JOOYOUNG SHIN
JOOYOUNG SHIN
 
 
 
Inlaid-with-Desire_O231804-CC.jpg

ETERNAL RECURRENCE

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CHEONGSAM FASHION SHOW 2013

FASHION SHOW

NOV 29, 2013

Taipei, Taiwan

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Eternal Recurrence is a collection of two outfits designed to revive the beauty of cheongsam, a dress commonly considered to be a bridge between Chinese traditional costume and the contemporary fashion world. Cheongsam or qipao (qi refers to ‘Manchu’ and pao ‘robe’) originated as the informal robe worn by the Qing court ladies (The Hong Kong Museum of History, 2013). From its birth, it has visually embodied various symbolic meanings: a marriage between East and West, physical and moral freedom, the liberation of women, femininity, modernization and political resistance (Clark, 2000). Above all, cheongsam epitomizes the beauty and sensuality women have pursued in their attire throughout history. The inspiration for Eternal Recurrence came from the Qing royal costume in which opulence and simplicity coexist. The two-dimensional and simple shapes of historic court attire were embellished with a variety of auspicious motifs, layers of decorative borders and rich colors representing dynastic splendor. These details functioned as indicators of the wearer’s social status. How these two contrasting aesthetics (simplicity of shape, rich ornamentation) harmonized and complemented one another within the form of dress has captivated fashion designers for centuries. Drawing upon the distinctive features that characterized Qing royal costume, this collection aimed to create a modern version of cheongsam which not only introduces a way in which these splendid design elements from the past can be incorporated into modern fashion, but also demonstrates that cheongsam was, is and will be an everlasting symbol of elegance and sensual beauty. 

Materials

Silk velvet, silk satin, digitally printed stretchy mesh and polyester satin

References 

  1. Bartholomew, T. (2006). Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art. San Francisco: Asian Art Museum/Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Art and Culture.

  2. Clark, H. "The Cheung Sam: Issues of Fashion and Cultural Identity." In China Chic: East Meets West, edited by Valerie Steele and John S. Major. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1999, 155–65. 

  3. The Hong Kong Museum of History (2013). The Splendours of Royal Costume Qing Court Attire. Exhibition catalog. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Museum of History.
    "Cheongsam." Fashion, Costume, and Culture: Clothing, Headwear, Body Decorations, and Footwear through the Ages. 2004. Retrieved May 29, 2016 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2- 3425500140.html