Have talked a lot about ancient traditional Chinese inspirations, some of my readers gave me suggestions,”Nancy, why don’t you dress something like Cheongsam? It is the most typical Chinese ethnic outfit.” I agree to half of it, cheongsam is one of the most famous and traditional outfit for these 300 years, especially in last century cheongsam had a big development. The cheongsam we saw now actually was base on the 50s-60s modification : shorter，slimmer cut，satin fabric makes women look sexy but elegant. The most famous and popular representation of modern cheongsam from the movie ” In the mood for love” by Wang Kar Wai, it was very impressive that Maggie Zhang wore more than 25 different types of 60s cheongsams in the film. The other very good cheongsam reference is the movie ” Lust caution” by Ang Lee, Tang Wei wore 27 antique 1930s outfits, every piece is truly amazing. But you may also noticed cheongsam looks a little different in these two eras. The progress histories of cheongsam is about the aesthetic integration processes between eastern and western.
In the early of Republic of China cheongsam still inherit Qing traditional two pieces style with big sleeves and loose shapes. In 1930s, Shanghai which was influenced by western culture the most in the beginning of last century, people modified the outfit to the real cheongsam dress, it showed a women’s slim body shape. This maxi dress, which is the most well known as “Shanghai cheongsam”, spread to the whole China and even the western part after 1940s, however, European and American designer adjusted again and influenced back to HongKong and Taiwan. The outfit I wore was more inspired by 1960s HongKong cheongsam style, shorter, slimmer, pop patterns. Hopefully I have chance to show 30s style in future!
Vintage Cheongsam from 50s vintage
Pop pattern Scarf from 60s vintage
Ballet flats by Antonio Marras
Shoots in HTW Berlin
Illustration by Nancy.Z
Photography by Dean
Allison
What an amazing post! Truly inspiring photos, and another beautiful illustration to match such a classic outfit
Sound of Chic
You continue to inspire and amaze me. These are gorgeous photos and nice to see your inspiration in film and vintage photographs.
Sound of Chic – Classic style set to an indie soundtrack
http://soundofchic.com
Sabrina
Oh WOW! This is so beautiful–and as a Chinese-American who is endlessly fascinated and in admiration of Chinese female fashion circa 1920s-40s, I especially loved this post. Keep up the fantastic work and the gorgeous illustrations!
xoxo,
Sabrina
http://www.rougespark.com
Vince
I’ve been following your blog and just now wanted to say how much I love it. I’m a student in art history and chemistry (aiming for a career in art conservation) but I’m going through a major fashion history phase right now. I really love how so many of your posts have little tidbits of interesting information. It usually leads me to hours of research on the subject. Even if not, you almost always put your styles in its historical/cultural context, which is immensely insightful for me.
Thanks!
maggie
I love this post! I remember wearing Qi Pao’s as a young child during Chinese New Years, this post makes me miss wearing them so much! Your’s is gorgeous, I love the print and bold colors.
xx maggie
saltandleather.blogspot.com
Bivisyani Questibrilia
I find it somewhat comical that the dress is chinese-styled and yet it’s decorated with polkadots, whereas usually it is decorated with flowers or dragons or anything of the sort.
L o u i e A n n e
You look amazing!!..:D It was nice information and photo evolution of Cheongsam..:D
http://snapshotofstyle.blogspot.com
THE STEL STYLE
you have a nice style!!! I love your illustration!!!
Jon Åslund
Wow! Looking forward to you showing 30s style cheongsam.
Selina
A very elegant style, I wish it would be a bit more popular. You always manage to make things relevant to your style
http://kittyonadumpster.blogspot.co.uk/
Elena
Love this retro style- you look very elegant! And of course- the illustration is beautiful!
Xo
Elena
http://dcinstyle.com/blog/
Funky Fondled And Fresh
Your look is so perfect from the make up all the way down to the shoes! I’m a huge fan of the cheongsam style, great post!
http://funkyfondledandfresh.blogspot.com/
daria
those flats are incredible! you look wonderful as always, and I love the inspiration pictures as well!
Michelleesque
Oh you look gorgeous as always! I love the print!
Michelle
http://www.michelleesque.com
Waż Kaa
What can i say… I love you, your style, inspirations… Everything!
Cristy
I LOVE your cheongsam and shoes! I’ve never seen a cheongsam with sleeves that length; they’ve always either been sleeveless or had long sleeves.
HerMemoirs
lovely! classical look with a touch of your personal style! <3
Sadia Nur
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Sadia Nur
his is what I need to know very much.
I appreciate you to sharing this post with us.
Cheongsam dresses
Kaii ZHANG
Wow very nice texts and amazing Chinese dress on you! We have nice Cheongsam collection in London as well. Perhaps you might want to check them out!
Kaii ZHANG Oriental Fashion in London