Chinese clothing, Cheongsam, Qipao
Qipao (ch'ipau, qi pao) is one of the most typical, traditional costumes for Chinese women. Also known as cheongsam, it is like a wonderful flower in the Chinese colorful fashion scene because of its particular charm.
Cheongsam is fit to Chinese women's slim figure, especially the Shanghai girls. The following four factors promote the fashion's generation and popularity:
1) At that time, foreign stuff entered Chinese market continuously;
2) There were fashion column in all big newspapers and magazines;
3) Fashionable dressed girl with monthly calendar was very popular;
4) Some department stores also held many fashion shows.
Qipao generally has two big slits at either side of the hem for convenient movement and display of the slender legs of women. Unlike a short-length skirt, the slits of Qipao expose a woman's legs indistinctly when she walks, as if there was a blurred emotional appeal of 'enjoying flowers in mist.' Qipao, cheongsam dress, qi pao, long dress,Ch'ipau, cheongsam qipao...
Qipaos can display Chinese women's modesty, softness and beauty. Like Chinese women's temperament, Qipaos are elegant and gentle.
Today, with the development of the market economy in China, designs or styles of fashions are so dazzling as the stars that the eye cannot take them all in. As a result, people are often at a loss what to choose when facing the vast sea of fashions. On the other hand, it is just a golden opportunity for Chinese national costumes to regain their popularity. Fashion culture has become a point of intersection of social culture, reflecting economic developments, social progress and educational level. It represents people's spirit, living standards and aspirations towards beauty.
qipao, cheongsam dress, qi pao, long dress,Ch'ipau, cheongsam qipao -- qipao qi pao cheongsam ch'ipau
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In the international world of high fashion, Chinese dresses enjoy a growing popularity. Chinese dresses are known as the "cheongsam" or "qipao." Cheongsam is derived from the Cantonese (and Hong Kong) dialect which translates to "long dress." Qipao is a Mandarin pronunciation which translates to "banner gown."
The name for Chinese dresses were derived from the late 1800s to early 1900s. When the early Manchu rulers went to China proper, they organized certain people, mainly Manchus, into "banners" (qi) and called them "banner people" (qiren), which then became term for all Manchus. The Manchu women wore a one-piece dress which came to be called "qipao" or "banner dress." Although the 1911 Revolution toppled the rule of the Qing (Manchu) Dynasty, the female dress survived the political change and, with later improvements, has become the traditional dress for Chinese women.
Originally, the cheongsam was a loose fitting, ankle length dress with long sleeves, a high mandarin collar, and side slits. With the changing times, hemlines rose and fell, and fabrics reflected the trends at the time. However, with these changes certain features still remain: Easy to slip on and comfortable to wear, the cheongsam fits the female Chinese figure elegantly. The dresses neck is high, the collar is closed, and its sleeves may be either short, medium, or full length, depending on season and taste. The dress is buttoned on the right side, with a loose chest, a fitting waist, and slits up from the sides, all of which combine to enhance the beauty of the female shape. Some modern adaptations include zippers and snaps taking the place of frogs, and closures varying from the asymmetrical front flap to the easy zip back.
Today, cheongsams are worn at diverse events as evening wear by the bride in traditional Chinese weddings, in the entertainment and hospitality industries, and even raves. The cheongsam and qipao is a classic dress that continues to inspire new designs from top designers around the world. Made of different materials and to varying lengths (mini length dress, knee length dress, and ankle length dress), these dresses can be worn either on casual or formal occasions. At any occasion, it creates an impression of simple and quiet charm, elegance and neatness. No wonder it is so much liked by women not only of China but of foreign countries as well.
Labels: Chinese Apparel, Chinese Clothing, Vintage Clothing
