China Chic: East Meets West (Hardcover)

~ Ms. Valerie Steele (Author), John S. Major (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Fashion designers often borrow design details from Chinese dress, but what is not often understood is that Chinese costume, far from being static throughout centuries, actually absorbed influences from outside, albeit at a slower pace. In this interesting survey, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) curator Steele and historian Major (Heaven and Earth in Early Han Thought, SUNY, 1993) explore the progression of Chinese historic constume from its 4000-year-old dynastic elegance through 20th-century Maoist modernism. Fashionable Western clothing often was, and still is, imbued with romantic Orientalism, by use of lavish, exotic embroidery, vibrant silks, and silhouettes, collars, or fastenings characteristic of Chinese dress. These elements are beautifully illustrated in 100 color and 40 black-and-white photographs. While the book accompanies a show at FIT, it is not a catalog but stands on its own. This is a well-produced, well-written book for anyone interested in fashion, and it is highly recommended for both academic and larger public libraries.Therese Duzinkiewicz Baker, Western Kentucky Univ. Libs., Bowling Green
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

This beautifully illustrated book is the first to explore the history of Chinese dress and the fascinating ways that Western and Chinese fashion have influenced one another. The authors trace the evolution of Chinese clothing from dragon robes and lotus shoes in the imperial era to such attire as the cheongsam and "Mao suit" that symbolize a modern Chinese identity.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press (February 8, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300079303
• ISBN-13: 978-0300079302
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 9.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,129,857 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Smashingly beautiful book. New twist on Chinese fashion., August 4, 1999

By A Customer

*China Chic* is a gorgeous yet scholarly study of the interchange between China and the West in terms of fashion. Among the many intriguing points is how women of Chinese ancestry in the West are now influencing fashion design in new, very sophisticated ways. The combined efforts of Valerie Steele, John Major, and others make this book a must-read, just as the exhibit at the Fashion Institute in spring 1999 that this book used as a basis was a must-see for anyone who cares about fashion, culture and dress, or Chinese history.

4 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MIND BLOWING,REVELOUTIONARY AND VERY VERY SEXY, October 7, 1999

By A Customer

China chic is a truly haunting experienc