To become an excellent Hanfu makeup artist, one needs to draw inspiration from history. During the Han Dynasty, curved skirts were popular; in the Tang Dynasty, high-waist dresses were fashionable; in the Song Dynasty, pleated skirts were in vogue. Makeup in the prosperous Tang period was bold and colorful, while in the Ming Dynasty, it was delicate and elegant. For beginners in Hanfu makeup, familiarizing oneself with the different styles and makeup characteristics of various dynasties is fundamental. Systematic training in makeup techniques is essential. Learning the details of makeup from different dynasties, etiquette, and cultural history through books and art can help apply knowledge practically. Creating different looks based on different scenes and clothing combinations is crucial. A qualified Hanfu makeup artist should not limit themselves to a single style but should recommend suitable looks based on the person's features, face shape, and personality.
In Chi Xiaowei's drawer, she keeps various pieces of jewelry that she has made herself. These designs are not just her imagination but are based on patterns from archaeological literature. For example, the velvet flower head ornaments worn by Empress Fucha in the popular TV series “Story of Yanxi Palace” were also replicated by Chi Xiaowei. “We are very fortunate in this generation because we can easily find tutorials online for anything we want to learn,” said Chi Xiaowei. Besides books, the internet has become her primary channel for exploring traditional culture.
Hanfu has distinct features that set it apart from other ethnic costumes. In the development of Hanfu, the craftsmanship involved has been recognized as intangible cultural heritage, with over ten traditional techniques. The earliest records of Hanfu appear in the “Book of Han,” which mentions, “They often came to pay tribute, enjoying the dress code of the Han.” Here, “Han” refers to the clothing and etiquette of the Han Dynasty. Hanfu is accompanied by a corresponding etiquette culture, and Confucian thought places great importance on the development of clothing etiquette. Confucius even revised books to specify the rules for clothing etiquette.
To promote traditional national culture and deepen students' understanding of Hanfu culture, the Clothing Production and Marketing program organized a special moral education activity called “Hand-drawn Hanfu.” Students in the 8th grade were divided into five groups, each tasked with drawing a Hanfu design. They researched the characteristics and styles of clothing from different dynasties through online resources, images, and books. After selecting their favorite styles, each group completed their Hanfu design using colored pencils, watercolors, and other tools.
Currently, there are no completely accurate books on Hanfu making available on the market. Most are personal publications, and the pattern data provided in these books are fixed dimensions. Simply memorizing these dimensions is not useful because the books do not explain the reasons behind the measurements. As a result, after learning from these books, one can only copy the data without understanding why certain curves and angles are used, which are crucial for creating beautiful patterns.
The book “How to Wear Hanfu” is divided into three chapters: Seasonal Hanfu, Hanfu Making, and Historical Hanfu. The Seasonal Hanfu chapter recommends appropriate Hanfu outfits for different times and festivals. The Hanfu Making chapter lists the production processes of various main Hanfu styles and includes practical cutting and pattern diagrams to help readers easily get started and make their own Hanfu. The Historical Hanfu chapter introduces the origin and evolution of Hanfu, guiding readers through the “fashion catalog” displayed in museums across the country.
“I wanted beautiful patterns, comfortable and good-looking Hanfu, and authentic reproductions. Such finished products are very expensive, and I couldn't afford them, so I decided to make my own Hanfu,” Feng Yueyang said with a smile. Feng Yueyang enjoys painting and has studied ink painting. To learn how to make Hanfu, she often visits museums to see excavated artifacts and reads books related to traditional Chinese clothing. She then designs and determines the style, draws patterns, matches colors, selects suitable fabrics, and arranges the fabric layouts. Her mother, who has experience as a tailor, helps with the cutting, while Feng Yueyang provides guidance. On weekends and holidays, she wears the Hanfu she made with her mother to take photos and share them on social media.
Books nourish the soul, and reading illuminates life. A good book is a wonderful time, and a good book accompanies us in joyful growth. To enrich the holiday lives of the team members and improve their language skills, the school encourages them to read actively. The recommended books for the grade are “The Adventures of Pinocchio” and “My Sister Clotilde.” After reading, the team members draw their favorite scenes from the books and create book recommendation cards to share the good books they have read with others. Walking through the sea of books, making friends with books, falling in love with reading, and encountering beauty.
“I wanted beautiful patterns, comfortable and good-looking Hanfu, and authentic reproductions. Such finished products are very expensive, and I couldn't afford them, so I decided to make my own Hanfu,” Feng Yueyang said with a smile. To learn how to make Hanfu, she often visits museums to see excavated artifacts and reads books related to traditional Chinese clothing. She then designs and determines the style, draws patterns, matches colors, selects suitable fabrics, and arranges the fabric layouts. Her mother, who has experience as a tailor, helps with the cutting, while Feng Yueyang provides guidance.
A book band, also known as a book belt, is an additional strip of text placed around the middle of a book to aid in marketing or recommendation. “How to Create an Intriguing Book Band” is a key element in book marketing. A well-designed book band that fits the overall style of the book and has appropriate promotional text is essential for books aiming to succeed in the market. When creating a book cover using Photoshop, you can insert a book band by following these steps: