Fashion:
This section will talk about different types of fashion in China such as street fashion and fashion between men and women. We will also discuss trends in China such as acceptable trending hairstyles and makeup.
Chinese fashion: the rise of different types of street fashion
From walkway to street fashion, China's fashion sense has grown and changed dramatically in the last decade. From post Mao era to current day China, there has been many influences on Chinese fashion. We will be focusing on Chinese street fashion since it is prevalent in everyday Chinese life.
One major influence on the development of Chinese street fashion is the rise of the middle class.
According to China's National Bureau of Statistics, the annual per capita disposable income of people in the cities rose by 7.2% between 1978 and 2007. In 2008, the amount rose and turned out to be more than 15,700 Yuan, which is around $2,300 U.S. dollars. This means that the younger generation in comparison to their parents' generation have more money now to spend on fashion. With over 220 million adolescents between the ages 15-24, they are the main focus of Chinese street fashion. Also, this encouraged the "fast fashion" market in China. International brands now sell more affordable versions of clothes by popularity and brand name designers. Add fast fashion plus the availability of disposable income and the outcome is the rise of teenage "fashionistas."
More now than ever before, Chinese adolescents want to be more individualized, stand out, and have their own fashion sense rather than blend in with the crowd. This has given rise to two of many types of Chinese street fashion today. They are called the "Xiao Qinxin" style and "Zhong Kouwei" style. "Xiao Qinxin" stands for "little freshness" and was used to describe a kind of indie pop music genre. Now it is used to describe fashion, movies, photography and objects. This type of fashion features light colors, canvas shoes, along with cotton and linen material, and images with vintage effects. "Xiao Qinxin" style represents a fresh and angelic type of fashion in comparison to "Zhong Kouwei." Zhong Kouwei stands for "heavy flavor" and was first used to describe food with heavy flavors such as salt, garlic, pepper, curry etc. This developed into the fashion now described in books, manga, and movies. "Zhong Kouwei" also represents anything that stimulates the senses occasionally with violence, sexuality, or blood. This type of fashion features dark bold colors, rivets, metal, black and white and angry poses. It also can be used to describe fashion that ties along with the themes of dramatic, sexy, and evil.
One major influence on the development of Chinese street fashion is the rise of the middle class.
According to China's National Bureau of Statistics, the annual per capita disposable income of people in the cities rose by 7.2% between 1978 and 2007. In 2008, the amount rose and turned out to be more than 15,700 Yuan, which is around $2,300 U.S. dollars. This means that the younger generation in comparison to their parents' generation have more money now to spend on fashion. With over 220 million adolescents between the ages 15-24, they are the main focus of Chinese street fashion. Also, this encouraged the "fast fashion" market in China. International brands now sell more affordable versions of clothes by popularity and brand name designers. Add fast fashion plus the availability of disposable income and the outcome is the rise of teenage "fashionistas."
More now than ever before, Chinese adolescents want to be more individualized, stand out, and have their own fashion sense rather than blend in with the crowd. This has given rise to two of many types of Chinese street fashion today. They are called the "Xiao Qinxin" style and "Zhong Kouwei" style. "Xiao Qinxin" stands for "little freshness" and was used to describe a kind of indie pop music genre. Now it is used to describe fashion, movies, photography and objects. This type of fashion features light colors, canvas shoes, along with cotton and linen material, and images with vintage effects. "Xiao Qinxin" style represents a fresh and angelic type of fashion in comparison to "Zhong Kouwei." Zhong Kouwei stands for "heavy flavor" and was first used to describe food with heavy flavors such as salt, garlic, pepper, curry etc. This developed into the fashion now described in books, manga, and movies. "Zhong Kouwei" also represents anything that stimulates the senses occasionally with violence, sexuality, or blood. This type of fashion features dark bold colors, rivets, metal, black and white and angry poses. It also can be used to describe fashion that ties along with the themes of dramatic, sexy, and evil.
Fashion: men vs women
Men fashion compared to women fashion are not too different with each other. Both are low key, clean cut and simple. What's considered "hot" for young men and women are:
- "chao" which means trendy
- simple and clean cut for people just graduating school which gives a more mature and sophisticated and professional look
- the "sporty" look which grew popular and originated after the Beijing 2008 Olympics
- high end street fashion which can consists of different versions of high end brand names and popular trending clothing
loved/hated fashion trends of 2012
Like every season, each season has its specific trends that made it to popularity and trends that failed. Here are some examples of popular trends of China in 2012
LOVED TRENDS:
HATED TRENDS:
Most of these trends originated from Western influence after Chairman Mao's rule. After Deng Xiaoping's new economic reforms and opening of the international market, this exposed China to new fashion trends and different ideas to western influence. Daily clothing increased after the relaxation of communist rule and western influences took over.
LOVED TRENDS:
- Neutral colors: colors slightly more muted like jewel tones are considered to go into the next year.
- Dressing like a man: dressing like a man is popular from wearing fitted jackets and blazers to wearing traditional ties to bow ties. Women can dress it up like a man that made it them look masculine and tough. The key note to making this work for a woman was adding a feminine quality to it such as accessories.
