Shanghai-style and Beijing-style qipao differ primarily in their cut, and level of embellishment. The image above shows three sisters clad in typical Shanghai-style (or Haipai in mandarin) qipaos, which tend to be unadorned but very fitted. Their outfits and mannerisms also show that they are highly influenced by Haipai thinking, as they are taking western-style refreshments, and one even wears sunglasses…
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This vintage qipao blouse is made from silk, with full-bodied cuff sleeves and delicate embroidery with cut out pattern on the chest and collar areas. It is perfectly chic with a pencil skirt, especially in a bright and unexpected colour. So far all of my posts have been about qipao (or cheongsam) dresses, but qipaos can also be made as…
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My vintage Oroton mesh bag is a classic that dates from the 1960s, when mesh handbags from Australia were popular across the world. The beautiful white mesh bag and qipao (cheongsam) pair together oh-so-elegantly. Oroton and the 60s mesh Writing about Oroton brings back many memories – it was in fact at Oroton that I made my first foray into…
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This red qipao (cheongsam) is a fairly traditional 1930s style, ankle length with long sleeves. Mixing it with a modern long bob hair cut creates an effortless look perfect for the spring or autumn. Some of you might remember a red stretch wool qipao that I shared a few months ago, it was a “revised” qipao, thick and warm, perfect…
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My old Shanghai style lane house apartment was featured on Apartment Therapy, and is located in a lilong in the Former French Concession. It was built in 1927, making it 90 years old this year. I loved living in this apartment, for its amazing antique furniture, and for its quintessential Shanghainese community lifestyle. Last year was a big year for me,…
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