( The Vintage Chi-pao )

“This is a vintage chi-pao from my grandmother, which was made in the 1940’s when she was married. Both its exterior fabric as its lining are in silk, lightweight and soft. It has an elegant high collar, a tight fit and high slits, following traditional design. The dress was in my grandmother’s storage for many years, and I had never seen it before she passed away 4 years ago.“

At that time, my mother found the piece and I loved it at first sight. Its cuffs are worn, some buttons are damaged and the fabric has lost luster, but it still looks gorgeous. I can only imagine how elegant my grandmother looked when she was young and wore the chi-pao.

The 1930‘s and 1940’s are my favorite eras. In Shanghai, most charming are the British and French Concession areas built during that period, with their beautiful buildings nestled in the parasol leaves, and narrow but peaceful lanes.  I love to read novels set in this time and to indulge myself in stories such Zhang Ai Ling’s. I also loved listening to my grandmother telling about her life. She experienced both a most splendid time in her youth and suffering during the Cultural Revolution when all property had gone. Nevertheless, she managed to keep a sweet memory of her youth in the form of this chi-pao. 

Sometimes I believe that in a former life, I must have been such a lady, gloomy and lonely, wearing a chi-pao while walking through the quiet lanes in the Concessions, looking for the meaning of life. Somehow, this dress belongs to a ‘me’ of the past. I will cherish it forever because of this, and of course as a reminder of the love for my grandmother. 

( Cindy )
( China )