China in the 1930s was an era of change, alternating between the old and the new. The women who lived in that era wrote fashion in their own way. They move between tradition and modernity, experimenting with different clothing styles, showing the unique femininity of an era.
The cafeteria of Yenching University has become a window to observe the changes of the times. The schoolgirls here are free from the shackles of their long shirts and gowns. They are either dressed in Western-style suits, or cheongsam tops and trousers, showing the new look of the times.
Shanghai, as the fashion capital at that time, the outfits of celebrities were particularly eye-catching. Dressed in well-designed cheongsams, they walked on the Bund and became a landscape of the city. Their clothing is not only about the shape and texture, but also reflects the personality and art.
During the Republic of China, Chinese women's clothing began to show a trend of Chinese and Western integration. The mix and match of cheongsam and suit reflects the subtlety of Eastern women and the boldness of Western fashion.
Women in different regions have very different clothing styles. Women in the interior are still conservative and tend to wear traditional clothing. Women in coastal cities have begun to boldly experiment with Western-style clothing such as suits and skirts.
In 1939, at the New York World's Fair, the women of the Chinese delegation appeared in cheongsam. Their elegant costumes show the unique charm of traditional Chinese costumes, making the cheongsam famous internationally.
The cheongsam has not only become a typical representative of women in the Republic of China, but also a symbol of their self-style. It not only carries traditional Chinese culture, but also absorbs Western fashion elements.
In Beiping, the clothing of female workers has both traditional traces and fashionable elements. They wear simple overalls, but are stylish in details such as the small design of the neckline and cuffs.
In the big families of the old society, women's education was just as important as fashion. While cultivating traditional culture such as poetry, calligraphy, piano, chess, and painting, they will also pay attention to the latest clothing trends.
The rise of new women has brought about the pursuit of personalized aesthetics. Not satisfied with the shackles of traditional roles, they began to express themselves through clothing and pursue differences.
However, during this period, the remnants of the foot-binding Xi were still a sad presence. Because of this tradition, many women are unable to wear their favorite shoes and clothing, let alone show off their style.
Despite this, the self-confidence and delicacy of women in the Republic of China are still blooming. Their style is not only an innovation in clothing, but also a bold attempt in thought and lifestyle.
In China in the 1930s, the courage and spirit of exploration of women were reflected in every line of clothing. Their choice is not only the inheritance of tradition, but also the expectation of the future. In them, we see the leap of an era and the awakening of a nation.