A ceramic figurine of a woman of Tang Dynasty. [Photo/Luoyang Museum]

Skirt, shirt and a cape

According to Li Hong, researcher and vice curator at the Henan Museum, skirts, dresses and capes were three major elements in women's fashion during the Tang Dynasty.

"From historical records, these three items were indispensible for women back then. Women of Tang, regardless of class, also put more thoughts into dressing themselves than we do today.

"Waiting several years for a piece of new clothing to be made was normal. That's how much people cared about the way they dressed back then," Li said.

As for the exquisite costumes worn in The Empress of China, Li said the costume designers obviously "did their homework".