Dragon Gate

Drafted in 2019 by the New York Liberty, Han Xu became the first Chinese player to join the WNBA in 22 years. This modern qipao, reworked from a New York Liberty jersey, celebrates the historic barriers she’s broken for future generations.

Photos: Thomas Duh

Jewelry: Sublima

Legend has it that a group of koi fish in China’s Yellow River tried to swim up a towering waterfall. Every koi eventually gave up and retreated, turning back with the current to safer ground. This went on for 100 years with no success.

Despite repeated failures, one koi decided to try a new strategy by starting from the bottom of the river and building up speed. Eventually it broke through and leapt past the waterfall. The spirits, impressed by its perseverance, transformed the koi into a golden dragon, symbolizing ultimate power and strength. The waterfall became known as “Dragon Gate”.