Beyond buttons: Traditional Chinese heritage shines in fashion arena

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A necklace and a pair of earrings adorned with the Chinese frog buttons showcase the charm of traditional Chinese heritage, transcending its original function. /Photo provided to CGTN

A brooch made with a Chinese frog button showcases the charm of traditional Chinese heritage, transcending its original function. /Photo provided to CGTN

A pair of rings adorned with Chinese frog buttons showcases the charm of traditional Chinese heritage, transcending its original function. /Photo provided to CGTN

A necklace and a pair of earrings are adorned with the Chinese frog buttons, created by Hu Ling. The works by this Chinese frog button-making inheritor are now in the collection of the China Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum in Beijing. /Photo provided to CGTN

In traditional Chinese attire, such as qipao or cheongsam, frog buttons – or "pankou" in Chinese – serve a dual purpose. They fasten the garment's plackets and elevate the outfit's aesthetic. Recently, however, these buttons have gained new popularity. One subtype, a more rigid style of button, has ventured beyond its original function as a clothing fastener and found a myriad of innovative applications. They have been transformed into brooches, necklaces, earrings, and other decorative ornaments. Some have even been incorporated into paintings, expanding their presence into the field of fashion accessories.