A century-old bespoke Qipao store in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality continues to draw in large numbers of customers from across China and around the globe, all of whom are captivated by the tailors' exceptional skill and dedication to preserving traditional techniques.
Jiang Lingjun, a 61-year-old entrepreneur, has traded in her garment factory for a Qipao shop in Chongqing, a surprising turn for someone who once had little interest in traditional Chinese attire. After several years of running her business, Jiang came to realize that while mass-produced clothing may be trendy, it often lacks the unique characteristics and personal touch that truly make a garment special.
Jiang's decision to close her factory was inspired by the dedication of her mother and grandmother, who continued to hand-make Qipao with precision and care, and she has since become an accomplished tailor and designer, carrying on the family tradition.
"The shop has teenage customers, customers my age, and there are also older ones in their 40s or 50s. Qipao is one of our traditional clothes and I think it fits women's body shape better than the clothes we typically wear everyday and it is more beautiful," said Wan Yingyao, a customer.
According to Jiang, Chongqing, famously known as China's "mountain city," has a distinct topography that has influenced the development of a unique Qipao variant, characterized by a distinctive design that sets it apart from other regional styles.
"The Qipao variant originating from Chongqing is made from a complete set of cloth. Because women in Chongqing need to walk uphill and downhill within the city, if their clothes are too loose, they do not show the body shapes and if they are too tight, they make movement difficult. Women need to work, and the Qipao variant allows them to move around comfortably," she said.
The lengthy 15-day process of creating a Qipao does not deter Li Shenyuan, who is passionate about learning the meticulous craftsmanship involved in making these traditional garments.
A chance visit to Jiang's workshop five years ago proved to be a pivotal moment for Li, a young man from northeast China, as he was mesmerized by the intricate beauty of the handmade Qipao and decided to dedicate himself to learning the craft under the guidance of the esteemed designer.
"I love my job and I never felt tired. I won't be conceited for making an expansive piece of Qipao, nor will I rush up to finish the making just because the customer pays more. I just make Qipao," said Li.
Over the past decade, Jiang's shop has witnessed a remarkable influx of international customers, with visitors from an impressive 138 countries around the globe, drawn to the shop's unique and authentic Qipao designs.
"I love it. I have seen some Chinese movies, so it reminds me of Chinese culture and all these Kungfu movies that I have seen. It's a beautiful way to know the culture also, through the clothes and everything," said a Spanish international student.
Century-old Qipao store thrives in Chongqing
Century-old Qipao store thrives in Chongqing
