The Stars, the Silver Screen and the Qipao: A History of Costume in Cinema

Description

A fashion staple in bygone days, the qipao, also known as a cheongsam, has become a distinctive kind of costume in cinema. The exhibition The Stars, the Silver Screen and the Qipao showcases 24 qipao costumes that appeared in movies from the 1940s to the 2000s.

The exhibition, taking visitors on a cultural journey through time, is divided into five thematic zones, namely “Women in Wartime”, “Modern Girls”, “Stars on the Stage”, “Wife Life” and “Souls in the Shadows”. The dresses were worn by famous actresses, such as Bai Guang, Betty Loh Ti, Shirley Yamaguchi Yoshiko, and Maggie Cheung.  The showcase features specially edited film clips, allowing visitors to admire the stars.

To complement the exhibition, a Mini Wool Felt Qipao DIY Workshop will be held on November 11, 12, 25 and 26 in which participants will be able to try their hand at being a Qipao tailor. On November 25, a  seminar, The Charm of Qipao: The Daily Wear that Became a Cultural Icon, will be hosted by textile and costume specialist Edith Cheung in Cantonese.