Cheongsam

The cheongsam is the traditional Asian dress for Chinese women. Usually perceived as a form-fitting long dress, it is originally called a qipao and is known as the cheongsam in English. It was popularized in the 17th century by the Manchurian Conquerors or the Qing Dynasty.

The evolution of the cheongsam is interesting. The traditional qipao was just a long loosely-fitted and baggy dress. The women were required to wear it when then Qing dynasty forbade the use of Hanfu clothing carrying the penalty of death. It does not reveal much, only the head, hands and tips of the toes. But through the years, it was tailored to become more fitting and modern to fit the standard cheongsam we know today. It standard dress was developed in 1900s when the Qing dynasty ended. People sought to upgrade the qipao with sleeker and fitting designs according to their taste.

The updated version is a tight, body-hugging style with high cut and underpants which were emphasizes the form of women. It is classic yet differed greatly from the traditional design of the qipao. The styles also vary according to change. As the world became more westernized, the basic qipao design also changed. Sleeveless and high-necked motif became popular as well as bell-sleeves design. Beaded, satiny and velvety qipao were also created for formal wear.

Today, the dress has been stylized to have a functional look. The classic look with a modern twist is made for less restrictive look which can be paired off with a jacket, scarf or cape. Also, the qipao are also used in everyday functions as uniforms. But basically, as it is the modern times, it has been replaced with the usual jeans, shirt and other modern clothes line. The qipao has been restricted to be used by formal gatherings or business meetings or by older people who has their traditional outlook still practiced.

The culture of the past wearing these traditional dresses can also be revived through commerce and business, visual arts, books and films and even cartoons or anime video games. Movies which feature historical saga with the characters wearing traditional qipao are featured. One of the most recent movies in Hollywood feature award-winning actress Maggie Cheung in Ang Lee's Lust, Caution. She wore colorful, sleek and stylish qipaos to reflect her character as a wealthy seductress. In business, some establishments use the qipao as their uniforms as well as waitresses in restaurants. Flight Attendants of Chinese Airlines also use the qipao showing the traditional Chinese culture with pride.

Whether nostalgia, historical value or practicability. The cheongsam as it is known today is a deep and essential part of the Chinese culture and lifestyle which has developed through the years, which fused China with the strong and ancient culture and vibrant and modern aspect of this thriving city.