- Dressing like Grandma: vintage fashion has come back into season. Fashion from the 1940's and the "tailored" look make dressing up like your grandma made one look more sophisticated. The old school fashion defined "elegance" and vintage. These include 1920's western fashion as well, which took the details of clean lines and sassy attitude to the next extreme.
- Dressing like Mom: 1970's "bell bottom flares" and maxi dresses were in during the year of 2012. Other ways to dress like in this type of fashion included the fringes, crochet, lay-like blouses, and tailored pants and suits.
- Spots, Stripes & Checks: these small details put a spin on a simple outfit. The one thing to keep in mind was to NOT OVERDO DETAIL. It may make one look like a table cloth or cushion
- Sensible shoes: shoes such as flats, fuzzy boots, oxfords, brogues and loafers were comfortable and also acceptable low key shoes great for everyday wear
- Sportswear: varsity jackets, ski-sweaters, stripes and functional detailing were popular after the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. This trend skyrocketed after the Chinese were exposed to different sportswear.
HATED TRENDS:
- Fur: a big dislike for trends in China. Unlike Western fashion which is "flashy" and over the top, Chinese like to keep it simple and do not like things too out of the "norm."
- Crop Tops: Only underweight teens could pull this trend off successfully. Many find this trend insulting because of the over exposure of skin and is not considered ladylike.
- Lady Gaga shoes: these consisted of large platforms which were NOT sensible shoes like flats or loafers. These shoes turned out to be a hassle to the Chinese.
Most of these trends originated from Western influence after Chairman Mao's rule. After Deng Xiaoping's new economic reforms and opening of the international market, this exposed China to new fashion trends and different ideas to western influence. Daily clothing increased after the relaxation of communist rule and western influences took over.
hairstyles
The younger generation are the people who change their hairstyle more frequently than the older generation. Reason being is because the younger generation are exposed to more western influences from the ability to access the internet and gain different insights of the world. For instance, Asian women are curling their hair more frequently like western women because there is a different change in their looks from the traditional straight hair. Compared to the traditional black straight hair that most of the older generation have, young people are setting the trends these days with different hairstyles.
Hairstyles for Women:
There are an abundance of different hairstyles for women in China. Some of the most popular hairstyles would fall between short (above ear) medium (shoulder length) or long which falls past the shoulders. For short hair, this is convenient for women with thin and short hair. The usually cut their hair into "bobcuts" which have lots of layers, and spikes. This type of hairstyle provides volume to the crown and look good with women who have oval and round faces.
Hairstyles for Women:
There are an abundance of different hairstyles for women in China. Some of the most popular hairstyles would fall between short (above ear) medium (shoulder length) or long which falls past the shoulders. For short hair, this is convenient for women with thin and short hair. The usually cut their hair into "bobcuts" which have lots of layers, and spikes. This type of hairstyle provides volume to the crown and look good with women who have oval and round faces.
Shoulder length hair and long hair are probably the most popular among young Chinese adults. Shoulder length hair is thick on the crown with layers hanging towards the shoulders. This gives the messy look and the loose ends make the face look younger and thinner. Long hair is the most simplest hairstyle the girls have. Not much goes into styling long hair because most of Chinese women have straight black hair which does not need much attention and can be easily worn to school or work.
Hairstyles for Men:
Men compared to Chinese women are more simple and have limited amount of different hairstyles. Most men have short traditional hair which can be knocked up a notch to be considered "cool" and socially acceptable. Working professional men do not switch their hairstyles often and usually keep it simple. Younger men have different types of hairstyles which can range from long and mysterious to short and spiky. A different version of the short hair is a twist of the faux-hawk which is a more western version. Asian men have taken a twist and made it edgier with messy spikes all over the head with a strip down the center or leaning in different directions at a time. Chinese men also have shoulder length hair which is long and textured to project an image of someone who is modest but takes care of his looks. This follow's the lines of the "preppy look" and a different take of the preppy look is the razor-ed version which is a "rebellious" look. This can be turned into a razor-ed mullet that shows the man can be very self-assured and defiant of authority.
Men compared to Chinese women are more simple and have limited amount of different hairstyles. Most men have short traditional hair which can be knocked up a notch to be considered "cool" and socially acceptable. Working professional men do not switch their hairstyles often and usually keep it simple. Younger men have different types of hairstyles which can range from long and mysterious to short and spiky. A different version of the short hair is a twist of the faux-hawk which is a more western version. Asian men have taken a twist and made it edgier with messy spikes all over the head with a strip down the center or leaning in different directions at a time. Chinese men also have shoulder length hair which is long and textured to project an image of someone who is modest but takes care of his looks. This follow's the lines of the "preppy look" and a different take of the preppy look is the razor-ed version which is a "rebellious" look. This can be turned into a razor-ed mullet that shows the man can be very self-assured and defiant of authority.
