Provincial Fashion Week

"Oh, look, look! This 'Jilin Changbai Mountain' outfit is so grand!"

Old Wang held up his phone, praising the model on the live stream. Today was the first day of the Lunar New Year, and also the opening day of the first national "Provincial Fashion Week." Major television stations were broadcasting the event, and screens on streets and alleys were also showing models from each province showcasing their "provincial attire."

The so-called "provincial attire" didn't refer to the traditional clothing of each province, but rather clothing uniformly designed by the authorities, inspired by the regional characteristics of each province and incorporating modern fashion elements. It was said that this event was meant to promote the cultural characteristics of various regions and enhance people's sense of regional belonging.

Old Wang was a native of Shandong, and he thought this year's "Shandong Hero" provincial attire was particularly impressive. The models wore modified martial arts uniforms, holding fake "broadswords," walking vigorously on the runway. He was engrossed in watching it and often shared his views with his neighbor, Old Li.

"Old Wang, do you think this 'provincial attire' can really represent our Shandong?" Old Li asked, cracking sunflower seeds, looking doubtful.

Old Wang was stunned for a moment, scratching the back of his head, feeling a bit speechless.

Old Li continued, "I think these clothes are all weird and strange. When did we Shandong people start dressing like this? Also, when can a 'province' represent a culture? Don't we also have cities, counties, and villages? I remember when I was a kid, the clothes I wore weren't like this."

Old Wang scratched his head, thinking that what Old Li said made sense. But seeing everyone on the live stream excitedly discussing their own province's "provincial attire," and some even saying they were going to buy it to wear for the New Year, he felt that his doubts were a bit out of place.

On TV, the host enthusiastically explained, "'Provincial Fashion Week' is not only a fashion feast but also a manifestation of our cultural confidence! Today, when we put on 'provincial attire,' we put on love for our hometown and hope for the future!..."

Listening to the host's passionate speech, Old Wang felt that something was wrong, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

In the evening, Old Wang sent pictures of the "provincial attire" to the younger generation in the family group, but found that they were not very interested.

"Grandpa, I don't want to wear this, it's too tacky," his granddaughter replied in the group.

"I still prefer the trendy brands I bought myself," his grandson echoed.

Old Wang looked at the phone screen, feeling a bit lost. He felt as if he was trying to keep up with the times, but he was finding himself increasingly distant from the younger generation.

"Provincial Fashion Week" lasted for a week, with different provinces showcasing their attire in turn each day. The streets and alleys were filled with lively music, as if a genuine fashion trend had been created. However, once this wave of enthusiasm passed, people quickly forgot about it.

Old Wang discovered that very few people were actually wearing the "provincial attire" on the streets. Most people still wore their own favorite clothes, going about their busy lives.

After the New Year, Old Wang went for a walk in the park as usual, and found an odd scene. Several sanitation workers wearing "provincial attire" were diligently cleaning up the garbage on the ground with brooms and dustpans.

"Why are they wearing 'provincial attire' too?" Old Wang asked Old Li, who was wiping a trash can, curiously.

Old Li shrugged and said in a slightly sarcastic tone, "They said it's for 'uniform image' and to respond to the 'provincial attire' call. Their new uniforms are the unsold inventory from the previous 'Provincial Fashion Week.' It solves the inventory problem and gives them work uniforms at the same time, a win-win."

Old Wang looked at the sanitation workers wearing "provincial attire," diligently cleaning the garbage in the cold wind, and suddenly understood something. The so-called "provincial attire" and "cultural confidence" were just a carefully packaged performance. What truly needed attention were perhaps those who were silently working, using their own hands to maintain the cleanliness of the city.

He remembered the glamorous models at Fashion Week and the lively, bustling scenes in front of the cameras. He felt that the core of some "culture" might have been packaged beyond recognition, losing its original meaning. And those who truly deserved respect were often ignored.

As the sun set, Old Wang looked at the sanitation workers in "provincial attire" and sighed silently. He knew that next year's "Provincial Fashion Week" would arrive as scheduled.