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Wu Qiuqiao puts a Hanfu gown on her cat Liu Liu at her house in Changsha, in China's central Hunan province. Photo: Noel Celis/AFP

Pet fashion designer makes and sells traditional Chinese gowns, modelled by her muse, Liu Liu the cat

  • Wu Qiuqiao designs and creates pet-sized versions of the traditional Chinese Hanfu gown, and sells them online
  • Her muse and model is her pet cat Liu Liu, who is happy to pose in the outfits and be measured up and fitted
Fashion

Liu Liu is a fashion designer’s dream model and muse – happy to spend hour upon hour being measured and dressed, and posing in tailored couture outfits and artistic designs. Liu Liu is also a cat.

Her doting owner, Wu Qiuqiao, makes a living from designing miniature versions of traditional flowing Chinese gowns known as “ Hanfu” for cats and dogs that sell for up to 500 yuan (US$70).

After quitting her job as a copy editor last year, the 26-year-old works from her flat in the central city of Changsha designing and selling pet-sized dresses out of pastel-coloured chiffon and decorated with embroidery, beads, frills and motifs.

Liu Liu ably models the creations inspired by the historic costumes of the Han ethnic majority that are seeing a resurgence in popularity among young people – and now pet owners.
Liu Liu wears a Hanfu gown in Changsha, Hunan province. Photo: Noel Celis/AFP
Wu Qiuqiao puts a Hanfu gown on her cat Liu Liu. Photo: Noel Celis/AFP
Wu puts together Hanfu gowns for cats at her house in Changsha. Photo: Noel Celis/AFP
Wu Qiuqiao says her cat Liu Liu is happy to model the dresses. Photo: Noel Celis/AFP

“Some of my regulars may have already bought all the clothing in my store and occasionally ask me to introduce new designs,” Wu said.

Wu got the idea for making historic garb for pets after failing to find suitable styles for Liu Liu. And she clearly is not the only one who likes her furry companion dressed in something traditional.

In China, demand growing for luxury pet hotels, dog spas, and pet massages

Wu sells up to 1,000 pieces a month from her online store Chunfeng Daxiaoqiao and she regularly rolls out new designs to satisfy demand.

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“I think Hanfu is a heritage of history, and is also very beautiful,” Wu said.

“(My business) can allow people who enjoy traditional culture, or young people who enjoy Hanfu … to be able to adopt ideas they like through pet clothing.”

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