Beauty in the chinese industry
It is a saying "beauty comes in all shapes and sizes," but according to the Chinese, beauty is defined as pale white skin along with a pronounced nose and a soft round jawline. What is popular in the Chinese beauty industry are skin lightening creams and BB creams or Blemish/Beblish Balms which are another form of foundation and sunscreen. Lightening creams lighten the skin and BB creams provide protection to the skin and offers coverage to provide an even skin tone. These two types of skin makeup make sense to the Chinese since the ideal beauty is considered pale with no marks or blemishes.In ancient times, a clear and light complexion said that you were rich and did not need to work in the fields beneath the sun and that you could afford to live indoors and not do work to mark or ruin your skin.
Another big trend in makeup today in China is eye makeup. One of the biggest problem among Chinese women are monolids. Monolids are a term where the eyelid has a single eyelid instead of a double eyelid. This occurs when the eyelid folds in on itself instead of a small crease to create the double eyelid. This is a problem among Chinese and many Asian women because it covers up the eye makeup that is applied. This condition can be corrected by double eyelid surgery which is the 2nd most requested cosmetic procedure in China or with eyelid tape which is a noninvasive technique which can correct uneven eyelids.
Four major trends in China regarding beauty and makeup are:
1. Colored Lips: Colored lips emphasize the lip shape along with the color being used. Different shades used on the lips represent different meanings to the Chinese. For example, crimson red lips give off a professional and chic side to a woman. It gives the nickname "professional boss lady." Brownish red lips have a mysterious and are appropriate for night events. Rosy pink lips emphasize the natural rosy lips of a person and are usually used anytime. Finally red velvet lips hint a sexy and bit seductive side of a woman. The most common used colors for Chinese women are shades of red, pinks, oranges and nude hues.
2. Sun-Kissed Cheeks: Even though the ideal beauty of a woman is light and pale in China, sun kissed cheeks became popular after the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. Sun Kissed cheeks represent and give off a natural healthy glow.
3. Cat Eyeliner: Dramatic eyeliner is used for Chinese women because of the problematic monolid. Cat eyeliner emphasizes the eye shape and widens the almond eye shape of Chinese and Asian women. Dramatic eyeliner can be drawn to be very think so it shows above the eyelid, or can be double winged for a dramatic very high end "cat eye."
4. Full Brows: Full dark brows in China are one of the biggest beauty trends that originated from Korea. Full dark brows frame the face and give off a more youthful look because full brows make a person look younger. They try to look like a younger child since young children don't pluck or wax eyebrows unlike older women who do.
Modern Chinese makeup today consists of a natural toned foundation which is preferably on the light side and large dramatic eyes that create a "dolly" makeup style. The eyes are often paired with lengthening mascara or false lashes because Asian women tend to have short and non-existent lashes. This helps define and lengthen the lashes for a cute and open/wide eyed look. And finally lips are colored and filled to their desired look upon a certain occasion.
Another big trend in makeup today in China is eye makeup. One of the biggest problem among Chinese women are monolids. Monolids are a term where the eyelid has a single eyelid instead of a double eyelid. This occurs when the eyelid folds in on itself instead of a small crease to create the double eyelid. This is a problem among Chinese and many Asian women because it covers up the eye makeup that is applied. This condition can be corrected by double eyelid surgery which is the 2nd most requested cosmetic procedure in China or with eyelid tape which is a noninvasive technique which can correct uneven eyelids.
Four major trends in China regarding beauty and makeup are:
1. Colored Lips: Colored lips emphasize the lip shape along with the color being used. Different shades used on the lips represent different meanings to the Chinese. For example, crimson red lips give off a professional and chic side to a woman. It gives the nickname "professional boss lady." Brownish red lips have a mysterious and are appropriate for night events. Rosy pink lips emphasize the natural rosy lips of a person and are usually used anytime. Finally red velvet lips hint a sexy and bit seductive side of a woman. The most common used colors for Chinese women are shades of red, pinks, oranges and nude hues.
2. Sun-Kissed Cheeks: Even though the ideal beauty of a woman is light and pale in China, sun kissed cheeks became popular after the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. Sun Kissed cheeks represent and give off a natural healthy glow.
3. Cat Eyeliner: Dramatic eyeliner is used for Chinese women because of the problematic monolid. Cat eyeliner emphasizes the eye shape and widens the almond eye shape of Chinese and Asian women. Dramatic eyeliner can be drawn to be very think so it shows above the eyelid, or can be double winged for a dramatic very high end "cat eye."
4. Full Brows: Full dark brows in China are one of the biggest beauty trends that originated from Korea. Full dark brows frame the face and give off a more youthful look because full brows make a person look younger. They try to look like a younger child since young children don't pluck or wax eyebrows unlike older women who do.
Modern Chinese makeup today consists of a natural toned foundation which is preferably on the light side and large dramatic eyes that create a "dolly" makeup style. The eyes are often paired with lengthening mascara or false lashes because Asian women tend to have short and non-existent lashes. This helps define and lengthen the lashes for a cute and open/wide eyed look. And finally lips are colored and filled to their desired look upon a certain occasion.
Above are current popular makeup trends. On the far left is the popularity of BB creams and the "before" and "after" photos which gives a clear complexion. To the right is an example of monolid's and the dramatic type of eyeliner Chinese women wear along with other Asian women. The far right is an example of the "healthy glow" for sun kissed cheeks and below is the type of "full brows" Chinese and Asian women look to achieve.