Cheongsam

Selecting the ideal Qipao length is far more than a simple measurement; it's a nuanced decision shaping elegance, proportion, and personal confidence. This iconic garment demands careful consideration of individual physique, the occasion it will grace, and the specific design language of the dress itself. The right length acts as a sculptor, enhancing natural lines and creating a harmonious silhouette, while an ill-fitting choice can inadvertently highlight areas one might prefer to subtly downplay. Understanding how different lengths interact with your body and the garment's inherent flow is paramount to unlocking the Qipao's timeless allure. The Evolution of Qipao Length The journey of the Qipao length reflects shifting societal norms and practical needs. Early iterations in the 1920s, heavily influenced by late Qing Dynasty styles, often featured dramatically long hemlines, sometimes even brushing the floor. This required wearers to lift the skirt while walking, a style impractical for contemporary life. By the 1940s, wartime austerity measures and a push for practicality led to significant shortening, with lengths typically settling around the mid-calf area. While functional for daily movement, this specific mid-calf length can, by modern standards, sometimes visually truncate the leg line, potentially making the wearer appear shorter or wider…

The cheongsam, once a modest Manchu robe, now epitomizes timeless elegance. Over centuries, this iconic garment transformed from rigid imperial attire into a canvas for contemporary artistry. Its stitches carry stories of rebellion, craftsmanship, and cultural renaissance. Today, designers navigate tradition and innovation, ensuring the cheongsam remains not just clothing, but a living testament to Chinese aesthetics. From Shanghai’s jazz-age salons to global runways, the cheongsam’s evolution mirrors China’s own metamorphosis—honoring roots while embracing change. The Evolution of Cheongsam In the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), the cheongsam served as ceremonial dress. Straight cuts and layered embellishments concealed the body, reflecting Confucian ideals. Intricate "Eighteen Trims" embroidery featured dragons and florals, symbolizing status rather than individuality. By the 1920s, Shanghai’s cosmopolitan spirit reshaped the garment. Western tailoring techniques introduced darts and fitted sleeves, shortening hemlines to the knee. The modern cheongsam emerged—sleek, body-conscious, and emblematic of liberated women. Post-1980s, designers revived the cheongsam by blending tradition with practicality. Cotton and linen replaced heavy silks for daily wear, while ink-wash patterns and celadon blue evoked classical art. Cities like Suzhou became hubs for lightweight, adaptable designs. This era shifted the cheongsam from ceremonial rarity to accessible elegance, worn by professionals and artists alike.…

As global fashion cycles accelerate, a quiet revolution unfolds: young Chinese are rediscovering the cheongsam. No longer confined to elders or ceremonies, this iconic garment now graces streets, cafes, and social feeds, merging heritage with hyper-modernity. Its revival isn’t mere nostalgia but a dynamic reinvention—a canvas where tradition and individuality collide. Designers dismantle stereotypes, infusing classic silhouettes with audacious hues, digital prints, and streetwear accents. Meanwhile, Gen Z wears it not as costume but as cultural manifesto, proving that Chinese aesthetics transcend eras. This movement reveals how ancient beauty thrives when youth make it their own. The cheongsam’s resurgence springs from bold reimagining. Traditional forms—once dominated by crimson silks and floral motifs—now feature gradient dyes, geometric abstractions, and playful collabs with anime or pop art. A jade-green dress might pair watercolor landscapes with silver chain straps; another swaps chrysanthemum embroidery for pixelated glitches. These experiments honor craftsmanship while rejecting rigidity. For designers, "It’s about dialogue, not replication." Her collections blend Qing Dynasty tailoring with neon piping, drawing queues outside Shanghai boutiques. Young wearers seek distinction in a homogenized world, where cheongsams signal both roots and rebellion. Social platforms amplify this evolution. On Xiaohongshu, tutorials teach "cheongsam hacking"—layering them over jeans…

