Want to learn more about modernity, feminism and fashion? Watch our “Modern Women of the Republic: Fashion and Change in China and Singapore” public talks videos by industry experts to explore the concept of “the Modern Woman” and how women’s statutes, lifestyles and roles have changed over time.
Factory Workers, Modern Women
“Factory Workers, Modern Women” by Dr Loh Kah Seng, a historian of Singapore and an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia, examines the emergence of a generation of Singaporean modern women and families during the 1960s and 1970s, at a time of rapid industrialisation and national development.
From Hanfu to Cheongsam: Foreign influences in traditional Chinese Dresses
“From Hanfu to Cheongsam: Foreign influences in traditional Chinese Dresses” was presented by Ms. Gong Pan Pan, an artist, independent researcher and founder of the Hanfugirls Collective that was formerly established in 2019. This talk looks at the history of women’s clothing in China and explores the diverse foreign influences on its evolution throughout history, with special focus on Hanfu and Cheongsam.
Fashion chronicler and sartorial provocateur: Eileen Chang’s use of cheongsam as her expressive and creative medium
“Fashion chronicler and sartorial provocateur: Eileen Chang’s use of cheongsam as her expressive and creative medium” by was presented by Mr. Lim Fong Wei, a senior correspondent at Lianhe Zaobao's zbNOW and Ms. Wang Yan Qing, ex-newscaster and ex-editor-in-chief of now-defunct Chinese language magazine Citta Bella. This talk will discuss Eileen Chang’s work, Geng Yi Ji (Chinese Life and Fashions) and examine her views on how the cheongsam serves as a highly expressive and customisable medium that allows Chinese women to define and convey their individuality.