Photo of Lady in Plain Satin Cheongsam with High Collar

This picture was taken in Shanghai in the 1930s and 1940s. Given the wearer’s slim figure with little difference between the measurement of bust and that of waist, the cheongsam required no bust or waist darts to take on a tight-fitting shape, which keeps the lustrous and smooth satin fabric to its best effect. Thanks to the simple and flowing edges of the silhouette with no seams on shoulder, and the textile that hangs and drapes easily, this garment sets off the grace and liveliness of a slender lady to the maximal extent.