China Fashion then - and now (See the Chinese girls at Sochi)

fulltimestudent

Not so long ago everyone (sort of) in China wore the ubiquitous 'Mao suit.' It was really a misnomer as that style was adopted by the Guomindang (KMT) in the decade after the collapse of the Qing dynasty. Communist party members also started wearing it, after Dr. Sun Yatsen invited the Communists to join the Guomindang. The style became everyday wear for Chinese people right through from the 1920s. to the 1970s. After Mao's death and the victory of the rightwing of the CPC, fashion started to change as we shall see.

Here's a rare photograph of Mao Zedong (on the right) and Chiang Kai-shek (centre) together in 1945. (the westerner is US ambassador Patrick Hurley):

As you see both Mao and Chiang are wearing, what was then called the Zhongshan suit.

By the 1990s Chinese people were increasingly wearing western clothing .... and now - just look at these girls go at Sochi

fulltimestudent

Li Zijun, 17, Chinese figure skater, participates in the Winter Olympics for the first time.

Li finished third in women singles competition of 2014 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships.

fulltimestudent

Pang Qing (right), 34, Chinese figure skater. It may be the last time for her to attend Winter Olympics.

With her partner, Tong Jian. Pang appeared on the international arenas since 1999.

She experienced ups and downs, which makes her stronger and more beautiful.

Images from Xinhua

NewYork44M

Asian women are beautiful. which is one reason why I married one.

zebagain

beautiful, elegant,personal disciplined, with good manners and gentle pride the CPR has every right to be proud of them.

yadda yadda 2

Huh? How does competitive ice-skaters costumes demonstrate modernized fashion amongst Chinese citizens.

fulltimestudent

yy2:

Huh? How does competitive ice-skaters costumes demonstrate modernized fashion amongst Chinese citizens.

Answer: Nothing (but everything).

I wanted to post those images, and thought of China past, so turned it into a quick history lesson (boring, eh?). But if you want to know something about Chinese street fashion (and haute couture), I'm sure I can accommodate your wish.

But first:

I'm not going to attempt to explain what is happening in China. But this point is likely undisputed, that already in the 30+ years that have followed the death of Mao and the increasing personal freedom that followed, personal prosperity has rippled in ever-widening circles across China. Already there exists a segment of Chinese, larger than the population of the USA, that live lives consistent with what some call the 'American dream.' (Using that term as a reference point). Sure, there are problems, but up to now arising difficulties have been handled pragmatically and with at least some success.

In 1949, China was essentially a rural society that was still poor (hence the emphasis on peasants), now +50% live in cities. That, plus our (seeming) instinct for personal adornment, means that there is now a thriving fashion industry in China.

Wander around the back streets of the big cities (where the rents are cheap) and you're sure to find small clothing shops with good quality, good looking gear. I know my former wife, devout Jw as she maybe, would be maxxing out her plastic.

So onto the fashion show (grin)!

China Fashion then - and now (See the Chinese girls at Sochi)

Share this