4 Video Views·Feb 19, 2026
Step into the timeless elegance of 1930s Shanghai as a contemporary cheongsam designer brings the golden age of the qipao back to life. In this video, we explore how vintage silhouettes, hand-tailored techniques, and period fabrics are carefully studied and reimagined for the modern woman.
From high mandarin collars and sculpted waistlines to intricate frog closures and silk brocades, discover what made the 1930s qipao an enduring icon of Chinese fashion. Through archival research, meticulous craftsmanship, and a deep respect for tradition, the designer reveals how historical garments are restored, recreated, and adapted for today’s world.
Blending heritage with innovation, this documentary-style feature offers a rare look inside the atelier—where culture, identity, and artistry are stitched into every seam.
A piece of fabric lies there
another sensation
but once it's made
it seems as though this fabric has taken on
a whole new life
The happiest thing I've
ever heard is when someone
says after wearing mine they
never want to wear another
brand again—that feeling
is everything My name is
Luoyang I'm 25 years old and I'm a qipao designer
Green background with plum blossoms
Then antique green lace
2.08
2.76
Qipao makes me feel that
any woman basically has
the chance to wear one
—regardless
of her size as long as she has a
decent figure and also
possesses a
certain level
of grace and refinement
The worldly
elegance she
exudes makes me think
she'd look absolutely
stunning in a qipao
The best lifestyle I
can currently imagine
is having a house
with a yard where I
can keep my dog outside
—actually I don’t
want to treat qipao
as a money-making thing
I still want to
treat this as a hobby
This is Liang You's approved version—reflecting the
style of the Republic of China 's
golden decade containing
his personal insights on
fashion and lifestyle and subtly
showcasing the design
aesthetics of qipao from that era
At that time the qipao
was actually also worn as
After all times are
changing—each era has its own
standards of beauty and
every wearer has different
needs Occasionally one
might feel that nagging
doubt: "What's the point
of doing this all day "
So why am I even doing this
Why are these guests so hard to please
Why are there so many problems
I just don’t want to face so much of it
It feels so overwhelming
Then after having a drink
I can finally let go
Some of their strengths
I feel are all about
learning and absorbing
what they can do
After creating a base with
a single piece of fabric
we then considered its details—such as the color
of the edging the choice
of buckles—and at the same
time I also incorporated
some additional elements
Starting from the 1930s
the Shanghai-style design approach
they adopted—three -dimensional tailoring—
led me to believe that one
should strive to explore
as much as possible then
let it settle and mature
Then in the end the subsequent surge will
inevitably affect you—
perhaps not immediately
but in the long run you 'll
still remain in a
state of continuous
improvement Any clothing
Elevating it to a
pedestal placing it in a
museum— for a garment we 're
merely commemorating
it like raising another toast to it but
only by wearing it and
bringing it into life
Only what belongs
in your own life can
truly sustain you over the long term
