Beautiful Cheongsam
1 min readThe cheongsam(known in China as qipao), which enjoyed initial popularity in the 1920s, was first designed by Shanghai people, combining the style of Manchu women’s traditional gowns with the style of clothing in southern China and of European evening dresses. It is close-fitting and sleeveless, has a high neck and slit skirt, worn with matching permed hair, high-heeled shoes, nylon stockings and brooches, to fully display a woman’s graceful curves, elegant carriage and dignified manner.
In the first half of the 20th century, the cheongsam, with Western-style overcoat and waistcoat to match, became the fashion for Chinese female movie stars, and numerous fans across the country followed suit.
The cheongsam is also a fashion style favored by Chinese film directors. At the beginning of the 21st century, Wang Jiawei(b.19 58), known internationally as Wang Kar-wei, directed the film In the Mood for Love, in which the heroine wears 26 cheongsams. These cheongsams, of graceful colors and designs, refined and elegant, have provided a chance for world audiences to appreciate the charm of Chinese women in cheongsam.
The beauty of the cheongsam is implicit and delicate, vibrant yet reserved, dignified yet natural. It takes full consideration of the characteristics of Chinese women’s figures, using different kinds of materials, colors and styles, to best display their grace and dignity. The cheongsam has changed people’s ideas about Chinese clothes being “conservative,”and has been gaining great acclaim in the international community.
