Cheongsam Fashion Analysis

Great Essays
The definition of “cool” is dependent on the unique characteristics that allows something to stand out from the mainstream fads of modern society. Characteristics, including the novelty, the design, the function, and the overall appeal, are what makes something “cool” to us, the consumers, and it is these characteristics that are most evident in trends related to clothing and fashion. Clothing functions as not only a social necessity, but also a versatile mean of self-expression and cultural identity. The beauty of the garment has caught the eye of many modern designers who incorporate the traditional aspects of the Cheongsam, also known as the ‘qipao’, into contemporary designs. Designers have created works art with the Cheongsam that have …show more content…
The Cheongsam was first considered as ‘cool’ in the 1920s in Shanghai, and its audiences were the “students, teachers, and ladies from wealthy families” (Hong Kong Museum of History). Because the Cheongsam was a luxury garment in the 1920s, it was only affordable for members of the upper class, including celebrities and public figures. Looking at this from a rhetorical perspective and relating it to the logos of my argument, it would be safe to conclude that the Cheongsam was not just a veritable reincarnation of fashion long past, but also a tangible social status symbol reserved for the elite, which is where most of its appeal as a “cool” fashion trend stems from. In regards to society today, many individuals are beginning to reconsider the ‘coolness’ of the Cheongsam, seeing many of China’s most popular celebrities currently flaunting the garment in award shows and public event. With the proliferation of social media and the widespread reach of mainstream communication platforms such as television and newspapers, the Cheongsam has been made part of a revitalization movement of Chinese culture against the prevalent western trends that dominate most of modern Chinese …show more content…
As shown in Figure-1, the hostess is wearing the Cheongsam during the program, her styling reminiscent of the put-together look of Shanghainese fashion of the 1920s.Examining the image from a rhetorical perspective and relating it to the ethos of my argument, it would be reasonable to conclude that the message is that Cheongsam is an outfit that should be worn on important occasions, such as Chinese New Year because it functions as a representative symbol of Chinese culture and history. This image also shows the beauty of the Cheongsam and how it shapes and flatter a woman’s figure. The Cheongsam is marketed to the individuals who watch the Gala broadcast through the element of emotion because the cultural pride that it is invoking. Due to the fact that the Cheongsam is consistently being worn during Chinese New Year at these types of formal events, it is widely considered by many to be an outfit reserved for significant occasions and

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