Chinese Qipao/ Cheongsam
K. Sara Aishwarya
July 2021
Introduction The cheongsam, also known as the qipao, is a type of body-hugging dress of Manchu origin. It is a high-necked, closefitting dress with the skirt slit partway up the side. The version seen as the typical cheongsam in China today (called the Mandarin Gown) was popularized by the celebrities, socialites and politicians of the time in Shanghai from the 1920s to the 1940s.
5 Elements of Cheongsam Material Qipaos can be made of many different materials, but the traditional ones are typically made of silk fabric decorated with embroidery on top. Often, brides will select embroidery that features a phoenix and/or dragon for their wedding qipao. In Chinese culture, the dragon and phoenix together symbolize good luck and a harmonious marriage.
Color Red in Chinese culture symbolizes everything you could ever want - good luck, happiness, and joy. You can also incorporate a different color accent or florals into your cheongsam pattern fabric. Gold, white, blue, purple, and pink are all popular secondary qipao colors.
Mandarin Collar The most iconic part of any qipao. The mandarin collar was popularized after the Manchurians overthrew China’s current ruling dynasty to form the Qing Dynasty in the 17th century. The collar was one of the traditional features of the Manchu gowns. It is an unfolded, upright collar that goes around the neck. neck.
Pankou Knots Pankou is the Chinese name for the traditional knotted buttons or frog buttons used on qipaos. They are also often called frog fasteners. Traditionally, they come in various animal and floral designs and are made of silk or satin wrapped around a stiffening material such as copper to help hold its shape.
Diagonal Top The top front part of a qipao traditionally includes a diagonally shaped chest area, enclosed by a series of pankou knots. The diagonal typically starts from the base of the collar in the center to just underneath the right armpit. There are many variations to this front however; some are straight diagonals, others are double-sided diagonals, and some even go all the way down to the waist.
Brainstorm
INSPIRATION BOARD
MOOD BOARD
Chinese
Traditional
Powerful
Cultural
Shanghai
High society Blanc De Blanc 11-4800 TCX
Wealth
Luxury
Verdant Green 19-6026 TCX Electric Green 14-5721 TCX Gloxinia 19-3022 TCX Fiery Red 18-1664 TCX Chinese Red 18-1663 TCX
CLIENT BOARD Gender: female Age: 23-35 Economic status: Upper class Ideal occupation: Socialite Hobbies: reading books, playing violin
STYLE DIRECT
MATERIAL BOARD
Cotton
Jacquard (or Brocade)
Threads, Zippers & Hooks
Velvet
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COLLECTION LINE-UP Shortlisted designs2, 5, 7, 14, 19, 24
ENLARGED VIEW
ENLARGED VIEW
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