This summer Sotheby’s announced its two-city partnership with Chinese “Queen of Couture” Guo Pei, whose sculptural garments epitomize the intersection of fashion and art. For the first part of her collaboration, Pei turned her eye to Asia Week at Sotheby’s New York, where four looks from her Spring/Summer 2019 East Palace Couture collection will be exhibited for the first time. With inspiration from Oriental myths and Royal palaces, Pei presents a mysterious and romantic picture incorporating ancient Chinese iconography, such as whimsical green dragons, mythical birds – including the Rosefinch (God of the South), three-legged Golden Bird (symbolizing the sun) and Phoenix (king of all birds), as well as basaltic pythons (embodying the God of the North) and mighty unicorns. Drawing on everything from these auspicious animals found in Eastern folklores to classic color symbolism, Pei selected works from the Asia Week auctions that closely mirror her own designs. Ahead, discover Pei’s mesmerizing pairings, and visit Sotheby’s New York from 6–9 September to view her signature, labor-intensive, luxurious embroidery in person. –Stephanie Sporn
