Move over, zippers! Traditional Chinese frog buttons – called pankou – are having a ✨glow-up✨ in the global fashion scene. Once hidden in plain sight on qipaos and cheongsams, these intricate knotted fasteners are now starring as statement jewelry and art pieces.
Designers are reimagining pankou as brooches that would make your grandma’s heirlooms jealous, necklaces that blend ancient craftsmanship with streetwear vibes, and earrings that swing with cultural pride. Some artists are even weaving them into paintings, creating 3D masterpieces that pop like a TikTok transition.
This isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s a full-circle moment for Chinese heritage. As Gen Z embraces slow fashion and cultural storytelling, these 400-year-old buttons prove sustainability and tradition can be seriously cool. 🧵💡
