A lot of years have gone by and still China retains its traditional dressing style. We can't help but praise the spirit of uniqueness and shared national identity among Chinese. China has constantly maintained a strong traditional ties that swears by communist principles when it comes to dressing. They speak a distinctive language in fashion that you can't find anywhere in the world.
Historically, the number of Chinese who tried western style of garments in the early twentieth century was insignificant compared to those who were true and consistent to traditional Chinese garb. The huge scale of people still proved patriotism in the nation.
Some wealth citizens of the country swore by pieces worthy a splurge such as ornate dresses, gowns and jewelry. Those items exuded a upper class economic status.
China got its independence on October 1, 1949, a precursor of China revolution. Communists who came into power emphasized the essence of a shared national identity. Communist Leaders wore a standardized uniforms that were hard to distinguish members according to their power or sex. The insane idea!
Photographs in the early 1940s revealed communist leaders donned military-style tunics, statement trousers and cloth peaked caps. The same style of ensemble was applied too when China was in control of communist Leaders. I think, the great deal of military-style was the ability to project confidence, power and authority to the wearer.
The strange thing about Chinese independence in 1949 was a huge influence of communists in Chinese fashion. The phenomenon was pictured nationwide including the people in the most remote villages of China.
Factory workers and technicians were issued a standardized uniforms by administrators. Their dress code was dark blue cotton cloth uniforms that perceived a oneness to the standard green communist military uniforms. When it comes to administrative and clerical workers, they wore uniforms in gray. Imagine this, a true shared national identity.
In Vintage China, your style can clearly tells someone if you are patriotic or not. While patriotism favored simpler and cheaper garments, pieces crafted with expensive fabrics were not encouraged. You can also think about dressing fashionably which wasn't okay for the case of Communist China too.
People embraced Chinese-made fashions and dumped western-made fashions. Silk stockings and high-heeled shoes were not having a place in Chinese women's wardrobe. People welcomed shabbiest clothes. Women didn't even have time for glamourous items such as cosmetics or Jewelries.
Chinese Communists were inspired a lot by the bold communist nation, the Soviet Union. Women had a great desire to wear the elegant Lenin suit, named after Vladimir Lenin. The suit had a reputation of being worn frequently by Soviet Leader, Vladimir Lenin (1870-1924). The suit featured pieces like a jacket and trouser combination with details like large turned down collar, side buttons and side pocket.
The root influence of Chinese fashion was a Chinese Communist party led by Mao Tse-tung (1893-1976). He is said to shape the future of Chinese style and channeled a common purpose. The most notable unisex dress worn from 1950s to 1970s was a shapeless four-pocketed wearer's jacket.
References:
Scott, A.C. Chinese Costume in Transition. New York: Theatre Arts Books, 1960.
Xun, Zhous. 5000 Years of Chinese Costumes. San Francisco, CA: China Books and Periodicals.