In the mood for Retro style.

   Have talked a lot about ancient traditional Chinese inspirations, some of my readers gave me suggestions,"Nancy, why don't you dress something like Cheongsam? It is the most typical Chinese ethnic outfit." I agree to half of it, cheongsam is one of the most famous and traditional outfit for these 300 years, especially in last century cheongsam had a big development. The cheongsam we saw now actually was base on the 50s-60s modification : shorter，slimmer cut，satin fabric makes women look sexy but elegant. The most famous and popular representation of modern cheongsam from the movie " In the mood for love" by Wang Kar Wai,  it was very impressive that Maggie Zhang wore more than 25 different types of  60s cheongsams in the film. The other very good cheongsam reference is the movie " Lust caution" by Ang Lee, Tang Wei wore 27 antique 1930s outfits, every piece is truly amazing. But you may also noticed cheongsam looks a little different in these two eras. The progress histories of cheongsam is about the aesthetic integration processes between eastern and western.   

    In the early of Republic of China cheongsam still inherit Qing traditional two pieces style with big sleeves and loose shapes. In 1930s, Shanghai which was influenced by western culture the most in the beginning of last century,  people modified the outfit to the real cheongsam dress, it showed a women's slim body shape. This maxi dress, which is the most well known as "Shanghai cheongsam", spread to the whole China and even the western part after 1940s, however, European and American designer adjusted again and influenced back to HongKong and Taiwan. The outfit I wore was more inspired by 1960s HongKong cheongsam style, shorter, slimmer, pop patterns. Hopefully I have chance to show 30s style in future!       

Vintage Cheongsam from 50s vintage

Pop pattern Scarf from 60s vintage

Ballet flats by Antonio Marras   

Shoots in HTW Berlin

Illustration by Nancy.Z

Photography by Dean