The cheongsam, with its high collars and sinuous lines, transcends mere attire—it becomes a canvas for storytelling. In Chinese cinema, this iconic garment amplifies character depth, historical nuance, and feminine power. Beyond fabric and stitch, it embodies restraint and rebellion, tradition and transformation. These 7 actresses didn’t just wear cheongsam; they breathed life into its legacy, each carving a distinct niche in cultural memory. From repressed longing to regal defiance, their performances prove that true elegance lies in nuance. Maggie Cheung (张曼玉) In In the Mood for Love (花样年华), Maggie Cheung’s 23 cheongsams function as emotional armor. Each hue—emerald, ruby, obsidian—mirrors suppressed desire in 1960s Hong Kong. Her posture, rigid yet fragile, turns fabric into a language of solitude. When she lowers her gaze, the rustle of silk echoes louder than dialogue. This isn’t costume design; it’s visual poetry, where cloth cages a storm of yearning. Cheung’s genius lies in minimalism. A fingertip tracing a teacup’s rim, a hesitant step down narrow stairwells—every gesture is amplified by the cheongsam’s constraints. Director Wong Kar-wai used its structure to mirror societal pressures, transforming fabric into a metaphor for unspoken rules. The result? A performance where silence screams through sequins. Tang Wei (汤唯)…

The spotlight at Mulhouse Fashion Week on July 19th fell not on a Parisian couturier, but on Shenyang-born designer Han Yang (韩炀). As the final model exited the runway, thunderous applause filled the French venue. Han, founder of the brand Lan Miaoxi (岚妙晞), had presented a collection that transcended mere fashion. Her haute couture Qipao series, "Urban Memory," reimagined the iconic Chinese garment through a bold fusion of Shenyang’s soul and Parisian savoir-faire. This debut wasn’t just a personal triumph; it marked a significant moment where Chinese design philosophy, articulated through the Qipao’s rebirth, commanded global attention on a prestigious European stage. The collection served as the centerpiece of Shenyang’s official 2025 Qipao Cultural Season, signaling a deliberate push to showcase regional culture internationally. Design Han Yang dismantled traditional Qipao expectations. While honoring signature elements like the mandarin collar and intricate knotted buttons, she discarded restrictive silhouettes. Her designs employed advanced French tailoring techniques – think sculptural shoulders and fluid, bias-cut skirts – granting unprecedented freedom of movement. This liberation mirrored the contemporary spirit she sought to embody. The fabrics whispered tales of two worlds: lustrous Chinese silks met delicate French laces and intricate passementerie. French tambour embroidery, traditionally adorning…

Taikang Life Insurance Liaoning Division transforms Shenyang's summer into a vibrant cultural canvas, merging ancient craftsmanship with contemporary urban life through its immersive "Qipao and Tie-Dye" workshop. This initiative bridges millennia-old traditions and modern financial wellness, positioning Taikang as a cultural steward beyond insurance. Hands-On Heritage Participants gathered on July 21, guided by master artisans to manipulate silk and dyes. Folding fabric into geometric patterns, they dipped cloth into indigo vats—a tactile dance connecting past and present. Each participant’s creation reflected personal aesthetics, from abstract swirls to mountain-inspired gradients. The tactile process revealed tie-dye’s alchemy: oxidation turning fabric from jade green to deep blue. Taikang Health Wealth Planners (HWP) facilitated sessions, their expertise in client customization extending to cultural mentorship. One planner noted,"Like tailoring financial security, dyeing requires patience—both transform raw potential into enduring value."This synergy between tactile artistry and advisory precision reshaped perceptions of "insurance professionals" as culture-bearers. Beyond technique, the workshop honored intangible heritage. Tie-dye’s resist-dye methods—dating to China’s 6th century—echoed in every knotted thread. Participants handled tools unchanged for generations: wooden frames, bamboo sticks, and hand-mixed plant dyes. The scent of fermented indigo and murmur of shared discoveries filled the space, crafting collective memory. Qipao Reimagined The…

