How much does a qipao cost?

The price of a bespoke qipao starts at HK$3,500 (US$450) and can go up to HK$9,000, depending on the complexity of the design and the type of fabric.

Is qipao from Qing Dynasty?

The Qipao has its origins in the Qing Dynasty of the seventeenth-century, during which the Manchu people ruled China. The Manchus introduced an administrative system called the Eight Banner System (八旗), and the traditional dress that Manchu women wore became known as the qipao (meaning banner gown).

Which dynasty is the qipao from?

Historian Yuán Jiéyīng 袁杰英, author of China Qipao, a comprehensive history of the garment’s origins, symbolism, and cultural development, argues that the contemporary qipao’s framework was established during the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC – 771 BC), as it looks similar to the straight skirt created during that time.

Who invented qipao?

The modern qipao traces its roots to Shanghai in the 1920s and 30s, but it was in Hong Kong that it made important history. China’s civil war, which led to a Communist victory in 1949, pushed the centre of qipao fashion from Shanghai to Hong Kong.

Why do Chinese people wear qipao?

In 1927, the Nationalist government declared the qipao to be the national dress of Chinese women. The dress was tailored to emphasize and flatter a woman’s body. It became more form-fitting; a high slit was introduced for some of the more daring designs.

How do you wear qipao?

Today many people like to wear their qipaos above the knee as they consider this a more contemporary look. I still personally prefer either below the knee or mid-calf, as I think this balances better with the “heavier” top half of a qipao with its mandarin collar and pankous.

When does the history of the qipao start?

As we will see, the qipao might even go as far back as the Han Dynasty (221–206 BC)! The exact origin of the qipao is not agreed upon.

What kind of dress is a qipao dress?

In its most widely known form, the modern qipao dress is a form-fitting piece with a mandarin collar and often with frog buttons and side slits.

How is the qipao different from the changpao?

The qipao was the female version of the chángpáo robe and took a long time to gain acceptance with Han women. Women’s clothing at the time was much less influenced by the Manchus, in no doubt due to there not being any legal requirements for women. The early Manchu qipao was quite different from the qipao we know from China today.

Why was the qipao so popular in Shanghai?

One of the factors that helped with the qipao’s popularity in the 1920-1949 period in Shanghai was the push towards more gender equality and women’s liberation. The Qing dynasty was oppressive towards women.