Qipao Ensemble
My Shanghainese seamstress named this one. The Qipao (pronounced “chee pow”)
is the Shanghai version of the Cheongsam, Cantonese for the same
now-traditional, close-fitting, one-piece Chinese dress. The snug Qipao
originated in Shanghai in the 1920’s and became popularized by the fashionistas
and celebrities of the time.
Further south, in Vietnam, the garment became the Ao Dai (pronounced “ow zai”
in the North, and “ow yai” in the South). In Vietnam, it became an ensemble with
the dress slit up to the waist, worn over loose fitting trousers. It is
considered to be the epitome of feminine beauty, being both elegant and
demure.
Beautifully hand made with extensive hand sewn detailing, the Hillesø Designs
version is a wonderfully comfortable and elegant festive ensemble. Utilizing the
Hillesø signature “global perspective”, the tunic is made from hand-woven Indian
silk brocade. It is fully lined in gold silk habotai and trimmed with gold
piping and burgundy binding. Handmade silk frogs form the closure.
Burgundy silk charmeuse pants are revealed in the tunic slit. Styled in the
Indian “Salwar Kamese” fashion, the pant hem is pleated at the ankle and
weighted with a grosgrain ribbon to fall gently and gracefully over the
shoe.
WA-1 Qipao Ensemble.
Size 4/Small
This sample garment is for sale: $79
For more information: hillesodesigns@gmail.com or 206-909-2420.
Designer: Randi Hillesø
Photography: Christine Prefontaine
is the Shanghai version of the Cheongsam, Cantonese for the same
now-traditional, close-fitting, one-piece Chinese dress. The snug Qipao
originated in Shanghai in the 1920’s and became popularized by the fashionistas
and celebrities of the time.
Further south, in Vietnam, the garment became the Ao Dai (pronounced “ow zai”
in the North, and “ow yai” in the South). In Vietnam, it became an ensemble with
the dress slit up to the waist, worn over loose fitting trousers. It is
considered to be the epitome of feminine beauty, being both elegant and
demure.
Beautifully hand made with extensive hand sewn detailing, the Hillesø Designs
version is a wonderfully comfortable and elegant festive ensemble. Utilizing the
Hillesø signature “global perspective”, the tunic is made from hand-woven Indian
silk brocade. It is fully lined in gold silk habotai and trimmed with gold
piping and burgundy binding. Handmade silk frogs form the closure.
Burgundy silk charmeuse pants are revealed in the tunic slit. Styled in the
Indian “Salwar Kamese” fashion, the pant hem is pleated at the ankle and
weighted with a grosgrain ribbon to fall gently and gracefully over the
shoe.
WA-1 Qipao Ensemble.
Size 4/Small
This sample garment is for sale: $79
For more information: hillesodesigns@gmail.com or 206-909-2420.
Designer: Randi Hillesø
Photography: Christine Prefontaine