The sun-drenched alleys of Marrakech recently witnessed an unexpected fusion of East and West as Chinese actress Shen Yue (沈月) unveiled her distinctive take on neo-Chinese fashion. Against the backdrop of terracotta walls and vibrant souks, her ensembles transformed the Moroccan city into an impromptu global runway. This wasn't merely a celebrity trip; it became a visual dialogue where contemporary Chinese design resonated with North African heritage, proving style transcends geographical boundaries. Shen's curated looks—featuring reinvented qipao silhouettes and fluid outerwear—ignited discussions about cultural reimagination, positioning her as an ambassador for a new wave of Asian aesthetic innovation on the global stage. Silhouettes Against Medina Walls Shen’s signature look featured a dark-patterned qipao reinterpreted with modern cuts. The high collar and intricate embroidery paid homage to tradition, while the streamlined silhouette aligned with contemporary minimalism. Paired with wide-leg silk trousers, the ensemble moved with effortless grace through Marrakech's labyrinthine streets. Her styling choices amplified the visual narrative. A low ponytail threaded with delicate silver beads echoed traditional Chinese hair ornaments, yet its simplicity felt strikingly modern. This subtle accent drew attention to the architectural lines of her outfits without overwhelming them. The masterstroke came with an ivory, wide-sleeved overdress. Flowing…

On July 19, 2025, Hangzhou International Expo Center transformed into a living tapestry of Chinese elegance as thousands gathered for the Qipao Night Star Charity Concert. Organized by the Huaxia Qipao Culture Institute, CMF International Insurance Elite Roundtable, and Mingqi Hui Art Center, this philanthropic spectacle fused heritage craftsmanship with contemporary artistry, raising the curtain on a night where tradition met philanthropy under the glow of celestial stage lights. Century-Old Threads Revived The evening’s centerpiece, Centuries of Qipao, transported audiences through time. Directed by Jia Rui (贾蕊), founder of Huaxia Qipao Culture Institute, the stage drama meticulously chronicled the garment’s evolution. Over 100 performers—including insurance elites like Guo Juxiang (过菊香) and Lu Xiaomei (卢小美)—embodied iconic figures from Empress Dowager Cixi to songstress Teresa Teng. Qing dynasty brocades gave way to republican-era simplicity, wartime austerity, and modern reinterpretations, each transition underscored by dynamic lighting and period-specific scores. Historical accuracy extended beyond fabric. Performers replicated Song Qingling’s (宋庆龄) poised diplomacy and revolutionary heroine Jiang Jie’s (江姐) defiant silhouette, using archival imagery to authenticate postures and accessories. A multimedia backdrop projected rare photographs of Shanghai’s 1930s jazz era, while live erhu melodies bridged decades. The segment culminated with a tableau of Deng Xiaoping’s…

The melody of Rose, Rose I Love You (玫瑰玫瑰我爱你) filled the air at Shanghai's Yangtze Hotel as Lu Manman (卢漫漫) watched models move with astonishing grace. They weren't just walking; they practiced Tai Chi, broke into street dance, and even rode skateboards – all while wearing her revolutionary creations: Sport Cheongsam. For Lu Manman, who came to Shanghai from Guangxi 17 years ago, this moment was the culmination of a dream: crafting a traditional Chinese garment that could finally keep pace with the dynamic lives of modern women. Her eyes glistened, witnessing the impossible made tangible. The Rebel Designer's Journey Lu Manman's path to becoming the founder of Sport Cheongsam was anything but linear. Arriving in Shanghai nearly two decades ago, she navigated careers as a Japanese translator and a psychological counselor before immersing herself in the world of cheongsam as a cultural lecturer. This deep immersion, however, sparked a rebellion against tradition. "On May 20, 2019, I gave myself a gift – founding the Sport Cheongsam brand," Lu recalls. "Like the rebellious streak in my character, I wanted to shatter the stereotype of the cheongsam as solely elegant and demure. I aimed to create a cheongsam you could evensportin."…

