Chinese Fashion Trend-QIPAO
Chinese designers have begun to try new ways of combining modern with traditional styles and so bring Chinese clothing to a new stage. Popular in the ’30s and ’40s, the Chinese women’s dress called qipao today is recognized as typical formal dress for the Chinese women. But in designers’ eyes, it also suits taller Western women. Here are some best deals, including both specialty shops and the budget markets in Beijing, for you to join this Chinese trend. The Tian Art “It may sound impossible to combine all these diverse cultural styles. Actually, I never seek to combine them,” says Flora Cheong-Leen, designer and owner of the Tian Art. “I want to highlight the clash of East and West.” Cheong-Leen’s unusual East-West ethos has proven a hit both at home and abroad. “Western people do like my designs,” she says. “They are sexy, but very Chinese in detail. In China, the time for all blue and gray has long gone. People here want to be individual and really daring.” Hong Kong-born Cheong-Leen spent her childhood in South America. At 9, she moved to London to study ballet. She traveled to Paris, Russia, the United States and Hong Kong, touching on a wide range of disciplines from Spanish dance to traditional Chinese dance, from fashion design to business. She was first invited to the mainland in 1993, as the artistic director of that year’s Dalian International Fashion Festival. Now in Beijing, Tian Art has expanded into five shops since its first opened in Full Link Plaza. Prices for a summer short-sleeve shirt range 400-700 yuan. Formal dress costs 780-980 yuan. Shops: 1/F, Full Link Plaza Tel: 6588-0556 China World Trade Center Tel: 6505-1252 Scitech Shopping Center One World Department Store Kunlun Shopping Center Mu Zhen Liao Mu Zhen Liao provides nearly 1,000 different kinds of material in a variety of collars and styles. Every month, more than a dozen new styles are put out, though only several pieces for each style and size. After being measured, you pick up the clothes in 15 days. Mu Zhen Liao also does Chinese-style clothing for children. Shops: Cofco Plaza Dongdanbeidajie Road China World Shopping Mall Xidan Shopping Center Vantone New World Shuang’an Xin Dong’an Market Ma Ling Fashion & Accessories Founded in 1989, Ma Ling Fashion & Accessories was China’s first personal fashion enterprise. Ma Ling’s fashion show was held in Paris, Hong Kong and Beijing in 1988, when she was 19. The same year, the movie Rock Stars brought her fame in the lead role. As general designer, Ma Ling’s style has a strong Chinese flavor, reserved and elegant. The company’s strengths include tailor-made qipao, bridal gowns and theater dress. Shops: Cofco Plaza Huawei Mansion Vantone New World Parkson Department Store Tel: 6317-6752 The Hongqiao Market Chinese-style clothing on the second floor of Hongqiao market is almost the same as the Silk Market, and the price is also affordable. There are several stalls specializing in antique clothing on the third floor. According to vendor Huang Meirong, much of the antique clothing hails from Shanxi and Shandong. The clothes here allegedly used to be worn by officials at the imperial court. He said some foreigners liked to buy the more intricate robes and hang them in display cases as object d’art. Five Colors Earth “The first time I saw a piece of Guizhou embroidery, I felt someone knocking on the door of my heart,” says He Hongyu, general manager and chief designer of Five Colors Earth. The most distinct character of Five Colors Earth is that every piece of clothing has one or two pieces of Guizhou embroidery produced by the Miao and Dong minority people. Classic Guizhou embroidery skills are fast becoming a lost art. Most of the embroidery on sale today boasts a history of 30 to 100 years. The design of Five Colors Earth fashion is very personal. It starts with every piece of embroidery, often with a specific customer in mind. The designer often hand-dyes the background silk to match the color of the embroidery. Thus every piece of clothing at Five Colors Earth is also an artwork and a fresh idea about Chinese heritage. The clothing there includes casual clothes and evening dress. A jacket with old Guizhou embroidery costs about 1,000 yuan, and an evening dress with antique embroidery costs 1,000 to 3,000 yuan. Antique embroidery bags to match the clothing range from 200 to 800 yuan. Shops: First floor of Dongcheng Children’s Palace (near Poly Plaza) First floor, Building 10, Sanlitun zhongjie Road, Chaoyang District One World Department Store St. Regis Hotel Swissotel Silk Market The Silk Market has a variety of traditional Chinese-style clothing. You may find tapestry satin qipao, vests and women’s tops, women and men’s flax tops. The typical high-collar, narrow-waist jackets flatter all figures. Chinese-style clothing for children can be reckoned cutest, including qipao, suits and vest. Clothing fits children between 2 and 6. The embroidered satin clothing comes in bold, bright colors. The flax clothing is quietly elegant. The kind of Chinese-style clothing to be found the market is neither of excellent workmanship, nor of superior fabrics. However, for ordinary people looking for a little retro revival fashion, spending 50 yuan on a top or around 100 yuan for a shiny qipao is a fun investment. All prices are negotiable at the Silk Market. It all depends on your bargaining skills. from Beijing This Month
Han Chinese clothing History
