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Huangpu
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Shanghai History Museum

Qipao Reimagined: A Century of Shanghai Fashion

by Cao Qian
December 27, 2025
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<i>Qipao </i>Reimagined: A Century of Shanghai Fashion
Credit: Ti Gong

Shanghai Museum is decked up with "Qipao: Glamor and Modernity beyond Shanghai."

The exhibition, which runs until May 5, 2026, delves into the cultural legacy and transformational journey of the distinctly Shanghai dress, which has a fashion history spanning over a century.

<i>Qipao </i>Reimagined: A Century of Shanghai Fashion
Credit: Ti Gong
Caption: The exhibition features over 300 qipao from the 1910s onwards, mostly from collections of Patricia Pei and Jeff Chang.

Featuring around 300 pieces dating from the 1910s onward, the exhibition traces the stylistic evolution of the traditional Chinese women's dress and offers viewers a peek into how its design changes along with shifting tastes and social tides.

The exhibits are drawn primarily from the donation of Patricia Pei, the half-sister of famed architect I.M. Pei and president of the board of directors at American Friends of the Shanghai Museum, as well as from the personal collection of Taiwanese singer Jeff Chang.

<i>Qipao </i>Reimagined: A Century of Shanghai Fashion
Credit: Ti Gong
Caption: Jacquard Satin Qipao with Oval Geometric Motif

1920s

Collection of Jeff Chang

Shanghai History Museum, Soong Ching Ling Memorial Residence in Shanghai, and Shanghai Auto Museum also contributed to the exhibits, which are complemented by archival works from renowned international fashion houses, including Dior, Chanel and Gucci, and Lao Feng Xiang, one of China's oldest jewelry brands.

<i>Qipao </i>Reimagined: A Century of Shanghai Fashion
Credit: Ti Gong
Caption: Aquamarine Bell-Sleeved Jacquard Silk Blouse with Beige Veining Pattern

Black Damask Silk Long Vest with Veining Pattern

1920s

Collection of Jeff Chang

If you go:

Date: Through May 5, 2026 (Closed on Mondays)

Venue: Shanghai Museum (People's Square)

Address: 201 People's Avenue, Huangpu District

黄浦区人民大道201号

Admission: Free

<i>Qipao </i>Reimagined: A Century of Shanghai Fashion
Credit: Ti Gong
Caption: Black Jacquard Satin Qipao with Gold-Woven and Printed Floral Motif

1930s–1940s

Collection of Jeff Chang

<i>Qipao </i>Reimagined: A Century of Shanghai Fashion
Credit: Ti Gong
Caption: Pale Green Mesh Qipao with Floral Bead-and-Ribbon Embroidery

1940s–1950s

Collection of the Shanghai Museum

Gift of Patricia Pei, 2021

<i>Qipao </i>Reimagined: A Century of Shanghai Fashion
Credit: Ti Gong
Caption: Printed Patchwork Knit Qipao

1970s

Collection of the Shanghai Museum

Gift of Patricia Pei, 2021

#Huangpu#Dior#Shanghai History Museum#Shanghai Museum#Shanghai Auto Museum#Chanel#Gucci#Jeff Chang#Shanghai
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