The fusion of tradition and modernity finds a striking expression when an 8cm black patent leather stiletto meets a light-hued sleeveless qipao. This pairing transcends mere aesthetics, crafting a visual dialogue between centuries-old elegance and contemporary boldness. The qipao’s fluid lines, tracing the wearer’s form with poetic restraint, collide with the shoe’s architectural precision—a juxtaposition that captures the essence of today’s East-meets-West fashion philosophy. Far from a clash, this synergy reveals how heritage evolves through deliberate disruption. Contrast as Harmony Light-colored qipaos—in shades reminiscent of misted jade, lotus root, or moonlit porcelain—exude a serene, painterly quality. Yet this subtlety risks fading into monotony without strategic punctuation. Enter the black patent stiletto: its liquid-like gloss slices through the qipao’s matte texture, creating a tension akin to ink blooming on rice paper. This interplay of light and shadow elevates both elements, transforming simplicity into sophistication. The sharpness of the stiletto’s silhouette disrupts expectations. Where traditional qipao footwear (like embroidered flats) softens the profile, the stiletto’s dagger heel and tapered toe inject dynamism. The verticality of the qipao’s mandarin collar and diagonal closures finds resonance in the shoe’s lengthening effect, sculpting a statuesque line from neck to ankle. This geometry subtly channels modernity…

In 1625, Shenyang became the capital of the Later Jin dynasty, setting the stage for a pivotal cultural transformation. By 1636, a deliberate sartorial shift – the codification of the iconic qipao robe – became instrumental in forging a new national identity under Hong Taiji (皇太极). This strategic wardrobe revolution, intertwined with imperial marriages and geopolitical maneuvering, cemented Shenyang’s legacy as the cradle of a garment that would later symbolize Chinese elegance worldwide. The story unfolds through political unions, battlefield victories, and a calculated rebranding of an empire. The Fabric of Alliance Hong Taiji’s marriage to Borjigit Hailanzhu (博尔济吉特.海兰珠) in 1634 was far more than a personal union; it was a calculated geopolitical chess move. Upon her arrival in Shenyang’s fledgling imperial court, Hailanzhu exchanged her traditional Mongol deel – a loose, belted robe suited for the steppes – for the structured, collarless, side-fastened qipao mandated by her new husband. This act transcended mere wardrobe change; it was a visible symbol of allegiance and assimilation. Hong Taiji recognized the potent legitimacy carried by the Borjigit lineage, descendants of Genghis Khan’s revered "Golden Family" who ruled vast swathes of Eurasia. Marrying Hailanzhu, and subsequently several other Borjigit women including the famous…

The cheongsam, a timeless symbol of Chinese elegance, demands more than just the garment itself. Its high collar, intricate closures, and figure-hugging silhouette place unique emphasis on the wearer's posture and poise. While modern adaptations offer greater accessibility, capturing the garment's inherent grace and the wearer's inner charm remains an art. Among the most critical, yet often overlooked, elements are the hands. Restless or awkwardly placed hands can shatter the delicate harmony of a cheongsam portrait. Mastering purposeful, graceful hand gestures is paramount. These subtle movements and placements not only guide the viewer's eye but also become powerful tools for expressing character, enhancing femininity, and weaving a narrative of refined elegance. The following sections explore 7 essential hand positions, transforming them from potential pitfalls into instruments of profound photographic expression. The Waist: Anchor of Poise Positioning hands at the waist is fundamental. A gentle placement, perhaps fingers lightly interlaced or one hand resting slightly higher than the other, creates a sense of balance and composure. This gesture subtly defines the wearer's form, emphasizing the natural curve of the torso inherent to the cheongsam's design. When combined with a slight side angle towards the camera, it elongates the figure and accentuates…

Beneath the cool summer skies of Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, a living tapestry of tradition unfolds each evening. Dozens of models from Tang Man Culture Company grace parks and plazas, their Manchu qipaos—with sculpted collars, coiled buttons, and artful slits—blending ancestral grace with modern silhouettes. Led by Jia Shujuan (贾淑娟), a provincial intangible heritage inheritor, this daily procession embodies a cultural renaissance where every stitch narrates millennia of Manchu wisdom. Craftsmanship Reimagined Jia’s studio produces over a thousand unique qipaos annually, each a canvas of innovation. Regional motifs merge with ink-wash paintings and botanical dyes, transforming silk into storytelling mediums. The garments honor Qing Dynasty techniques likepan jin(coiling gold) embroidery, while contemporary cuts accentuate natural forms. Seasonal inspirations yield breakthroughs like the Ice-Snow Qipao. Jagged hems mimic glacial formations, while hidden snowflake cutouts along slits create "moving snowfall" illusions under light. This dialogue between environment and craft reflects Jia’s philosophy: "Technology is the bone, culture the soul, nature the muse." Nature’s Silent Language Heilongjiang’s wilderness breathes within every design. Wild tussah silk, harvested locally, provides the foundation. Artisans hand-paint patterns using roots, berries, and leaves—forest hues whispering through fabric. Peonies bloom across bodices, cranes soar on sleeves, each element distilling Northeast China’s…

