In a comment that seems prescient of Rihanna’s show-stopping look on Monday, Pei told the blog of her designs, “The focus and attention paid to this dress will make it remembered by the world—I want is to make them remember…. It is my responsibility to let the world know China’s tradition and past, and to give the splendor of China a new expression. I hope that people do know China in this way.”
The ensemble—which echoes Rihanna’s look at the CFDA Awards last year—seemed to divide critics and commentators. For some, the gown was the impetus for cries of “SLAY” and “MOM” and “DYING” (all very positive cries, for those not familiar with Internet/teen-speak); while others questioned whether the dress seemed to fit the theme for the event, which was China: Through The Looking Glass (Rihanna, who arguably won the night, wore a Chinese designer).
