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Product Says
The 2020 Spring & Summer Johnston collection was born. When we began to think about traditional Chinese-style clothing, it was difficult to find an entry point for the style. It was not because there was little information about traditional Chinese clothing, but because China’s history is too long and the style changes are too rich. It is not easy to find a way to integrate it with the modern era and find the roots of daily clothing design.
another green world Spring & Summer 2020
I rewatched The Last Emperor, hoping to capture some of the details. The scene where Puyi is expelled from the Forbidden City was particularly striking. Puyi, who originally preferred Western-style clothing, emerged from the Forbidden City wearing a classic Qing Dynasty jacket. This jacket became the starting point for the Johnston series.
THE LAST EMPEROR
We don't aim to design purely traditional Chinese clothing. Instead, we prefer to combine tradition with modern aesthetics, craftsmanship, and materials, while preserving the traditional rules we value.
With this philosophy and starting point, the name Johnston immediately came to mind. As Puyi's teacher, the Scotsman Johnston was a figure
knowledgeable about both Chinese and Western culture. Using his name to launch this collection represents our desire to blend Chinese and Western cultures.
Traditional Chinese clothing utilizes a wealth of handcraftsmanship, which demonstrates the meticulous effort required to create a single piece. We deeply appreciate and respect this traditional philosophy of craftsmanship. We strive to maintain this level of craftsmanship in the Johnston collection.
Of course, this dedication requires significant time. A Johnston handmade cardigan takes a week to knit, and each button is meticulously hand-sewn. Naturally, each piece is unique and individual.
In this article, we hope to share the story of the Johnston collection and the current members of the Johnston collection.
CASHMERE JOHNSTON COAT
HAND KNIT JOHNSTON CARDIGAN
JOHNSTON LINER JKT D.F.
NYLON JOHNSTON LINER JKT D.F.
CORD JOHNSTON WORK JKT
WHITE JOHNSTON WORK JKT
STRIPE JOHNSTON COAT
JOHNSTON L-SHIRT L
CHECK JOHNSTON SHIRT
CHECK JOHNSTON SHIRT
NATRUAL INDIGO JOHNSTON SHIRT
JOHNSTON SHIRT
Background
A photo of Puyi with his brothers and sisters
*Puyi (Henry)
As the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty, his reign was called "Xuantong," hence the name "Xuantong Emperor."
He was the 12th emperor of the Qing Dynasty and the 10th emperor since the Qing army entered the Central Plains in 1644. He was the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty and of Chinese history, and a man who enjoyed tennis, golf, and cycling.
Puyi's teacher Johnston
* Reginald Fleming Johnston
A native of Edinburgh, Scotland, he arrived in Beijing in 1919 as the imperial tutor, teaching Puyi English, mathematics, geography, and world history. He also took him cycling and badminton in the Forbidden City.
In China, he was a foreign teacher who opened the eyes of the last Qing emperor. In the West, he was a renowned sinologist, unlocking the mysteries of the East. This all-rounder, in an era of sluggish information, served as a bridge for cultural exchange between China and the West. He had light-colored eyes and wore a Qing Dynasty gown.
*Handmade Buttons
Also known as buttons, button loops, or button loops, buttons originated in China and were used to fasten collars or serve as decoration. They are handmade from cloth. They were first used in clothing during the Song Dynasty, initially reserved for women's casual wear.
After being introduced to the Manchu people, they became widely used in their attire. After the early Qing Dynasty, when the Clothing Change Order was implemented, buttons began to be widely used on all types of clothing.
Ma Gua, cheongsam, and Tang suit jackets all use buttons to fasten collars, making them a signature feature of Manchu and some other ethnic clothing. Some ethnic minorities still use buttons in their traditional costumes and everyday wear.