As Chinese cultural aesthetics gain global traction, actress Dilraba (迪丽热巴) emerges as its most captivating ambassador. Her recent fusion ensembles—a deconstructed qipao and an ink-wash gown—transcend mere fashion statements, weaving historical reverence with contemporary audacity. This exploration delves into how her sartorial choices ignite cultural pride, challenge design boundaries, and crystallize a new era of "Eastern Glamour." The Revolutionary Qipao Rebirth Dilraba’s black-and-gold qipao shattered conventions at a recent gala. Its asymmetric silhouette—featuring a single sculpted sleeve and strategic cutouts—balanced tradition with rebellion. Gold embroidery snaked across midnight silk, evoking dynastic opulence while the exposed shoulder whispered modernity. This architectural masterpiece proved heritage wear needn’t be archival. The ensemble’s genius lay in its disciplined restraint. Unlike ornate historical qipaos, Dilraba’s version used negative space as artistry. A solitary golden phoenix clasp anchored the neckline, while the split skirt revealed flashes of leg sans vulgarity. Every element served the garment’s narrative: China’s past reimagined for fearless futurists. Her styling amplified the revolution. Matte crimson lips contrasted with ink-black hair swept into a low chignon. No jade bangles or dangling earrings distracted; instead, a single gold ring echoed the gown’s metallic threads. Minimalism magnified the garment’s structural audacity. Social media erupted. Weibo…

As international tourism rebounds across China, an unexpected cultural phenomenon has emerged: foreign visitors donning elaborate historical costumes to pose against imperial backdrops. French traveler Titi became an overnight sensation after sharing photos of himself dressed as a Qing Dynasty "gege" (imperial prince) in Xitang Water Town, his green silk robe and floral headdress contrasting strikingly with ancient stone bridges. "People kept telling me I looked beautiful," Titi remarked, describing how the costume transformed his travel experience. His social media post attracted floods of comments like "You look like a real prince!" and "That floral crown is perfection!" This trend reflects a deeper cultural engagement, with China welcoming 736,740 foreign tourists in Q1 2025 alone—a 39.2% year-on-year surge. Ancient palaces and gardens now serve as open-air studios where travelers from Malaysia to South Africa reinvent themselves as Ming scholars, Tang empresses, or Qing nobility. For many, these photoshoots represent more than souvenirs; they're immersive journeys into China’s living history. As Titi explained while quoting classical poetry in a later post: "Dressing in period clothing makes historical sites feel alive. When Chinese tourists ask for photos with me, it becomes a shared celebration." Selfies That Transcend Cultures What began as curiosity…

1. Ironing Care Our Qipaos are crafted from silk and handmade. For the sake of safe transportation, they are packed in waterproof packaging. Once you receive it, use a steam iron at a low temperature to iron the Qipao. After ironing it smooth, let it sit for 10 - 15 minutes before trying it on. During the ironing process, avoid dripping too much water to prevent water stains. 2. Washing Care Due to the special nature of the fabric and craftsmanship, refrain from washing the Qipao with water on your own. We recommend taking it to a dry cleaner. 3. Storage Care Before storing the Qipao, iron it flat and then hang it up (avoid using metal hangers to prevent rust stains from contaminating the garment). Store it in a place away from moisture and sharp objects. It's not advisable to store it together with spun silk or fur clothing. 4. Sun Exposure Prevention Silk is a protein fiber, and long - term exposure to the sun can cause the protein to denature, leading to yellowing, decay, or discoloration of the silk. Hence, don't expose the Qipao to the sun for extended periods. 5. Wearing Care Silk fibers are delicate…

