Historical Garment Recreation 

I picked qipao as my historical inspiration foundation. From doing research, I discovered that it was actually first worn by male intellectuals and was called changpao. From the mid-1910s, society, influenced by western ideals of liberation, began advocating for women to be freed from the shackles of patriarchy and tradition. During May Fourth Movement in 1919, empower female students took to the street to assert equality while donning the changpao. As a fashion statement that celebrated feminine liberation, it was also a nod to the changing circumstances.  Soon more experimental styles come out. Shanghai, became the eventual birth place of the modern day qipao. 

 

I recreated this historical garment, combined multiple Chinese traditional elements into it, like the paper cutting art and Dudou. To modernize it, I used slightly see thru mash fabric and red color leather glued on top of it. While planning on the photoshoot, I decided to use both female and male model. I wanted the audience to understand the equality spirit qipao represented, and the unlimited possibilities behind it. 

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For the video:

Team: 33rd West Productions

Producer/Director: Josephine 

Model: Echo 

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