This monochromatic qipao takes inspiration from the plain appliqué trim that adorned Han women’s dress in the early 20th century. A simple, undulating pattern in white cord is applied along the edges of the stand-up collar, neckline, right overflap, sleeves, sides and hemline. Black silk gauze, decorated with an inconspicuous pattern of magnolia, forms the background to the gleaming trim. Handling the appliqué of slippery, narrow cords on this form-fitting garment would have required great precision by skilled tailors. In keeping with the understated elegance of the dress, the same white cords are used to fashion the unadorned loop-and-knot fastenings.
The design of this qipao celebrates a different kind of beauty, one that eschews pictorial ornaments in favour of simple lines and a restricted colour palette. This design style is deeply rooted in one of the traditional Chinese aesthetics: ya (elegance), a refined taste that values simplicity and minimalism.