Designer unveils Mo Yan's dressing code

Mo Yan speaks at a news conference, at the grand hall of the Swedish Academy in Stockholm, Dec 6, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]

Mo is not the first celebrity to be dressed in Chen's designs. Her star French clients include writer Marie Nimier, actress Marie Laforet and Madame de Villepin.

A design graduate of Tsinghua University, Chen owned a boutique in Paris where she honed her skills for many years before returning to China in 2007 with her brand "Beistyle".

The 35-year-old designer says the outfits for Mo's wife and daughter include casual dresses and evening gowns.

"They match Mo's outfits. I hope the designs will highlight the charm of Chinese women of different ages," she says.

Since Mo will attend both the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony at Stockholm Concert Hall and the Nobel Banquet at Stockholm City Hall on Monday, there are different dress codes to consider.

Winner of the Nobel Prize 2012 for literature, Mo Yan, left, demonstrates Chinese calligraphy for students during a visit to Hersby Gymnasium high school in Lidingo, outside Stockholm, Dec 7, 2012. In the background is Rona Shan Longshi, teacher in mandarin language. [Photo/Agencies]

Mo's English-language translator and long-time friend Howard Goldblatt says he expect Mo to wear a white tie and tails at the Nobel Banquet, as is traditional.

But Mo's usual style is decidedly casual rather than fancy, even at events such as the London Book Fair, in April.

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Some commentators say he should stick with this style and not care too much about representing Chinese writers in Sweden.

"I'm OK with either Chinese or Western dress for Mo Yan," says Xu Zechen, a Chinese writer.

"Once Mo steps on the stage to accept the prize, which honors his literary achievements, once he speaks in Chinese under the spotlight, it's enough and is the most effective way for him to represent the essence of Chinese culture," Xu says.

For Chen, dressing Mo has fulfilled her design dreams.

"It's what I've been thinking of for years: How Chinese present themselves on the global stage."

Contact the writer at meijia@chinadaily.com.cn.