Graceful Tang-style Fashion

2 min read

An important moment of the APEC Summit occurs when heads of member states pose for the collective photograph of all in clothing provided by the host country-an opportunity favored by photojournalists. Each host country takes into consideration its aesthetic tastes and cultural traditions in the design of the garments. At the 2001 APEC Summit, China as the host country provided heads of state with Tang-style apparel, attracting worldwide attention forits rich and strong Chinese characteristics.This attire is named after the Tang Dynasty,a prosperous era in Chinese history. The label “Tang-style apparel”gives recognition to ancient Chinese culture, though not necessarily meaning this design was popular in the Tang Dynasty. The name today is simply a term fora special Chinese-style design in clothing.

Tang-style fashion in reality combines the Manchu clothing style of the Qing Dynasty (1616-1911) with the style of Western suits. Such designs are available for both men and women.

Tang-style apparel has four main elements: first, it is usually front-buttoned, though most of women’s costumes are buttoned on the left,a design not only displaying the characteristics of the Chinese style but looking quite graceful; second, it always has a vertical collar, which sets off the wearer’s demeanor; third, it has no seams between the sleeves and the main part of the costume; fourth, it uses handmade stylish cloth buttons.

The designs, the source of the vivacity of the Tang-style apparel, present a strong national flavor. These designs, in round shapes, usually feature peony, plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum to symbolize fortune, dignity and purity; or feature Chinese characters meaning blessing, position, longevity, or double happiness. Today, Chinese people love to wear Tang-style clothing on happy occasions or during festivals wishing for blessing and happiness.

Tang-style attire is also favored by film directors. In the TV drama, The Oranges Are Red, directed by Li shaohong(b.19 5 5), the heroine Xiuhe shows off dozens of Tang-style costumes.

This wardrobe was designed on the basis of the robes worn by princesses of the Qing Dynastywith small vertical collars. Made of quality silks and embroidered with different kinds of flowers in the Chinese style, the outfits look refined and elegant with their high aesthetics gaining public appreciation.