Qipao

The qipao is a classic female garment that originated in 17th century China.

The term "qipao" is widely used in Northern China.

In Southern China, the qipao is also known as "changshan".

A qipao in the traditional style is made entirely by hand and requires labour-intensive manual tailoring techniques to enhance and exhibit every unique female form.

With a high, closed collar, figure-hugging cut, and large slits at either side of a straight skirt, the qipao is unique in its ability to communicate both modesty and sensuousness.

The original qipao was wide and loose.

The original qipao covered most of a woman's body, revealing only the head, the hands and the tips of the toes, in order to conceal the figure of the wearer regardless of her age.

The modern version, which is now popularly recognized in China as the standard qipao, was first developed in Shanghai after 1900.

People eagerly sought a more modernised style of dress and transformed the old qipao to suit their tastes.

Slender and form-fitting with a high cut, the new qipao contrasted sharply with the traditional one.