Interesting Green: Chinese Cheongsam, qípáo (旗袍)

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http://www.chinesegirls8.info/li-gui-model-in-china-traditional-fahion.html (Photos)
http://www.chinesegirls8.info/cheong-sam-series.html (Photos)
http://english.cri.cn/4026/2007/02/24/202@199123.htm (Texts) By
CRIENGLISH.com, 2007-02-24 16:15:32

PHOTO: Cheongsam series
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Cheongsam in Modern Eyes

The first thing we should know about cheongsam, or Qi Pao, is its unique and historic origin. The word "cheongsam" comes from Cantonese, the main dialect of south China's Guangzhou city and surrounding areas, and was acquired into English use during British colonial days. The word fittingly means "long dress."

In Mandarin, the dresses are commonly called "Qi Pao."

PHOTO: Cheongsam series
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http://www.chinesegirls8.info/li-gui-model-in-china-traditional-fahion.html

Over the past 300 years, the traditional dress for Chinese women has undergone continual improvements to become a paradigm of female fashion. In a cheongsam shop in Beijing's New Oriental Plaza, we happened to come across an engaged couple choosing a pair of cheongsam for their upcoming wedding ceremony.

The bride-to-be, Wei Wei, was excitedly browsing through the many styles of cheongsam in the shop.

PHOTO: Cheongsam series
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"I will soon have my wedding in Japan. Recommended by some friends, I came here today especially to buy myself a traditional cheongsam to wear at the wedding ceremony."

Wei Wei says she has decided to wear a traditional Chinese dress on her wedding day because of its uniqueness and elegance. So what elements does she consider most when choosing among so many different types?

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"I think the style of the dress is the decisive element. I prefer the ones with a very traditional Chinese style. And in terms of color, I believe red is the best."

Sitting beside Wei Wei, her fiance patiently watches her try on all the different styles. When we asked him if he likes the cheongsam dresses, he answered us quite excitedly:

"Yes, I do. I think this kind of traditional dress is for special days. And, of course, at the wedding, I want to show all my relatives and friends back in Japan that my wife is Chinese. And she'll wear this traditional Chinese dress to make that point."

PHOTO: Cheongsam series
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Fashion experts say a large proportion of those who are crazy about cheongsam nowadays are young people. But I suspect very few of them actually know of the legend behind cheongsam. So now we'd like to share the story with all of you.

PHOTO: Cheongsam series
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Legend has it there was a young fisherwoman living near a place called Jingbo Lake. She was not only very beautiful but also clever and skillful. Her only problem: when fishing, she often felt hindered by her long and loose-fitting clothing. Then an idea struck her: why not make a more practical dress to wear when fishing??

She then got down to sewing and produced a long, loop- buttoned gown with wonderfully practical slits down the sides of the skirt for tucking in the front part of her dress. Her creation allowed her to fish with greater ease, but she never imagined that it would bring her good fortune as well.

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The young emperor who ruled China at the time had a dream one night. In the dream, his dead father told him a lovely fisherwoman wearing a long dress of her own creation, who lived by Jingbo Lake, would become his queen. After awakening from this vivid dream, the emperor sent his men to look for the mysterious woman.

And sure enough, they found her just where his father said! So she joined the emperor as his queen, bringing her lovely Cheongsam with her. Manchu women all followed suit and soon Qipao became all the rage throughout China.

PHOTO: Cheongsam series
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It's not known whether this story is actually based on fact. But one thing is certain: the high-necked, closed-collar cheongsam, with a loose bodice, fitting waist, and the attractive lengthwise slits in the skirt, has become one of the most versatile costumes in the world.

PHOTO: Cheongsam series
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A supervisor with a cheongsam company in Beijing named Wang Yili tells how defining their target customer is quite important for a dress company. She offers us an example from the company she works for.

"Our company mainly targets people who are getting married and ladies ranging from 20 to 50 years old. So the styles and materials are specially chosen and designed for those people."

PHOTO: Cheongsam series
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Each style element of cheongsam is crucial in creating the overall beauty of the dress. The collar of cheongsam is high and close-fitting, not just for warmth but also for beauty. And the slits are not only for convenience of movement and also for displaying women's attractive legs. The materials used to make cheongsam are soft and beautiful, mainly silk, silk brocade, satin, satin brocade or velour.

PHOTO: Cheongsam Series
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Traditional cheongsam materials also display certain design patterns, such as Chinese dragons, different kinds of flowers, butterflies or other typical Chinese icons usually symbolizing prosperity, wealth and all that other good stuff.

PHOTO: Cheongsam Series
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Wang Yili explains how many foreign elements have now also been introduced into the making of cheongsam.

"To a large extent, the cheongsam design concept is still in line with the traditional ideas. Meanwhile we have adopted some really good quality materials from foreign countries. It improves the feel of the dresses as well as the visual effects. A good quality cheongsam tells a modern story in a traditional but fashionable way, and provides a visual feast for many people. Of course, wearing them is just as great a pleasure."

PHOTO: Cheongsam Series
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Indeed, cheongsam can be described as a wonderful flower in the colorful Chinese fashion bouquet. As it can be produced from a variety of material styles and colours, it can be worn for either casual or formal occasions.

PHOTO: Cheongsam Series
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In recent years, foreign consumers have accounted for a large proportion of cheongsam buyers. Here is Wang Yili again.

"During the 2006 Spring Festival, the revenue we've made has grown by 50% compared with last year's figures. And our foreign customers contribute a lot to this figure."

PHOTO: Cheongsam Series
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Enjoying growing popularity, cheongsam does create an impression of simple and reserved charm, elegance and attractiveness. But, when wearing such a fancy dress, don't forget to make sure your hairstyle, shoes and accessories are perfectly matched to go with it!

Translated by:

Using nciku (www.nciku.com), an online dictionary with English and Chinese language (with Pinyin), and google translate.

Reference