Miu Miu recently extended its acclaimed Literary Club series to Shanghai, transforming the city's Jing'An neighborhood into a vibrant hub for intellectual exchange and artistic expression. This initiative, renowned for its focus on women writers, convened panels of distinguished thinkers and performers to delve into significant literary works, reinforcing Miu Miu's dedication to cultural enrichment and female empowerment.
Embracing the Power of Narrative: Miu Miu's Literary Odyssey in Shanghai
Shanghai's Cultural Heartbeat: A New Chapter for the Miu Miu Literary Club
In the vibrant Jing'An district of Shanghai, amidst the historic temples and bustling commercial avenues, an extraordinary event unfolded this past weekend. The Shanghai Exhibition Centre played host to a sophisticated gathering, as impeccably dressed attendees, many adorned with the distinctive Miu Miu emblem, converged for the latest installment of the brand's Literary Club. This marks a significant expansion for the club, which has consistently captivated audiences at Milan's Salone del Mobile for the past two years.
Expanding Horizons: From Milan to Shanghai with Literary Gems
Building on its success in Milan, the Miu Miu Literary Club made its Shanghai debut, offering a series of days dedicated to insightful discussions and artistic presentations. The program featured panels of authors and scholars who explored a curated selection of books by women writers, personally chosen by Mrs. Prada. These literary dialogues were interwoven with captivating performances by musicians and poets, creating a multi-sensory experience. Continuing the theme of women's education championed at the Milan event in April, the Shanghai edition highlighted Simone de Beauvoir's 'The Inseparables' and Fumiko Enchi's 'The Waiting Years,' with the notable addition of 'The Fall of the Pagoda' by the influential Chinese novelist Eileen Chang.
Eileen Chang: A Timeless Voice in Chinese Literature
Professor Zhang Pinjing of Tongji University's School of Humanities, who was instrumental in curating the event's impressive lineup of speakers, emphasized the profound impact of Eileen Chang. "Chang is a pivotal figure not just among women writers but across the entire landscape of modern Chinese literature," Pinjing asserted, "Her contributions are essential reading." Having personally immersed myself in 'The Fall of the Pagoda' during my journey, I can attest to its compelling nature. The novel, which traces a young aristocratic woman's journey through the tumultuous Shanghai of the 1920s and '30s, resonates with an enduring relevance. Alongside de Beauvoir's and Enchi's works, Chang's selected novel represents an often-overlooked masterpiece, aligning perfectly with the club's mission to unearth "unrecognized literary treasures," as described by Pinjing.
The Convergence of Fashion and Literature: A Growing Trend
The burgeoning success of the Miu Miu Literary Club arrives at an opportune moment, coinciding with a noticeable surge in the fashion world's engagement with literature. Recent seasons have witnessed fashion models launching book clubs, designers incorporating literary excerpts into their apparel, and brands featuring classic novel covers on stylish tote bags. However, Miu Miu, under the visionary guidance of Mrs. Prada, distinguishes itself by approaching this trend with profound seriousness. Similar to the brand's long-standing Women's Tales initiative, which commissions short films by female directors, the Literary Club's mission is deeply rooted in intellectual exploration. It facilitates public conversations with women writers and, through its Summer Reads program, has generously distributed thousands of free copies of its featured books globally. This literary endeavor also subtly mirrors the themes of Miu Miu's collections, as evidenced by the domestic motifs in the spring 2026 collection, which found resonance with the narratives of household life explored in Enchi's novel.
Exploring Profound Friendships and Feminist Thought
The discussions commenced in an elegantly appointed hall, designed in the style of a mid-century Milanese library, featuring a striking yellow sofa surrounded by Marcel Breuer chairs set against a rich crimson velvet backdrop. The initial panel focused on Simone de Beauvoir's 'The Inseparables,' a poignant, semi-autobiographical novel about a powerful teenage friendship, published posthumously in 2020. Yuan Xiaoyi, a French literature scholar and panelist, highlighted the novel's enduring relevance: "The societal constraints these characters sought to transcend are still pertinent today, and the struggles they faced continue to exist. Even in her fiction, de Beauvoir remains a realist." The discussion also touched upon de Beauvoir's historic 1955 visit to China with Jean-Paul Sartre, marking them among the first academics to visit after the establishment of the People's Republic. Xiaoyi affectionately referred to de Beauvoir as "an old friend," a sentiment that drew appreciative laughter from the audience.
A Culinary Interlude and a Spotlight on Personal Liberation
Following the engaging morning session, guests enjoyed an East-meets-West luncheon, featuring miniature Wagyu beef sandwiches and zucchini ciabatta, accompanied by iced teas or negronis. A captivating performance by Chen Sijiang, the lead singer of the Chengdu-based indie band Hiperson, provided a vibrant interlude before the afternoon's focus shifted to Eileen Chang's novel. This discussion, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Chang's passing, proved to be a central highlight. It began with a reading from the novel by actor Zhao Jinmai, a Miu Miu ambassador, followed by an incisive commentary from Malaysian Chinese author Li Zishu, who openly critiqued aspects of the book, particularly Chang's depiction of the protagonist's mother. Novelist Di An drew parallels between the protagonist's journey and her own path to personal liberation, candidly discussing her amicable divorce and her decision to leave a stable journalism career to pursue her literary aspirations. "It is not selfish to chase our own aspirations," she declared, aiming to alleviate feelings of guilt associated with such choices.
Evolution of Perspectives: Women, Relationships, and Identity
The audience's attentive reception affirmed the resonance of these discussions. Professor Pinjing deliberately assembled a panel of "both writers and thinkers," drawing inspiration from de Beauvoir's own intellectual breadth. She aimed for speakers who could represent women at various life stages. Pinjing expressed her pleasant surprise at the animated debate surrounding de Beauvoir's relationship with Sartre, noting that many younger women voiced objections to his treatment of her. "This shift in perspective deeply moved me," Pinjing reflected, "It clearly illustrates how women's understanding of relationships has evolved."
Literature as a Catalyst for Connection and Conversation
Ultimately, this speaks to the profound success of the Miu Miu Literary Club, and indeed, the Women's Tales program: the unparalleled ability of compelling narratives to unite individuals and ignite meaningful dialogue. "Our intention was always to expand outwards from the text, connecting the novels to the present realities in China and globally," Pinjing elaborated earlier in the day. As the evening progressed, the discussion hall transformed into a dynamic club, with disco lights casting a playful glow as alt-pop artist Lexie Liu delivered an energetic performance to an enthusiastic crowd. Yet, in a quiet corner, a small library space remained occupied by a dozen or so attendees, engrossed in their books, their focus unwavering despite the distant echoes of Liu's music. On all fronts, the mission was unequivocally accomplished.
