Wang Yuanyuan, Tang Yuting

    cheekywang@hotmail.com

    MORE than 40 qipaos, also known as cheongsam, are on display at the Shenzhen Museum in Futian District. These traditional Chinese dresses are part of the collection of the Shanghai History Museum, and some date back to the mid-Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), said Gu Yanyuan, head of the exhibition department of the Shanghai History Museum.

    The original qipao was a traditional one-piece dress worn by women of the Manchu ethnic group that ruled China during the Qing Dynasty. Some Manchu people referred to themselves as “Qi people” (banner people) and the dress came to be known as qipao. After their rule, all Chinese women were ordered to wear qipao instead of Han clothes.

    Originally, the qipao had a loose fit, hanging straight down the body, or flared slightly in an A-line. It covered most of the woman’s body, revealing only the head, hands and the tips of the toes. With time, the qipao was tailored to become more fitting and revealing. The modern version, which is now called a “standard” qipao, was first developed in Shanghai in the 1920s, partly influenced by Beijing styles. Most of the women who wore them at that time were upper-class women and celebrities.

    The qipao became the most popular dress among Chinese women in the 1930s. Due to the influence of Western fashion, it became much tighter, in order to reveal a woman’s curves, and other Western influences soon appeared, such as small collars and sleeveless styles. In addition, the increasing types of Western fabrics on the market helped to increase the popularity of the qipao, making it a popular and iconic dress for Chinese women. The style was later called “haipai” (overseas style) by native Shanghai.

    This exhibition showcases the history and development of the qipao, reflecting the cultural development of Shanghai since the 1900s. Other exhibits include women’s silver accessories from the 1930s.

    Dates: Until June 30

    Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Monday

    Venue: Shenzhen Museum, Block A, Civic Center, Futian District (福田区市民中心A区深圳博物馆新馆)

    Metro: Civic Center Station (市民中心站), Exit C