Pink Striped Chinese-Style Sheath Dress , 1920s to 1930s
108 x 41 cm (h x w)
Dress
[H990.277.84 ]

Between 1925 and 1930, the length of the cheongsam shortens dramatically to fit modern women’s active lifestyle. Dresses that fell straight from the shoulders in an A-line to the hem became popular. Dresses also changed from floor-length to just below the knees. This change in Chinese dresses corresponded to the shorter dress length in Western fashion, making it more convenient for Chinese women to wear silk stockings and high heels. According to the Museum of Vancouver, interviews with the Yip family members indicated that this dress was “westernized” in style. There were apparent differences between this dress and Chinese cheongsams of its time. For example, this dress only has a band around the neck, while most Chinese cheongsams have tight high collars. This dress also has cuffed sleeves, which is considered a Western influence that departed from Chinese traditions, but was adopted in overseas Chinese communities.

Exhibited by:

Violet Wolfe

Other works by Unknown

Hand-crafted Art Earrings , 1988
5.8 x 2.3 cm (h x w)
Jewelry
Violet Wolfe
Portrait of Anna May Wong , 1934
Photograph
Violet Wolfe
Comedy/Tragedy Masks Brooch , 1988
4.2 x 5.5 cm (h x w)
Jewelry
Violet Wolfe
Denim Jacket , 1988
57 x 52.5 cm (h x w)
Garment
Violet Wolfe
Graduation Dress , 1985
118.5 x 35.5 cm (h x w)
Violet Wolfe

More from Violet Wolfe

Article about Cydney , 1980s
paper
Violet Wolfe
Land Purchase Certificate , 1951
paper
Violet Wolfe
Portrait of Lillian Sam II , 1942
Photograph
Violet Wolfe
Portrait of Lillian Sam I , 1942
Photograph
Violet Wolfe
Portrait of Lillian Sam III , 1943
Photograph
Violet Wolfe