The qipao between tradition and modernity: a century of elegance

A garment can tell the story of an entire era. The exhibition Qipao: Glamour and Modernity beyond Shanghai traces the evolution of the iconic Shanghai-style qipao, using it as a lens through which to observe the aesthetic and social transformations of twentieth-century China. Rooted in traditional forms, the qipao gradually adapted to modernity, shifting from more austere silhouettes to fluid, body-hugging lines that also reflect the broader process of women’s emancipation in Chinese society. Over time, the garment has preserved the elegance of Eastern dress while embracing influences from Western tailoring and engaging in an increasingly dynamic dialogue with international fashion. The exhibition highlights precisely this dimension of exchange: fabrics from different contexts, innovative decorative motifs, and refined craftsmanship reveal how the qipao became a symbol of cultural encounter. From the lanes of Shanghai to global runways, the dress emerges as both a style icon and a testament to fashion’s ability to move across eras and borders. The key pieces on display come from the private collection of Jeff Chang and from the generous donation of Patricia Pei, whose contributions have made this exhibition dedicated to one of the most emblematic garments of Chinese fashion possible.