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Chinese clothing - general overview:
In the Chinese way of describing the necessities of life, clothing ranks
at the top of “garments, food, shelter and means of travel”. In this country
with a long history of garments and ornaments, there is a wealth of
archeological findings showing the development of garments, as well as their
portrayals in ancient mythology, history books, poems and songs, novels and
drama. The distinction not only existed among dynasties, but also quite
pronounced even in different periods within the same dynasty. The overall
characteristics of the Chinese garments can be summarized as bright colors,
refined artisanship, and ornate details.
Looking in retrospect at Chinese garments of the 20th century, we see an
array of styles of Qipao, Cheongsam, the sun yat sen”s uniform, student uniform,
western suits, hat, silk stockings, high heels, workers' uniform, Lenin jacket,
bell-bottoms, miniskirts, bikinis, professional attire, punk style and T-shirt,
all witnessing the days gone by… Qipao, the classic dress for Chinese women,
combines the elaborate elegance of Chinese tradition with unique elements of
style. The high-necked, closed-collar Qipao / Cheongsam, with a loose chest,
fitting waist, and the attractive slits, is one of the most versatile costumes
in the world. It can be long or short, some with full, medium, short or even no
sleeves at all - to suit different occasions, weather and individual tastes.
The traditional clothing of the people of China truly reflects the kind of
lifestyle they were used to living back then. As outwardly expressive as
traditional Chinese clothing is it is full of innate symbolism as well. This is
one of the things that set traditional Chinese clothing apart. Everything from
the pheasant feathers on the head gear of warriors to the foot binding bandages
on the feet of young Chinese girls has some sort of symbolism attached with it.
Early Chinese clothing traditions Archaeologists have been able to unearth
amazing discoveries regarding traditional Chinese clothing. Their findings show
that the Chinese were into making use of ornaments to decorate their dresses as
far back as 4,500 years ago. This was the time period of the Yellow Emperor
according to Chinese history and it was during this time that a certain level of
consistency started to develop in traditional Chinese clothing. Many clothing
articles from this time period reveal the progress that was being made in the
clothing of the Chinese people. Silk woven garments and hemp articles belonging
to the Shang Dynasty have also been discovered.
The Qipao / Cheongsam can display all women's modesty, softness and beauty.
Like Chinese women's temperament, the Qipao / Cheongsam is elegant and gentle,
its long-standing elegance and serenity makes wearers fascinating. Mature women
in Qipao / Cheongsam can display their graceful refined manner. A Qipao /
Cheongsam almost varies with a woman's figure.
What serves as a worthy testament to the beauty of the Qipao / Cheongsam is,
however, it does not require the wearer to pep up the look with accessories like
scarves and belts. Designed to show off the natural softness of the female form,
it also creates the illusion of slender legs. The overall picture: practical,
yet sexy.
Because of its particular charm Qipao / Cheongsam is like a wonderful flower
in the Chinese colorful fashion scene. Another beauty of the Qipao / Cheongsam
is that it is made of different materials and can be worn either on casual or
formal occasions.
In either case, Qipao / Cheongsam creates an impression of simple and quiet
charm, elegance and attraction. With distinctive Chinese features Qipao /
Cheongsam enjoys a growing popularity in the international world of high
fashion.
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