Full-color character commission for CodyMacArthurFett!
We started with the idea of "what kind of Chinese-inspired dress Nora would wear to her wedding with Lie Ren". And it escalated quickly! Designing these outfits turned out to be a tricky task too. So tricky that Cody decided to turn two of three options into finished pieces 😄
For both outfits, it's the color combination of Ren's green and Nora's pink color. The cloud embroidery is supposed to allude to Nora's theme and Semblance (thunder and lightning). Adding the dragon image was suggested by Cody, and I think it's very appropriate for the RWBY universe, keeping in mind the two Gods who created Remnant. The hair jewelry includes various lotus variations (Ren's symbol) and the first one also includes hearts (Nora's symbol).
Form-wise, the first dress is inspired by Chinese qipao, but with a more "fantasy" rendition. Eventually, we came to the thought that it can fit into the "fancy going out dress" narrative more. The second is inspired by one of the hanfu types, also known as qiyao ruqun (waist-positioned dress). And it has a wedding headdress.
Well, that's enough of my obscure chatter!
Let me and Cody know: which outfit do you like more and why? We're collecting statistics at this point! 😁
P.S. With Cody's permission, I published all the sketches for this commission on my Boosty: https://boosty.to/rainbowzebra
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Qipao/Cheongsam Taobao Shop Recs
A while ago I received a direct message asking for recs on where to buy qipao/cheongsam, and I figured I’d make a post for others who’d also be interested.
First of all - I think qipao should be tried on and bought in-person if at all possible, since having the right fit is important - especially if it’s for a formal occasion like a wedding. However, since that’s often not possible, I’ve compiled a list of online shop recs, mainly for more casual occasions.
Since English-language online qipao shops are plentiful and easy to find, I’ll be focusing this list on Taobao shops only. Please note that these are my personal recs, based on my own aesthetic preferences. Thus most of the recs are for shops focused on retro-inspired, minguo-style qipao made using the traditional 平裁/pingcai (flat tailoring) method. Also, I have not actually purchased qipao from any of these shops (all my qipao were bought in person) - this is based mainly on how appealing I find the designs.
1. 嬉姷/Xi You - Elegant qipao modelled closely on historical designs, mainly from the Republican era/minguo. Careful attention paid to historical details. My favorite qipao shop to browse for fun:
2. 海上芳时/Shanghai Fancy - Specializes in chic minguo-style designs of the 1920s-1940s. Recently came out with a neat art deco-inspired collection:
3. 唐之语/Tang Zhi Yu - Retro-style qipao in a variety of bold prints, with a focus on the form-fitting designs of the 1950s-1960s, including those from the film “In the Mood for Love”:
4. 繁莳/Fancy Dream - Dreamy, delicate retro-inspired qipao and modified qipao. Also has a nice selection of winter majia (vests):
5. Top Ulara - A large selection of classic, retro-style qipao with a hint of glamour. Offers lots of long/thick/layered qipao suitable for colder weather:
6. 梦回故里/Menghui Guli - Nostalgic, conservative retro-style qipao for all seasons. Old-fashioned in a good way:
7. 柳园旗袍/Liuyuan Qipao - Retro-style qipao with bold and interesting prints, in styles from the 1910s to the 1960s. The shop currently doesn’t show any products, but hopefully it’ll restock soon:
8. 限时赏味/Xianshi Shangwei - Streamlined, retro-style qipao in subtle colors and prints that exemplify understated elegance:
9. 茉茉/Momo - Tons of options for simple, cute, and casual retro-style qipao suitable for daily wear. Designs tend towards monochromes and all-over prints. Another review/rec here:
10. 珞珞如石/RoseEra - Simple yet elegant retro-style and contemporary qipao. I love the shop’s use of sheer fabrics & layering in its designs:
11. 向南飞FLY - Offers a selection of casually stylish retro-style qipao and modified qipao for daily chic:
12. 川黛/Chuan Dai - Soft, feminine, pastel-infused qipao & modified qipao in retro-inspired and contemporary styles:
13. 四斤自制/Sijin Studio - Creative, avant-garde takes on (modified) qipao & qipao-inspired outfits:
14. 密扇/Mukzin - Colorful, playful, and irreverent modified qipao and qipao-inspired outfits. There’s also an English website here:
If you like the above qipao but still want an English website, there are several Taobao resellers that carry similar designs - for example, Beth and Brian Qipao.
Finally, when it comes to in-person shops, I want to highlight Xiangjiang Silk Co., a relatively new boutique in New York City specializing in actual vintage 1950s-1960s qipao. There’s an article here on the boutique and its founder Heather Guo (who was featured in Vogue). Store visits are appointment-only, so you’ll have to reach out to Heather via her social media if you want to drop by.
If anyone has reviews of the above shops and/or more qipao shop recs, please share! ^^
Bonus: I also have online shop recs for hanfu (1, 2), modified hanfu/hanyuansu (1, 2), hanfu accessories, weimao, and hair accessories.
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