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The
Cheongsam Manchu women wore normally was a one-piece dress,
usually long enough to reach the insteps, embroidered with
broad laces
trimmed at the collar, sleeves and edges. At that time, it was
loosely fitted, had a round collar, narrow sleeves and four
slits on the four sides to facilitate the mounting of and dismounting
from a horse.
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Within
times, style of the qipao would change -the four slits became
two and the cut close-fitting to emphasize the curves of a woman's
body. |
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With
the introduction of Western ideas and culture into China, Qipao
was evolved to express the freedom of human body: the waist
became thinner, the sleeves narrower and Cheongsam became shorter
and shorter. |
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Modern Cheongsam becomes
shorter
and thinner. |
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| Golden time for Cheongsam. |
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By early
1930s, the Cheongsam had become the major urban-women's fashion
garment eclipsing all other styles of dress.
The 1930s
to 40s was a golden time for the qipao. Western fashion and materials
are imported
which helps with the innovation of Qipao style. The Qipao then
became even more figure hugging, evolves into
a symbol of stylish, Chinese glamour. |
perfect address for social functions and weddings. |
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During
1950s, the lazy, luxurious glamour of the qipao faded
out with few people still
wearing it.
The
approach of the "Cultural
Revolution" in 1960s even proclaim the death of
the qipao as it was regarded as representation of feudalism
and capitalism.
Since
1980, with the implementation of reform and opening up policy
of China, the qipao reappeared.
Today, it is not only used in fashion
stage, but also is the perfect evening dress for social
functions and wedding dresses.
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