Hanfu has a history of more than three millennia, and is said to have been worn by the legendary Yellow Emperor. From the beginning of its history, Hanfu (especially in elite circles) was inseparable from silk, supposedly discovered by the Yellow Emperor’s consort, Leizu. The Shang Dynasty (c.1600 BC-1000 BC), developed the rudiments of Hanfu; it consisted of a yi, a narrow-cuffed, knee-length tunic tied with a sash, and a narrow, ankle-length skirt, called chang, worn with a bixi, a length of fabric that reached the knees. Vivid primary colors and green were used, due to the degree of technology at the time. The dynasty to follow the Shang, the Western Zhou Dynasty, established a strict hierarchical society that used clothing as a status meridian, and inevitably, the height of one’s rank influenced the ornateness of a costume. Such markers included the length of a skirt, the wideness of a sleeve and the degree of ornamentation. In addition to these class-oriented developments, the Hanfu became looser, with the introduction of wide sleeves and jade decorations hung from the sash which served to keep the yi closed. The yi was essentially wrapped over, in a style known as jiaoling youren, or wrapping the right side over before the left, because of the initially greater challenge to the right-handed wearer (the Chinese discouraged left-handedness like many other historical cultures, considering it unnatural, barbarian, uncivilized and unfortunate). In the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, the “deep robe” (shenyi) appeared a combination of tunic and skirt. The upper and lower halves were cut separately but sewn as a single unit. An additional change was the shaping of the left side of the costume into a corner, fastened on the chest. Perhaps because of Confucian influence, disapproving of a hierarchical society in favour of social mobility based on personal merit, the shenyi was swiftly adopted. There still existed an elite however, and they monopolised the more ornate fabrics and grandiose details.
Modern With A Touch Of Elegance Its All About Chinese Dress
The traditional Chinese dress was profoundly elegant, extravagant and a prominent part of the culture of China. With the passage of time however the Chinese dress has evolved into something new. Today’s Chinese dress makes use of traditional elements fused together with contemporary styles in order to develop a revolutionary modernized Chinese dress. One of the things that the fashion designers have retained from the dresses of the days gone by are the old school motifs including abstract images of dragons, lions, opera masks and various other deities. The use of Chinese bronze is also prevalent to create printing, embroidery, woven and applied designs on clothes. Even themes of some famous Chinese paintings are used as patters in the modern Chinese Dress. The basic structure of these dresses remains the same but fashion designers have a limitless variety when it comes to composing the cut for the collar, skirt and sleeves. Similarly they create designs where they experiment with the length, width and height of the gowns. And then you have the printed designs as well as the embroidery to work with. The practice of using fashion accessories with the traditional Chinese dress has always been part of the Chinese culture and the practice lives on amongst the modern Chinese Dress with of course the fact that the fashion accessories have also evolved. The use of macram’ is quite popular in decorating the shoulders, seams, opening belts, pockets and even hair ornaments and necklaces. The most timeless dress style has to be the wrap dresses first introduced in 1972 with its waist-whittling, bust enhancing and hip reducing flair. Flexibility and versatility ensuring its longevity show your style in Wrap Dress Chinese Women’s dresses starting off with the iconic Issa Silk Jersey Faux Wrap Dress that belongs in your closet season after season, year after year. It’s a classic long sleeve, deep front v-neck dress with ruched waist detail, feather print, ties in front or back and is made of 100% silk. Fabulous fashionistas are sure to flock to this fantastic dress by BCBG Mas Azria in a fauz-wrap design with v-neck, all over unique and interesting modern print, three quarter length sleeves and slip on style for easy dressing. Cant go past the Tucker The Dress, a dress premium wrapped up vintage inspired graphic reflective of All Tuckers Styles. This dress is in a new swingy wrap design we can’t live without made of super soft drapey silk, voluminous sleeves, a blousy top and a tie-belt around the waist. Looks great with tall boots or round toe platforms. Perfect for skinny minnies and voluptuous girls alike, the mini-empire waist Chinese dress is universally flattering. It adds curves to the right places while disguising the wrong. The thinnest part of a woman’s body is directly under the bust line and the empire waist draws attention to this slim area and provides good coverage of your stomach and hips. By hiding the natural waistline, this style gives the illusion of a smaller waist. Give off an easy California Girl vibe with the Sunner Grafton printed silk mini dress with pleated empire waist. Think a gathered waist, pintucks and ruffles. Chic yet understated, wear as a tunic over leggings or your favorite skinny jeans. Feel the call of the wild in a Elie Tahari ‘Mandy’ silk jersey dress with surplice v-neckline that creates a feminine, flattering fit coupled with an empire waist with self tie belt, mini box pleating and short sleeves. Elegant, feminine and practical, the sheath chinese