Across the city, made-to-measure qipao studios are keeping traditional craftsmanship alive while adapting the iconic dress for modern life. Some specialize in intricate embroidery, others in contemporary tailoring, and still others in personalized fittings. Together, they demonstrate how the qipao continues to evolve while staying rooted in Shanghai style.
At a recent business conference, Quan Shunji, president of the China-Asia Economic Development Association, delivered an eloquent speech without a paper script.