SHANGHAI - The Shanghai-style qipao, like a prism traversing time and space, refracts the brilliant radiance of 20th-century China's aesthetic evolution and cultural self-awareness. "Qipao: Glamour and Modernity beyond Shanghai" uses the "Modern Tide" as its warp and "Boundless Aesthetics" as its weft, seeking to explore the profound cultural roots and the magical historical changes behind the garment.

The transformation in qipao's form shows the symbiosis of "creativity" and "inclusiveness". From the subtle modesty of traditional robes to the flowing openness of modern fashion, every cut of the qipao is imprinted with the trajectory of the Chinese women's physical and spiritual liberation. It anchors the stylistic essence of Eastern dress while embodying the creative ingenuity of Western fashion, sketching out the unique, inclusive character of Shanghai-style culture

The fusion of aesthetics is like an orchestral triumph of cross-disciplinary creation. When the gentle artistic conception of the East encounters the precise tailoring of the West, traditional craftsmanship is revitalized in the tide of the times: Chinese elements shine brightly in the global fashion lexicon through the Shanghai-style qipao, and the integration of international fabrics, exotic patterns, and innovative decorations weaves a new paradigm for mutual learning among civilizations.

Cultural prosperity marks the renaissance of national confidence in the new era. From the graceful allure in Shanghai's lanes to the oriental fashion icon on the global runway, the qipao's transformation is a microcosm of the modernization of Chinese attire. It carries the Chinese efforts of rebuilding cultural confidence and presenting the world with the eternal charm of Eastern wisdom.

The centerpieces of this exhibition come from the cherished collection by Mr. Jeff Chang and the generous donation of Ms. Patricia Pei. Our sincere gratitude is extended to them.

We dedicate this exhibition as an opening note, inviting you to push open the "door of modernity" and wander among "silhouettes of glamour" to get a glimpse of this century-long aesthetic epic woven with needles and threads: to revisit how the Shanghai-style qipao broke boundaries with the rich cultural heritage and transcended borders through its inclusiveness, allowing this quintessential Eastern garment to continue its everlasting glow in the firmament of global fashion.

2025-12-23 - 2026-05-05

Jacquard Satin Qipao with Oval Geometric Motif, 1920s. Collection of Mr. Jeff Chang © Shanghai Museum 

Aquamarine Bell-Sleeved Jacquard Silk Blouse with Beige Veining Pattern / Black Damask Silk Long Vest with Veining Pattern, 1920s, Collection of Mr. Jeff Chang © Shanghai Museum 

Blue Crêpe Qipao with Painted Iris Motif, 1920s, Collection of Mr. Jeff Chang © Shanghai Museum 

Bronze Mist Crêpe Qipao with Zigzag Print, 1930s, Collection of Mr. Jeff Chang © Shanghai Museum 

Indigo Blue Indanthrene Cloth Qipao, 1930s, Collection of Mr. Jeff Chang © Shanghai Museum 

Black Jacquard Satin Qipao with Gold-Woven and Printed Floral Motif, 1930s–1940s, Collection of Mr. Jeff Chang © Shanghai Museum 

Austin 10 Saloon, 1936. Collection of the Shanghai Auto Museum © Shanghai Museum 

Blue Ground Qipao with Floral Print, 1940s, Collection of the Soong Ching Ling Memorial Residence in Shanghai © Shanghai Museum 

Misty Gray Clipped Jacquard Gauze Qipao with Floral Motifs, 1940s, Collection of Mr. Jeff Chang © Shanghai Museum 

Taffeta Qipao with Abstract Multi-Colored Grid Print, 1940s, Collection of Mr. Jeff Chang © Shanghai Museum 

Silver-Gray Lace Qipao with Rose Motif and Gold Thread Outline, 1940s, Collection of Mr. Jeff Chang © Shanghai Museum 

Off-White Striped Knit Qipao, 1940s, Collection of Mr. Jeff Chang © Shanghai Museum

Black Brocade Satin Qipao with Motifs of Lantern and "Fu Lu Shou Xi " Characters on Circular Grounds, 1940s, Collection of Mr. Jeff Chang © Shanghai Museum

Pale Green Mesh Qipao with Floral Bead-and-Ribbon Embroidery, 1940–1950s. Collection of the Shanghai Museum, Gift of Ms. Patricia Pei, 2021 © Shanghai Museum

Christian Dior "Bar" Afternoon Suit, Haute Couture Spring-Summer 1947 by Christian Dior, "Corolle" Line, Heritage Reproduction - Dior Héritage Collection, Paris. Photo © Laziz Hamani

Gucci Satin Evening Bag with Semicircular Handle, 1950s. Courtesy of Gucci Archive © Gucci Archive

Warp-Printed Satin Qipao with Vertical Black, White, and Red Rose Stripes, Late 1950s, Collection of the Shanghai Museum © Shanghai Museum

Jacquard Velvet Qipao Suit with Black and White Swirl Motif, 1960s. Collection of the Shanghai Museum, Gift of Ms. Patricia Pei, 2021 © Shanghai Museum 

Black Georgette Qipao with Sequin Embroidery and Stylized Floral Motif, 1960s–1970s. Collection of the Shanghai Museum, Gift of Ms. Patricia Pei, 2021 © Shanghai Museum 

Printed Patchwork Knit Qipao, 1970s. Collection of the Shanghai Museum, Gift of Ms. Patricia Pei, 2021 © Shanghai Museum 

Chanel Lamé Brocade Suit with Floral Motif, Spring-Summer 1962 Haute Couture by Gabrielle Chanel. Patrimoine de CHANEL, Paris © CHANEL / Photo Zahara Gómez / Haute Couture Spring-Summer 1962 Collection

Printed White Jacquard Qipao Suit with Light Purple Rose of Velvet Finish, 1970s. Collection of the Shanghai Museum, Gift of Ms. Patricia Pei, 2021 © Shanghai Museum 

Ivory White Sequin and Beaded Lace Qipao Evening Suit with Floral Motif, 1970s. Collection of the Shanghai Museum, Gift of Ms. Patricia Pei, 2021 © Shanghai Museum 

Chanel Silk Organza Gown with Crystal-and-Bead-Embroidered Blue-and-White Porcelain Motif, Spring-Summer 1984 Haute Couture by Karl Lagerfeld, Patrimoine de CHANEL, Paris © CHANEL / Photo Antoine Dumont / Haute Couture Spring-Summer 1984 Collection

Christian Dior Red Jacquard Satin Dress "Dioriku" with Bead-Embroidered Mandarin Collar and Yellow Chrysanthemum Motif, Ready-to-Wear Autumn-Winter 1997 by John Galliano. Runway Piece - Dior Héritage Collection, Paris. Photo © Laziz Hamani