A student in art disguised as a rich socialite, and had a counterfeit Hermes bag she was able stay for three weeks in Beijing without having to spend a penny.
Zou Yaqi (23 years old) conducted an experiment in her performance art project. She wanted to draw attention to capitalism and consumerism, and to see if it would make sense for her to move to Beijing after she graduates from university.
Student at Beijing’s Central Academy of Fine Arts shared her feelings of poverty and wished to break the rules in order to become a mingyuan (which means socialite) in Mandarin.
Zou Yaqi (23) (below) is 23-year-old Zou Yaqi who attended the Central Academy of Fine Arts of Beijing. She disguised herself in a rich socialite to allow her three week stay in Beijing.
She stated that she was looking to “break the rules” and become a mingyuan (which means socialite) in Mandarin.
Yaqi spent many hours browsing Instagram to see how other socialites dressed and eventually bought a counterfeit Hermes Birkin. It is well-known for its high price and legendary reputation.
To fool the world, she wore red lipstick on her face and styled it with straighteners.
Sixth Tone told her, “I’m more cautious, casual, in daily life. But I had to present an elegance, haughty and self-confident image.
Yaqi was granted entry into a VIP lounge on the first day of the experiment, May 1. The pass allowed her to stay for three hours.
She was able stayed for three days, and she relied upon the lounge’s many buffets for her meals.
Yaqi also went into the nearby Louis Vuitton boutique, and was welcomed by two assistants who forgot about their customers.
She was shown a £1,000 handbag and offered an exclusive invite to an exhibition for the luxury brand.
Yaqi, who was a participant in the experimental on May 1st, gained access to the VIP Lounge with a forgery entry card that allowed her entry. This pass was valid for 3 hours.
The student hid food in a Gucci paper bag that she had obtained from a local store as a socialite cover.
A friend invited her to an auction. She gave her the chance to test on a gorgeous emerald-colored ring, later selling for several thousand.
Yaqi explained that she played the part of the “role all day.” It was hard to believe that my body could be so ugly and slimy but others saw me as a gorgeous and prosperous woman.
The student managed to gain access to the public bathrooms, sauna and steam room at a famous high-end hotel by using multiple fake names and the excuse that she’d ‘only just checked out’.
She also attended an auction, which she was invited to by a friend, and was given the opportunity to try on a beautiful emerald ring that later sold for thousands.
She presented her three-week experiment at the end with video clips of her experience and her Gucci paper shopping bag containing stale bread, other foods, and videos of herself.
Her work has been subject to a lot criticism, but she maintained that her intention was to be an artist.