Featuring over 450 archival photographs and line drawings, Chinese Dress traces the evolution of Chinese clothing from court and formal costumes to the fashions of modern China. A comprehensive and sumptuously illustrated book, Chinese Dress is the essential reference for costume historians, fashion designers and collectors, as well as lovers of beautiful clothes everywhere. Chapters include: Dress of the Qing Manchu Rulers 1644-1911 Dress of the Manchu Consorts 1644-1911 Attire of Mandarins and Merchants Attire of Chinese Women Republican Dress 1912-1949 Clothing of the Lower Classes Clothing for Children Dress in New China 1950-2006 From Imperial robes to foot binding to the cheongsam, Chinese Dress spotlights traditional Chinese dress against a background of historical, cultural and social change, opening a fascinating window for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of China, Chinese culture and Chinese fashion history.

By using the medium of dress, Evolution & Revolution explores the dramatic cultural, social, economic and political changes which have occurred in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan over th past three centuries. This history is revealed through the luxury court robes of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911); the tight-fitting, side-slitted East-West cheungsam; the ubiquitous Mao suit, symbol of Communist ideology; and the bold new directions of contemporary designers. Written by authors from Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan and rich with visual material, this unique book offers an accessible, informative and inspiring treatment of Chinese history, culture and dress.

Full color look at the history of traditional and ceremonial clothing in China.

"The costumes of the major historical periods in China each have their own particular characteristics, and yet are subtly connected, borrowing and learning from each other and developing from one generation to the next. This book showcases the clothing of emperors and empresses, government officials, warriors, the upper classes and the common people of China from the Western Zhou dynasty to modern times. Photographs of leaders such as the Empress Dowager Cixi, and their garments, as well as paintings, figures, and illustrations show the costume styles of people of all ranks and walks of life. An appendix outlines the evolution of clothing and accessories throughout Chinese history. Includes two perforated postcards."

A definitive and detailed pictorial guide to the beautifully embroidered dress accessories used every day by the imperial family and the middle classes in China during the Qing dynasty and early twentieth century. A first of its kind!