“What fuels my passion is the personal stories of each of my clients. They teach me something new every day—whether it’s their high standards, attention to detail, or unique perspectives on the world,” states Grace Pei, founder of JINZA Oriental Couture.
Recognizing the power of handcrafted wedding dresses to connect people with their cultural heritage and express their unique stories, Grace is on a mission to highlight the beauty and sophistication of Chinese culture through JINZA Oriental Couture.
The First Threads
Initially, JINZA Oriental Couture specialized in Western wedding dresses and custom evening gowns at Jinza Couture Bridal. But one fateful day, Grace was approached by a third-generation Asian American bride who wanted a custom Qipao for her wedding reception.
Grace recalls, ‘This request sparked my journey into researching the Qipao and uncovering what had been lost over the years. Through this process, I discovered that my grandmothers used to wear tailored Qipaos in their time, and I began exploring my family roots.’
This reflective journey ignited a new passion in Grace: creating hand-embroidered designs that reflect her client’s unique family histories, cultural heritage, and personal stories.
With a decade of expertise in bespoke fashion, JINZA Oriental Couture now specializes in handcrafted Chinese wedding dresses, Qipaos/Cheongsams, and Tang suits – all designed and made locally in Los Angeles for weddings and cultural celebrations.
Qipao Wedding Dress at Modern Tea Ceremony (Image source: JINZA Oriental Couture)
Unraveling Tangles
Asian fashion has evolved dramatically over the years, with many traditional elements fading from modern designs. As a result, much of this cultural heritage has been lost or overlooked.
“One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my business journey is overcoming the misconception that Qipao and Cheongsam should be inexpensive or easily replaceable. Many people ask, “Why should I invest in something I can buy on Amazon or Etsy for $200?” Grace explains.
As the gap between mainstream fashion and Asian fashion narrows, Grace points out that these traditional dresses have become occasional pieces—costumes for special events rather than meaningful, handcrafted works of art.
To address this, Grace focuses on educating her clients about the value of bespoke fashion: the intricate embroidery, high-quality fabrics, and cultural heritage woven into every piece.
“At Jinza Oriental Couture, we see our mission as both an artistic pursuit and a learning journey alongside our clients. Every client brings a unique story, and we don’t aim to replicate what was done centuries ago but instead incorporate meaningful elements that speak to their identity today.”
Artisan hand stitching embroidery (Image source: JINZA Oriental Couture)
Threads of Resilience
“As a mother of two and a first-generation immigrant, I am most proud of the resilience I’ve shown throughout my journey,” Grace exclaims.
Whether overcoming depression or battling an avoidant mindset, Grace’s resilience has transformed JINZA Oriental Couture into more than a fashion brand, but a place for preserving culture and identity.
Grace’s resilience wasn’t built overnight but grew through her passion for helping her community. By preserving cultural heritage through bespoke fashion, she tirelessly designs intricate dresses that tell the unique stories of her clients’ identities.
Grace happily recalls, “Hearing their stories, especially when they share old family albums of grandmothers wearing Qipao, often brings tears to my eyes. The hand stitches, still vibrant and beautiful after 100 years, remind me that clothing can carry a story all on its own.”
From custom Qipaos and Cheongsams to Chinese wedding dresses, each piece reflects the personal histories of her clients. Grace’s vision for JINZA Oriental Couture extends beyond fashion—it’s about supporting female leaders, uplifting the Asian community, and ensuring these cultural treasures are passed down to future generations.
When asked which Asian or Asian American—real or fictional—she’d invite to wear one of her dresses, Grace responds, “Lisa Ling (a previous client) and Ronny Chieng are both role models for me due to their commitment to telling powerful stories, standing up for their communities, and offering true support. Phillip Lim is also a successful example of an Asian American designer who has carved out his own voice in the fashion world, and his influence and individuality would be a perfect match for the ethos of Jinza Oriental Couture.”
Lessons in Resilience and Unity
The two most important lessons Grace has learned from her entrepreneurial journey with JINZA Oriental Couture are authenticity and community.
“My advice to Asian creatives, founders, and entrepreneurs is to always be authentic. There were times when I wanted to take shortcuts or find quicker ways to get things done, but I learned that staying true to who you are and doing the right things, even if they take longer, is what truly matters. Another important piece of advice is to belong to a community you truly believe in. It will make things a lot easier, even when things don’t go as expected. When we, as a community, stay true to our values and support each other, we can create a stronger and more united future,” Grace affirms.
When asked about her future plans, Grace excitedly shares that she’s honing her storytelling skills to speak more boldly about heritage, culture, and community. She’s also open to collaborations, partnerships, and creating more content to amplify her mission.
Grace concludes, “Together, we are stronger, and by working together, we can have a greater impact. I look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead and the opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations.”
Please Include Contact
Website: JINZA Oriental Couture
Instagram: @jinzaoriental
Linkedin: Grace Pei
Facebook: Jinza Oriental Couture