Autumn and winter are indeed the perfect seasons for velvet. How can these seasons be complete without velvet? Its rich nobility, combined with a low - key yet luxurious velvety texture, makes it irresistible to many, thanks to its unmistakable aristocratic charm. Although its history can be traced back to the ancient Warring States period, velvet truly gained popularity during the Republican era. Inspired by cultural shifts and restoration movements, women started wearing streamlined and loose cheongsams, where velvet showed its unique allure. Take Soong Mei - ling (宋美龄), the First Lady of the Republic, as an example. Whether she was visiting the U.S. or attending important events, she always favored a fitted velvet cheongsam. Dignified, luxurious, and subtly elegant, her choice solidified velvet's status as a symbol of nobility and identity. Recommend a Velvet Gown Seizing the romance of October, I'm recommending an exquisitely simple yet elegant velvet gown named Huaman. Inspired by the dark - green Datura, it symbolizes mystery and eternal vitality. Made from silk velvet, its dense pile shimmers in different shades, like a precious relic from an ancient castle. The understated aristocratic charm, along with the serene dark - green color, creates a visually stunning…

In the world of Qipao, sleeve selection is crucial! In Qipao making, sleeves are an extremely important part. They not only help the skirt and waist achieve a slender silhouette but also accentuate the delicate beauty of the shoulders and neck. Moreover, a uniquely - designed and romantic sleeve is like the icing on the cake, an extension of decoration and an enhancement of beauty. Today, I'll focus on the sleeve types and styles of Qipao and discuss what kinds of sleeves it has. Classic Qipao Sleeve Types Sleeveless: A versatile Qipao style, it's light and simple, allowing the arms to be more fully exposed, which helps elongate the arm lines and create a slender figure. Shoulder Sleeve: The shoulder and sleeve parts are connected, creating soft shoulder lines and highlighting the overall feel of traditional Qipao, naturally fitting the curve of our shoulders. It's especially friendly to ladies with narrow shoulders and is often used in younger - styled Qipao. Moon Sleeve: Based on the sleeveless design, a small sleeve is added, softening the shoulder lines and providing some coverage for a slimming effect. Ultra - short Sleeve: Slightly longer than the moon sleeve, offering better coverage for the…

In the previous article, I introduced the main sleeve types of Qipao. Today, let's explore the details of Qipao collars. Don't underestimate the collar's role. A well - chosen Qipao collar can visually enhance and beautify, highlighting the elegance and classical charm of Qipao. It's the starting point of a Qipao, and a perfect beginning sets the tone for the rest. So, let's look at different Qipao collar types. Round - Cornered Stand - Up Collar The round - cornered stand - up collar is the most classic and common type, named for its soft and rounded edges. It suits most people, being highly inclusive while retaining the elegance and delicacy of Qipao. There are high and low variations. The high one has a stronger three - dimensional effect, looking more crisp and decisive, and easily showing the slender and reserved temperament of Eastern women. The low one has a gentler and more well - behaved feel, fitting younger, casual styles. Square - Cornered Stand - Up Collar The square - cornered stand - up collar has right - angle edges, exuding a strict, dignified, and grand feel. It suits many, but those with square faces should be careful as…

September 9th is a special festival in Chinese traditional festivals. The Double Ninth Festival on this day is special because of its auspicious meaning. On the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, both the day and the month are 9, so it's called "Chongjiu". Also, 9 belongs to Yang in ancient times, and double Yang is a good omen and a good meaning. So on this day, there have always been traditional customs like "climbing high to drive away evil spirits, wearing dogwood, appreciating chrysanthemums, and sacrificing to heaven, earth, and ancestors to express gratitude for the harvest". In addition, it's also a festival for visiting relatives and respecting the elderly. In 1989, our government officially designated the 9th day of the 9th lunar month as "China's Senior Citizens' Day". On such a celebratory day, buying a gift for elders to show respect and love has become a top priority for many people. So what kind of gift to choose? If you haven't decided yet, we suggests giving your relatives or mother a cheongsam, which represents the beauty of Chinese national essence and is a women's national dress. It not only echoes the traditional festival atmosphere of the Double…

