Holliday season is upon us! Many of you may already be shopping for gifts. If you have hanfu lovers amongst your friends and relatives, or if you need to come up with a list of your own to give ideas to your relatives, here are a few inspirations.
My choices went to objects that are:
- versatile, so you can have a few of the item and use them interchangeably
- hard to make for yourself, so even if the person makes hanfu for themselves, they would be happy to have one ready-made
- hard to find in stores but available online
- useful, no matter how many you have
“Mother-child” metal buttons
“Mother-child” metal buttons, also know as Zimukou (子母扣). They are so beautiful, there are so many shapes and sizes, and so hard to find in sewing supply stores, especially in Western countries. It adds greatly to the beauty of a Ming dinasty shan or ao, but can also be used on daily wear.
Trimmings
Especially enbroidered, ancient looking trimmings. They are no longer fashionable for modern sewing supply shops, you can almost only find them online. It adds style to your garment right away, and unless you weave, you cannot make them yourself.
Shoes
Shoes are important when you wear a costume, it is also the element that is usually the most prone to be forgotten, rendering your whore look anachronical. Those embroidered pumps with a front part that prevent you from stepping on your long skirt hem, they give an immediate historical look. And the boots are for the gentlemen or the martial art hero style gals.
Hairpieces
You can never have too many hair pieces to vary with your outfits. You have a lot of options, with or without clips, nets, headbands… I think headbands are really practical, they work whether the person has long OR short hair. There are so many styles to choose from.
Yunjian 云肩
The iconic “cloud shoulder” piece, usually worn with Ming Dynasty hanfu, is always a really gorgeous piece of embroidered work, but very long to make one yourself. Preferably choose a design that goes with the usual colors the person likes, so to expand the mix and patch possibilities. You will make them very happy.
Hairpins
Do I really need to tell you why hairpins are cool? They are aesthetically pleasing, they are small(ish), they add so much to your look and you can never have too many.
Embroidered fans
They are exquisite obejects of art, and easy to pick even for those who don't know much about hanfu. The summers are getting steadily hotter, so it will be useful too.
Handkerchiefs
In these times of environmentally friendly acts and decisions, a washable handkerchief is better than paper tissues. If they are embroidered it adds to the elegance of your style.
Hats
A hat made of bamboo, with a hole to let out your hair, a veil all around to shield from the elements. It's hard to find in stores, so your hanfu loving friend would love to receive one.
Jade pendants
As a belt ornament or a necklace, it's always a handy accessory. You can mix and match with different outfits and seasons.
Handbags or purses
One doesn't always think about the bag when putting together an outfit.
Cloaks
Because winter is also a good time to wear hanfu. They are always beautiful to offer as a present, even for someone who doesn't wear hanfu, it goes with everything! At home or outside. Seriously, wear cloaks, everyone!
There you have it. Thanks for reading till the end. I hope I gave you ideas and inspiration. Happy holidays!