History
When the Manchu began to rule China, certain social strata were arranged. Among the strata were the 旗 (qi or "bannerss"), mostly Manchu, who as a group were called 旗人 (qiren or "banner people"). Manchu women typically wore a one-piece dress which came to be known as the 旗袍 (qipao or "banner dress") which fit rather loosely and straight down the body. The dress proved popular enough to survive the political turmoil of the 1911 revolution which toppled the 清 (Qing) Dynasty and, as a result, and with later refinements, has become the archetypal dress for Chinese women. Today's modern version has evolved into a form fitting dress, with a variety of lengths and patterns.
The movie In the Mood For Love by Wong Kar-wai is notable for its use of a variety of cheongsams, even taking the spotlight away from the star actors Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung.
External links
(Web site in Chinese)