Silks & Dresses

Shopping for Silks

China was synonymous with "silk" long before anyone had heard of the Great Wall or tea. No other country in the world is as advanced in silkworm-raising and silk weaving as China, which first discovered the potential of the material 5,000 years ago.

Fashion Feels Eastern Touch

Inspiration has been flowing from the east in the world of fashion in recent years. Chinese traditional clothing has been an especially important element in this movement. In many western designer boutiques, oriental flair is reflected in high necklines and flowing waistlines based on the Chinese qipao of the Qing Dynasty. Now traditional Chinese clothes have evolved into their Inspiration has been flowing from the east in the world of fashion in recent years. Chinese traditional clothing has been an especially important element in this movement. In many western designer boutiques, oriental flair is daily lifestyles.


Shopping: Chinese dress

Chinese designers have begun to try new ways of combining modern with traditional styles and so bring Chinese clothing to a new stage. Popular in the '30s and '40s, the Chinese woman's dress called qipao today is recognized as typical formal dress. But to designers' eyes, it also suits taller Western women. Around the city, Beijing This Month explored both expensive specialty shops and the budget markets in search of the best deals.