To Revolution.

Inspiration so often follows radical change.

Consider Shanghai in the 1920s. There’s been a shift toward egalitarianism following the Xinhai Revolution in 1911. Gender equality is gaining traction.

Eventually, fashion distills these changes into wearable art and the qipao becomes a staple of everyday wear. The original fit is looser than what you see here, but by the ‘30s and ‘40s, a new shape emerges.

More form-flattering. The side slits, more daring.

Women add piping, collars, and fasteners to lushly-detailed fabrics.

Beautiful things (new ways of thinking, the most flattering dresses) have a way of holding up, even 100 years on...

Qipao Dress (No. 6517). Short sleeve fitted qipao dress in the finest Italian silk satin jacquard. Chinese knot closure across shoulder to neck. Princess seams for sensational shaping. Calf length. Center back zipper. Imported.