her to firmly decide to integrate Atlas silk elements into modern fashion clothing and to showcase the eternal charm of this old craft through clothing.
Photo shows members of the online themed activity dedicated to showcasing Xinjiang through the "High-Quality Development in Xinjiang" visit Xinjiang Loulan Clothing Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Loulan Clothing) in Korla City, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily/Zhao Mei)
Fusion and innovation
Tao began to delve into the cultural history of Atlas silk and visited places to learn about the "tie-dyeing" technique.
"Craftsmen of Atlas silk pour the beauty and emotions of life into the patterns and colors, so each piece of Atlas silk is a unique work of art," Tao said. After repeated attempts, Tao's team found a breakthrough—using modern digital printing technology, they successfully deconstructed, reorganized, and recreated the ancient patterns, perfectly combining the thousand-year-old craft with modern fashion elements.
Walking into the studio of Loulan Clothing, Atlas silk patterns are now dazzling on various modern clothes. There are simple T-shirts, flowing dresses, elegant new Chinese-style vests, professional suits, and charming cheongsams... In particular, the series of products made of Xinjiang cotton, which cleverly draw on the stone blue and stone green tones from the famous ancient painting "A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains," have a fresh and elegant style with a long-lasting charm.
Photo shows Atlas series of Mamianqun, or horse-face skirt, a long, pleated traditional Chinese skirt, from Loulan Clothing Studio. (Photo by Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily/Zhao Mei)
Loulan Clothing's innovation has boosted Atlas silk's popularity and its own reputation. Tao Tao, honored as a top Chinese designer in 2016, now heads a team with four stores and over 200 styles. Their design center creates more than ten schemes monthly, covering apparel, accessories, and more. The custom line is also favored by celebrities.
Inheritance and development
In Jiayaxiang, Hotan City, the Jiyaliren Atlas Silk Handicraft Workshop still preserves the old dyeing techniques and wooden looms. Almost every household here is committed to passing down this craft.
In recent years, the workshop has actively supported craftsmen through training and cultural activities, preserving traditional skills while encouraging innovation to align with modern aesthetics. By adopting the "intangible cultural heritage + tourism" model, it has turned Atlas silk into a thriving "economy at the fingertips."
In the process of promoting high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, Xinjiang's textile and apparel industry has faced unprecedented opportunities. Through continuous technological innovation and creative design concepts, the craft of Atlas silk has been integrated into modern life with unprecedented vitality. Its product forms have also expanded from traditional clothing to fashionable scarves, exquisite handbags, and unique brooches.
This innovation around Atlas silk exemplifies the creative transformation of intangible cultural heritage. It proves that such heritage can thrive in modern aesthetics and fashion, enriching contemporary civilization with historical depth and ethnic charm. As a gem of Chinese culture, Atlas's development serves as a powerful medium for cultural nourishment in Xinjiang. Its vibrant colors, unique patterns, and exquisite craftsmanship silently narrate the stories of Xinjiang, fostering a shared spiritual homeland and ethnic integration in the new era.
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