This Month's Crowdcast! A Conversation with Renae Brock
Big news: This month's Crowdcast will be on Thursday, September 17th at 5:00 pm EST and I have a very special treat for you! Renae Brock (aka @br0ck_n_r0ll on Instagram) will be joining us a special guest. Renae is a member of our Patreon community and she will be sharing a personal and historical look at Chinese fashion. As she'll show us, many well-known vintage designs (like this month's Hostess Lounge Set) are directly influenced by Chinese garments like the cheongsam and qipao. This month's slideshow will incorporate photos of Renae's personal history with these garments, as well as a look at their historical evolution. *Note: as always, you will be able to watch the replay of the Crowdcast at any time.
Renae Brock is a Southern California native with cultural roots to the Hakka People - descendants of the Han. She loves sewing vintage, playing roller derby, and imparting her wit and wisdom to her two children.
Comments (32)
Finally had the time to sit and watch the crowdcast. What a great presentation! So glad I knew more about Chinese fashion than I thought I did! Coming from a costume design background, it's really interesting to hear personal views on culture and history, particularly in relation to fashion. In the past, I've always designed and worn this look out of respect, but hadn't thought that it might offend anyone! (At least my Chinese and other Asian friends had always been of the opinion of either getting as far away from it as possible or celebrating the culture with me). Very interesting. Thank you so much for doing this presentation.
I appreciate you, Gertie!
Missed it!😰 with time difference I forgot
In Singapore, we celebrated racial harmony day each year. On that day we go to school in ethnic costumes, which need not be of our own. I’ve worn the Indian punjabi suit and saree before. I remember my Indian friend helping to tie the saree to ensure it doesn’t drop. We even lend our cheongsam to non Chinese colleagues. Over years, we are open to other ethnic groups wearing each other costumes as a mark of respect. I believe it might different in each country so knowing your audience is important. Thanks for sharing so that I can watch the replay!! Yeah! Great job Gertie! 😘
Finally got to watch the replay. Wow, that was great! Renae is awesome. Thank you both!
Really enjoyed the talk. I had bought this pattern because I thought the style was cute. But I appreciate being educated on the history and the cultural implications. I f I make the dress it would be out of respect . Thank you Renae♥️
Ill be at work that night but I cant wait to tune in to the replay. Im very curious to know more about this important topic - I want to enjoy fashion from across the globe but I want to do so respectfully :)
Yay! And the kid in me is hoping I can learn about the black kitty fabric from that dress!
I found some similar fabric on Ebay - with a blush pink/dusty rose background.
I’ll be working during the live but I can’t wait to catch the replay!
I can't wait! Thank you Renae for being willing to share your knowledge! I'm really looking forward to it!
So excited!!
Thank you so much for doing this, Gertie. Representation matters, and I really appreciate you bringing on Renae to give some additional history and context to Chinese and Asian traditional garments.
oh... 5am in my time zone 😭
This sounds fantastic - good time for us to join in Australia too thanks :)
That's 7am AEST on Saturday, right?
Great! I'm looking forward to this.
Amazing, I can't wait!! 💜💜
That's awesome! Can't wait xx
I'm really looking forward to this - as a white british woman I know very little about Chinese history and culture but it's something I've been trying to do a little research into as I love the fashions and am pretty obsessed with history alongside my sewing, especially people's history of working class people from different cultures and communities xxx
How exciting. I love researching my family tree and learning about the cultures of my ancestors. But I enjoy learning other cultures too and share with my children. We went to a Bat Mitzvah of a friend's daughter, local Native American, Greek, Japanese, Chinese and so many more countries celebrations where the public is invited. You gain such an appreciation of everyone, everything and the wonderful foods! Thanks to everyone for sharing and helping us learn and grow.
I can't wait! Renae is one of my most favourite people on the planet!
Yay, Renae, so looking forward to learning more about traditional Chinese garments. I've enjoyed reading your contributions to the Hostess Set discussion and your post about it on your Instagram. I don't know much about racism towards Asian people in the US (I'm German) or Chinese garments. So much to learn.
I second that! I am Czech living in France, and I was very much unaware about anything of these issues. Yes, so much to learn!
This is absolutely amazing!!!
Wow, that's exciting!
I love how you have handled this month’s project. I am a teacher, and you have earned my respect ; thanks for listening and setting the example of being a good citizen.
This sounds amazing. Thank you for providing these wonderful opportunities for us!
Im excited!!!
Oooooh! Very excited!
So excited!!!! I love all of her work
I LOVE THIS!!! I will have to try to actually tune in on time this time!