The Vicissitudes of Shanghai Style Costume
Cheongsam: Classical Shanghai Style Originally the cheongsam was a kind of broad-sleeved and baggy robe worn by Manchurian women. This style went on for about 300 years without any change. But it wasn’t until the 1920s that the cheongsam began to be popular among people all over the country, due to the influence of Occidental fashion, which changed the cheongsam’s style in ways such as reducing the length and tightening the waistline. The style of the cheongsam The style of the cheongsam in the 1930s, absorbing the peculiarity of western dress into the traditional Chinese dress, became a combination of Chinese and Western dresses, which brought forth new ideas and changed continuously, led by Shanghai. The style of the cheongsam During the 1930s and 1940s, Chinese modern couture (fashion) reached its peak, with the 1930s in particular being the gorgeous pinnacle. At that time, the cheongsam became the representative and typical attire. Overnight, the cheongsam, formed in the Shanghai style that is modern in touch and Chinese in feel, came into fashion all over the country and even the world. The lifestyle of Shanghai’s swelldom (people of rank and fashion) and gentlefolk (prominent families) followed the fashion and enjoyed luxury, enjoying Western leisures such as swimming, promenades, dance and golf. Influenced by the Occidental fashion, the cheongsam became more slender, slinky, and skintight with a high kick pleat (allowing the wearer to walk easily) so as to match the delicate and lively figure of the Shanghai women in the 1930s. The cheongsam of that time had two traits: combining Chinese with Western style and varying a lot. Elegant ladies, including movie starts and noblewomen, had many different ways to wear the cheongsam: a partial Western style with a matching surcoat (an outside coat of rich material). Partial western style meant that the collar and sleeves were tailored according to the western-style fashion’s craft such as the lapel, lotus-leaf-like sleeves, flouncing lap and so on. The style of the cheongsam However, the majority of women preferred to wear the cheongsam with a western-style costume, such as, for example, wearing a cheongsam with a western-style coat, fur coat, or woolen coat and vest outside. Or the women would tie a scarf around the cheongsam or attach fancy decorations to the dress. All of these styles could show the women’s brilliant and charming figure. Neatness was a new trend of the cheongsam in the 1940s, reflected most progressively in summer, when the cheongsam generally was sleeveless, shorter in both length and collar height, and not over-laden with decorations, which made it lighter and more suitable for the body. At the same time, the slender cheongsam, with a woman’s marcel (deep wavy hair), silk stockings, high-heeled shoes, necklaces, earbobs (earrings) and handbags, was the most fashionable attire for women. Later, a kind of improved cheongsam with western tailoring craft developed, which made the cheongsam more fitted and applicable. The cheongsam, then, turned into a Chinese national dress with a unique style. It can be said that without modern Shanghai’s opening to the world or the combination of the Chinese and Occidental cultures, there would be neither the Western-style cheongsam nor the Shanghai-style cheongsam.
How to Celebrate Chinese New Year of 2012
Chinese New Year, or Chinese Spring Festival, ["holds the most significant position among all Chinese festivals and holidays."It's also called the Chinese Lunar New Year, because its date is determined by the Chinese lunar calendar, which falls sometime from late January to late February and varies from year to year. The celebration lasts 15 days. There are many exciting things happening during this New Year. If you want to participate in the celebrations, there are many things you can do to join the festivities and to pay homage to Chinese traditions; the Chinese people have many ways to celebrate this special time of the year, such as putting money in red envelopes to give to children; writing Chinese lucky symbol Fu and putting it on the door. Steps 1 Research Chinese New Year. If you're already familiar with the Chinese New Year, take a little time to learn some more about it. It's a very significant holiday in Chinese culture and the festivities extend over a period of two weeks. The Chinese New Year is accompanied by a belief in good fortune, and there are many decorations around to herald the new year Step 2 Clean your home in time for New Year. This tradition is founded in the belief that cleaning the house at this time of year will "sweep away the bad luck" that has accumulated inside over the past year.[2] Cleaning also makes the house ready for the good luck to start entering again. Put away dustpans and brooms so that the good luck won’t be swept away after cleaning. Keeping fresh and hygienic is also an important part of celebrating; even a new haircut will do. Be aware! Do not clean your home during the New Year, such as sweeping or wiping the windows. To do so is to “sweep away” the good luck you’ve just received for the New Year. Over the following 13 to 15 days, you’re relieved of cleaning duties. It may be a little dirtier than usual but it is an important part of observing the tradition.
Distinguished Peony Embroidered Silk Cheongsam
Distinguished Peony Embroidered Silk Cheongsam (clipped to polyvore.com)
Aristocratic Peony Embroidered Cashmere Jacket
Aristocratic Peony Embroidered Cashmere Jacket by sinkice featuring suede heels Yves Saint Laurent suede heels$795 - net-a-porter.com frame square redhome.comcast.net Oriental Wool Pantseaststore.com Aristocratic Peony Embroidered Cashmere Jacketeaststore.com
Midnight Rhapsody Banquet Mini Dress
SKU: PD-507324 This Midnight Rhapsody Banquet Mini Dress is an improved dress integrating traditional Chinese elegance with modern western styling. Pure handmade floral embroideries showing the oriental beauty and connotation, it recalls the long history of Chinese classic handicraft. On the other hand, the deep V-cut stand-up collar and mini length fitting cut style represent the western spirits of open and bold pursue.You are not only showing your good figure, but also your unique taste of the oriental culture and manners. Stand-up collar. Deep V-neck style. Mini dress design. Invisible back center zipper. 2 side slits. Fully lined. Floral embriodery. Fabric: Pure Silk. Washing Instruction: Dry clean only. Color available: Black. **This item is well handmade by professional chinese tailors.