A century ago, the qipao was a status symbol for women of high society. Figures like Soong Ching-ling favored its elegant, understated form,
while the writer Eileen Chang not only wore them but wove them into her stories, even designing her own to express her unique style. Back then, the qipao was a work of art for salons and soirées.
Its role evolved and even narrowed for a time. By the mid-20th century, it often served as a uniform, worn by waitresses in upscale restaurants or, as depicted by Maggie Cheung's character Su Li-zhen in In the Mood for Love, by office secretaries. It receded from high fashion, becoming part of a collective, utilitarian memory.
Today, the qipao has made a stunning comeback. It's been revitalized by pop culture, like the 27 stunning dresses Tang Wei wore in Lust, Caution, which sparked a modern fascination. Now, young women wear contemporary versions to coffee shops and offices. No longer confined to formal wear, it has become a daily choice for expressing personal style and cultural connection—a vibrant narrative of modern Chinese identity.
