｜The Changshan with Distinctive Cantonese Characteristics The term "qipao" (cheongsam) refers specifically to a type of traditional Chinese women's robe that became popular after the 1920s. In Hong Kong, where the majority of the population is Cantonese, the same category of attire was more commonly referred to as "changshan" (long robe) during the 1970s and 1980s, a term that encompasses Chinese-style long robes for both men and women. According to a Shanghainese tailor mast

｜Women's Clothing in the Late Qing Dynasty During the mid-Qing Dynasty, in an effort to preserve the martial spirit and Manchu traditions, the Jiaqing Emperor (reign 1796–1820) issued imperial edicts forbidding royal daughters from imitating the attire of Han Chinese women. However, by the late Qing Dynasty, as national strength waned and social corruption grew, an anomalous boom in the commodity economy fostered a cultural obsession with conspicuous luxury. Regardless of whe

｜Wartime cheongsams adopted a simple and utilitarian style. In 1937, with the outbreak of the full-scale Japanese invasion of China, Shanghai and Guangzhou fell one after another. Among those fleeing Shanghai for sanctuary in Hong Kong were tailors who followed their old patrons south, becoming Hong Kong’s earliest "Shanghai tailors." This influx of talent into Hong Kong gradually shaped the unique identity of the Hong Kong cheongsam (cheongsam/changshan), elevating local cra

| The rise of women's status in the 1950s In the 1950s, the Hong Kong government and all sectors of society worked together to revitalize the economy. The number of schools increased, improving educational opportunities for women and raising the overall level of education. Coupled with the post-war increase in job opportunities, women entered the workforce, gradually breaking down the traditional concept of "men working outside the home and women staying at home." As women en

| Cheongsam gains niche appeal, exuding elegance From the mid-1960s onwards, the Western-style ready-to-wear manufacturing industry flourished, with a wide variety of styles and materials available. Western-style dresses and jeans became the go-to choices for young women. The trend of Westernization in women's clothing was unstoppable. In addition, with the faster pace of society in the 1970s and the emphasis on efficiency, choosing fabrics and having long gowns custom-made w

| Trend Reversal After more than two decades of quiet development, the Hong Kong cheongsam made a graceful return at the end of the 20th century, showcasing its unique connotations and vitality. In the 1970s and 80s, international fashion designers drew inspiration from traditional Chinese clothing, incorporating traditional elements of the cheongsam, such as stand-up collars, slanted plackets, knotted knots, and side slits, as well as traditional fabrics and patterns, into t