dress is defined by a figure-hugging silhouette with a well-defined waist that usually is cut mid-calf or shorter. Sheath dresses may be designed with or without sleeves, and are typically most flattering on toned, hour-glass figures. Fantastically flirty is the Kevan Hall Red Sheath Dress with exposed Zip Front to wear for work and out for drinks and dinner. So fitting in bright red sporting pockets with flaps. The Greek goddesses did it! Radiate royal beauty divinely draped in the stunning Sari Sheath dress by Ports 1961. Featuring off the shoulders neckline, short right sleeve and a side zipper with a hook and eye closure. Ravisingly classy is the Italian wool funnelneck sheath dress by Milly in nubby wool tweed with a contrast silk ribbon border at neck. Rare or non-existent are those breed of women that want to add inches onto their hips. So why ever consider the bubble dress one begs to ask! Worn with the right fitting and fabric, the Bubble Dress Chinese women’s dresses are complimentary to all sizes and figures. Bubble over with beauty in a junior’s Speechless Asymmetrical Bubble Dress, sleeveless in merlot pink. Look sleek yet be comfortable in the metallic bubble-hem dress with flattering front pleating and keyhole-tie at back neck and pull-over styling. Known for her bright colors, simple shapes and soft wearable cottons, Ella Moss finds the delicate balance of edgy vintage without being over the top trendy in this Spa Abbey Dress with braided spaghetti strap detail, fitted roll-over bust with tie-knot at center busy and soft comfortable stretch throughout with elastic bubble hem.
East Meets West: Qipao – The Chinese Wedding Dress
Duchess Kate Middleton isn’t the first bride to start the trend of changing out of the wedding gown and into another gown for the evening. In fact, this has been a common practice of many Chinese brides who wear the Western traditional white wedding gown and then change into the timeless Cheongsam for the reception. The classic Chinese silk brocade fabric has always been a favourite in terms of fabric choice. However, other Western fabrics such as embroidered and beaded chiffons, laces and prints have increased in Chinese fashion in recent years. Here is a photo of a bride in a classic red silk brocade featuring the phoenix and dragon that signifies the everlasting union of the bride and groom. This rather fitted dress accentuates the curves of a woman’s figure. Given its clean design, it elongates one’s proportions as the eye is drawn vertically to the face. A custom made dress is the only way to ensure the perfect fit. A quality Cheongsam must be fully lined and accessorized by amazing fabric frogs; intricate woven buttons. The dual fabric piping and dual frog closure is a more upscale and luxurious accent. And they should be in two colours. The height of the collar must be designed to flatter one’s jaw line. The height of the slit should show enough leg without being too risqué. The sleeve or armhole, depending on the style that is chosen, must be tailored to fit exactly so there’s no gaping of fabric. Although this dress is predominantly worn by brides, there has been an increase trend for mothers, grandmothers and even bridesmaids to dawn this elegant style now. Some of the best designers of this gown still remain in China and I am happy to provide assistance in the production of your Chinese wedding dress. Wendy Lee, our guest blogger, is a highly sought after wedding designer of Asian Fusion Weddings in Toronto, Canada. She will be making a special visit to New York City May 14th – 19th to show a collection of the most recent fabrics used for Cheongsams. Wendy will be available for limited design consultations and measurements on these dates. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity! Book your appointment TODAY at WeddingsByWendy@sympatico.ca.
How to Wear Traditional Chinese Clothes
Whether you are wearing traditional Chinese clothing for a cultural event, a play or a party, you should recognize that the clothes you’re donning are rich with unique history and culture. As a mattr of fact, traditional Chinese clothing dates back more than 7,000 years! Difficulty: Moderately Easy Instructions 1 Select darker clothes rather than light. Lighter colors were generally worn for everyday activities, whereas darker clothes were reserved for ceremonial events. In addition, the Chinese often associated colors with seasons: black for winter, green for spring, red for summer and white for fall, according to “The Art of Traditional Chinese Dress,” so consider that as you plan your wardrobe. 2 Wear the pien-fu with pride. This historical costumes includes a loose tunic top and a long skirt as well as a ceremonial cap called a pien. You should also take a moment to appreciate the embroidery or ornamentation of the clothes, including sashes, designs, bands and other beautiful elements that truly signify traditional Chinese clothing. 3 Don the cheongsam, which means “long dress,” for formal or casual attire. This one-piece dress dates back centuries and is widely recognized as the traditional dress for women. It has a high neck, buttons on the right side, and is generally long. Easier to put on and wear than the pien-fu, the cheongsam still remains popular today. 4 Finally, men can wear a shorter tunic as well as a jacket and pants. If you’re dressing in wealthy Chinese clothing, it will be made of silk, while the poorer people often made their clothes out of hemp. Clothes definitely signaled class in traditional Chinese culture.