"Nǐ hǎo", "Chǎo miàn", "Gūng Héi Faat Chòi", the only Chinese phrases that the western world seems to know. When you add a lack of knowledge and representation and a stereotypical image portrayed by the media, you have the current public image of the Chinese culture.

As generations grow up in the western world, we lose more and more of our cultural roots, our clothing being one of them. The traditional qipao is a garment that only comes out during special occasions and usually, at least in my household, for about 20 minutes while we take Lunar New Year photos. Then, it goes back into the closet for another year. 

Pùhn Fā Náu, named after the flower knot buttons found on the qipao, is an ongoing series of images documenting the details and intricacies of these garments. 

It is crucial that we appreciate our traditional clothing once again so that it doesn’t become a costume or a stereotype. Such a significant part of our history should be shown off, not judged and stared at. Appreciating our culture is the only way to ensure that it doesn't die out and that it will reach our future generations.