DRESSING UP AND LOOKING GOOD

Reform and opening-up has also made people bolder when it comes to sartorial choices

The year 2018 marks the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening-up process. From 1978 to 2018, we have witnessed many changes, and we have experienced great success across generations.

Clothing is like the external skin of human beings, and it is also the most intuitive visual experience.

So, dress often directly reflects the current political and economic conditions and culture.

Before the reform and openingup, blue, black, gray and green were the “main melody” of Chinese dressing.

But on March 19, 1979, the famous French fashion designer Pierre Cardin held a fashion show at the Beijing National Culture Palace, which opened the eyes of the Chinese people to different ways of dressing.

Soon, the 1970’s green uniforms, tunic suits, and overalls were replaced by flared pants, bodybuilding pants and bat shirts.

In the 1990s, international clothing brands began to enter China, and people got bolder in their sartorial choices.

Now, this year’s popular styles may be outdated in the coming year.

And in the new century, dressing has gradually become a way for people to express themselves. The dressing mentality of “as long as I like it, there is nothing wrong with it” is being accepted by more people.

In the past, many were afraid that they had dressed differently from others. And later, people was afraid to dress like others.

Currently, society is more tolerant, and people are showing more individuality.

Clothing is the vane of culture, and the history of Chinese clothing is the history of Chinese culture.

There were not many choices in dressing before.

But nowadays, all kinds of costumes flash before our eyes, and they can be selected online without leaving the house.

The change in clothing styles in the past 40 years of reform and opening-up vividly demonstrates the characteristics of the times.

Although there are different fashions in vogue at different stages, what holds true is the constant pursuit of beauty.

Reform and opening-up opened up a window that allows us to integrate with the world, not only with regard to clothing, but also in the deep-seated pursuit of beauty and self-expression.

XINHUA On March 19, 1979, French fashion designer Pierre Cardin held a fashion show at the Beijing National Culture Palace.

WANG JING / CHINA DAILY Young men and women dressed in fashion piece take selfies in Sanlitun, Beijing (2018).

XINHUA Red dress is the fad among young women in the 1980s (1986).

XINHUA A Yao ethnic boy from Tianlin county, Guangxi wears a suit (1986).

XINHUA NE·Tiger 2014 Haute Couture show in Beijing (2013).

XINHUA Tang suits are a common scene in the Spring Festival (2002).

XINHUA A girl in a mini skirt in Dalian, Liaoning (1991).