If there's any Chinese actress who knows how to wear a Qipao best, Gong Li undoubtedly tops the list. As an ambassador promoting Qipao culture, Gong Li has been showcasing the beauty of Chinese aesthetics to the world since her debut at international film festivals in 1988. Today, I'd like to focus on Gong Li and explore the remarkable chapters she has written with Qipao over the decades, as the most accomplished and influential Chinese actress in global cinema. Through her choices and presentations, we can rediscover the beauty, charm, and versatility of Qipao in different contexts. In 1988, Gong Li attended the Cannes Film Festival for the first time to promote her film King of the Children. Her youthful face was complemented by a pearl - white jacquard Qipao with subtle patterns, marking the beginning of her iconic association with Qipao. In the early days, her Qipaos were understated—short sleeves paired with a narrow skirt, adorned with delicate handmade floral buttons and statement earrings, creating a perfect balance of elegance. Even when standing alongside actresses like Sylvia Chang and Pan Hong, Gong Li radiated grace. 1990: Elegant Curve In 1990, at the Cannes closing ceremony, she wore another white…

Today, let's continue the previous special topic about Gong Li's red - carpet shows throughout the 1990s, which can be regarded as a dazzling cheongsam show. In this long - spanning show, Gong Li presented us with a perfect and eye - catching display. The arrival of the new millennium marked the end of an era and the gentle start of another. All nostalgic and classical elements achieved unexpected development and presentation under the influence of new - style culture, with the cheongsam being a representative. If we look at the cheongsam's development in the vast waves of the entire era's civilization, it would be an extremely long - winded narrative. However, using Gong Li's choices as a reference, it's easier to discover the changes and context. In 2000, a new era began. Gong Li was invited to be the chairperson of the jury at the 50th Berlin International Film Festival, becoming the first Chinese judge to enter the three major European film festivals. It can be said that from 2000 on, Gong Li transformed from a Chinese actress into a globally influential superstar and a symbol of Chinese cinema. This change was also very concretely reflected in her subsequent…

Today is a special sharing session about cheongsam pankou buttons. In the process of making a cheongsam, these buttons are not only the finishing touch but also the starting point, just like the opening of a perfect work. A surprising or unexpected start can always spark more attention and appreciation later. Meanwhile, these buttons, which are linked to the essence of traditional Chinese culture, are an important way for us to rediscover Chinese characteristics. They are small, delicate, and a vivid symbol of the ancient people's aesthetics. In ancient times, our ancestors needed to use ropes or belts to tie knots or fasten buttons to fix the front of their clothes and keep warm during work. This kind of knot can be regarded as the earliest origin of the frog buttons. Later, with the development of dynasties, the knots also changed accordingly. For example, the "ribbon" in the Zhou Dynasty, the "silk ribbon" in the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the "silk knot ribbon" in the prosperous Tang Dynasty, and the "jade ring ribbon" in the Song Dynasty. These are all the step - by - step changes of the knot ribbons evolving into frog buttons. In the Ming and Qing…

Song Brocade. As one of China's traditional silk handicrafts, Song Brocade traces its origins to the Spring and Autumn period, took shape during the Song Dynasty, and flourished in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Alongside Nanjing Yun Brocade, Sichuan Shu Brocade, and Guangxi Zhuang Brocade, it is revered as one of China's Four Great Brocades. Historical records from the 'Song Shi Yu Fu Zhi' note that after the Southern Song court relocated south, the urgent demand for high - quality brocade for calligraphy, painting mounting, and clothing production made Suzhou the primary production hub. Hence, later generations invariably associate brocade with Song. The documentary 'The Splendid Tale' highlights how Suzhou's unique geographical advantages and abundant resources provided superior raw materials, earning Song Brocade the moniker 'Suzhou Song Brocade.' The local folk song 'Wu Ge' captures the regional essence: 'In April, the warmth spreads, and households bustle with silkworm rearing.' The 'Silk Weaving Illustrated' by Southern Song painter Lou Shu offers a glimpse into the entire production process from'silkworm bathing' to'silk weaving.' After its zenith during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties, Song Brocade perfected its technique, featuring warp - faced twill as the base and weft - faced twill for…