What is the Qipao?

By Caren Zuo

Zhao Yazhi                                                  Zhang Ziyi

The Qipao is synonymous with serenity and modesty. A woman dressed in it was likely to have an oval face, her hair in a high, neat bun and wearing the proper accessories: a jade harpin and bracelet. A sense of reserve, blending with the women’s inner temperament. She is the result of generations of cultivations.

     
Chen Shu                                                           Zhang Manyu 

The Qipao has been often dubbed the symbol of glamourous old Shanghai of the 1920s-1930s. In the famous ballrooms such as the Baile Gate and Big World, in the foreign offices of Xiafei Road or under the colorful lamp lights of the Huangpu River Road, fashionable women with permed hair were often seen wearing knee-length qipaos with high silts at both sides. Accesoriezed with silk stockings, high-heeled shoes, necklaces and earrings.

  
 Dong Jie                                                  Zhao Wei

An oradinary qipao can easily enhance the warer's bearing. Female college graduates during the early 20^th century wore blue cotton qipaos. White scarvets were draped loosely over a shoulder. An air of refinement, as well as the vigor and warmth of youth were conveyed with simple dress.

The qipao, interpreted by Chinese women in different times and for occasions, will never lose its charm.

July 2004, That's China