Floral patterns are one of the more common motifs in women's clothing. When traditional Chinese clothing (Hanfu) is adorned with floral patterns that lean towards a modern style, it creates a clear distinction in the overall style of the garment. We can say it is “traditional” because it still retains the original features of Hanfu. However, we can also call it “forward-thinking” because it boldly uses modern floral patterns and vibrant color schemes. These two perspectives are not contradictory, and such a distinctive and unique design in Hanfu can be equally embraced.
Garment patterns are symbolic languages that help convey the theme of the clothing. When designing, it is important to explore the cultural connotations behind the patterns and incorporate traditional culture that resonates with the character of tea-dyed homespun cloth. For example, Liang Quan's painting work “Tea Stain” (Figure 7) incorporates tea into the artwork, showcasing a unique visual aesthetic. Extracting this as a design theme can form a series of tea-painting Hanfu. Yuyao homespun cloth comes in plain and colored varieties, often featuring abstract patterns composed of points, lines, and surfaces. In the design, these can serve as inspiration, drawing on the characteristics of traditional homespun patterns and combining them with tea dyeing techniques to present the patterns through dyed lines. With different dyeing techniques, the same pattern can develop countless variations, making Hanfu design more artistically charming and technologically distinctive. Figure 8 shows the pattern design by the author.
Aguan started getting involved with Hanfu from the year 2000, when people's impression of Hanfu was still largely based on period dramas and fantasy series, and she was no exception. “Actually, I have been fond of reading various ancient-style novels and historical romance series since my teenage years, so I particularly love ancient styles.” This dream of Hanfu had been deeply rooted in her heart for many years. After experiencing a low point in her career, Aguан decided to pick up her initial passion and founded her own Hanfu brand. “The style of my Hanfu is ethereal; I hope every girl who wears my Hanfu can look like the heroine in a fantasy drama,” Aguан said with a smile. She introduced that the Hanfu designs of Qiushui Ji generally follow the Jin Dynasty style, adding “fairy-like” elements. Additionally, Aguан prefers designs with thematic references, such as mythical creatures from the Shan Hai Jing or peacocks.
“Embroidered silk clothes shine in the late spring, gold peacocks and silver qilins. What do you see on your head? Green leaves hanging over your temples; what do you see behind? Pearls weighing down your waist, fitting perfectly.” (Du Fu, “A Beauty Parade”) Poet Du Fu describes the Yang sisters' excursion to Qujiang Pool. Although the poem contains much satire, we can still see how luxurious the clothing of Tang Dynasty nobles was. “At fifteen, the Hu girl stands alone at the wine shop. She wears a long skirt with a symmetrical sash, and a wide-sleeved coat with patterns symbolizing marital bliss (such as mandarin ducks neck-to-neck).” (Han Xin Yan Nian, “Feathered Guard”) The Hu girl “wears a long-sleeved shirt, a sash tied around her waist, and a short jacket with wide sleeves embroidered with patterns symbolizing marital bliss,” which reflects typical Hanfu characteristics. “Embroidered butterflies on the silk skirt, first met at the East Pond banquet.” (Song Zhang Xian, “Drunken Whip”) “Double butterflies refer to the embroidery patterns,” highlighting the richness of Hanfu patterns.
Aguan started getting involved with Hanfu from the year 2000, when people's impression of Hanfu was still largely based on period dramas and fantasy series, and she was no exception. “Actually, I have been fond of reading various ancient-style novels and historical romance series since my teenage years, so I particularly love ancient styles.” This dream of Hanfu had been deeply rooted in her heart for many years. Aguан decided to pick up her initial passion and founded her own Hanfu brand. “The style of my Hanfu is ethereal; I hope every girl who wears my Hanfu can look like the heroine in a fantasy drama,” Aguан said with a smile. She introduced that the Hanfu designs of Qiushui Ji generally follow the Jin Dynasty style, adding “fairy-like” elements. Additionally, Aguан prefers designs with thematic references, such as mythical creatures from the Shan Hai Jing or peacocks.
The peacock dance is also exquisitely beautiful. Famous peacock dance master Yang Liping is very noble and especially beautiful when she dances, wearing blue feathers. Yang Liping has made many people fall in love with her peacock dance. Her performance captivates the audience, making them unable to look away, like a beautiful peacock spirit. Not only is the dance designed around the peacock, but peacock feathers are also used in period dramas. Let's take a look at the costumes in these period dramas.
The store owner pointed to rows of Hanfu on the shelves and introduced the characteristics of each style to the reporter. “Today's Hanfu patterns have been innovated, but the style cannot change; they must refer to historical records or artifacts. From the initial concept, drawing, design, communication with manufacturers, to the final product on display, the entire process usually takes several months, even longer.” The store owner proudly stated that all the clothing in the store is their original design.
Another female contestant said that she has always loved watching period dramas since childhood, finding Hanfu very beautiful and ethereal. She often performed at home with bed sheets. After starting work, she bought Hanfu but was afraid to wear it out alone. Later, with a deeper understanding of Hanfu, she believed that wearing Hanfu is a way to inherit the wisdom and aesthetic culture of the ancients. Now, she confidently wears Hanfu at various events, “not just to promote Hanfu culture, but also as a way to boldly express myself.” She introduced the characteristics of her attire, which belongs to the late Ming Dynasty series, with a graceful and grand style.
I always thought Zhang Hanyun's peacock costume was the most beautiful, until I saw Jin Qiaoqiao's. Jin Qiaoqiao's peacock costume is actually the simplest, mostly fringed skirts with some peacock decorations, giving the impression of a peacock princess. The costume is not peacock blue, but this simplest peacock costume makes her look truly like a peacock princess, and it looks really beautiful. After seeing the peacock costumes in period dramas, I feel that Zhou Xun looks very aloof, and although I originally thought Zhang Hanyun was the most beautiful, she is still very beautiful. Who do you think is the most beautiful?
Now Hanfu has become a trend, and wearing Hanfu is no longer the exclusive right of Han culture enthusiasts. More and more people are seen wearing Hanfu on the streets, despite many controversies. The popularity of Hanfu is undeniable. Most people no longer give strange or unconventional looks to those wearing Hanfu on the street, and some girls indeed suit ancient costumes. So, what kind of people look good in Hanfu? Today, I will introduce five common traits of girls who look great in Hanfu: elegant demeanor, well-proportioned figures (not necessarily thin), and a true reflection of the beauty of ancient women!