Reviving Ancient Chinese Culture through Modern Design

1983ASIA's Rank Badge: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

The Rank Badge draws its inspiration from officer decorations, a significant element of ancient Chinese culture. These decorations, restricted to the imperial court, were worn on the robes of officers and depicted images of birds and beasts. Civil officers wore bird images, while military officers wore images of beasts, each with different grades for various titles. These decorations have since become historical relics, but through the Rank Badge, 1983ASIA aims to keep this unique culture alive.

The Rank Badge is a product of extensive research into the features of benevolent official patches across various Asian dynasties. The design process involved redrawing these features with bold techniques, scanning them into a computer, and then deconstructing and designing them through AI and PS software. The result is a modern accessory that appeals to young people, giving a new definition to a traditional cultural totem that has been largely neglected.

1983ASIA's Rank Badge stands out for its vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Each pattern boasts 7-8 colors, achieved through multiple rounds of printing and proofing. The designers also experimented with various fabrics before settling on a material that offers a unique visual appeal, a smooth feel, and a reasonable price. The Rank Badge is not just a fashion accessory; it's a piece of cultural history brought to life.

The project, which took place in 2016 in Shen Zhen, China, was not without its challenges. The team had to study Chinese traditional culture features and find ways to transform cultural products, often overlooked and neglected in museums, into cultural fashion products that people would love and want to know more about. Their efforts were rewarded when the Rank Badge won the Silver A' Fashion and Travel Accessories Design Award in 2017.

In conclusion, 1983ASIA's Rank Badge is a shining example of how design can be used to preserve and promote cultural heritage. By drawing on ancient traditions and using modern design techniques, Susu Yao and Feng Liang have created a product that not only appeals to today's fashion-conscious consumers but also helps keep a unique part of Chinese culture alive. Their work serves as an inspiration for designers everywhere to look to the past for inspiration and use their skills to bring history into the present.