Hanfu Revival Movement
Kyle Fong / WWD
Hanfu fashion, the historical clothing style worn by Han Chinese people, has become popular again. The Hanfu revival started in the early 2000s but with multiple popular historical and xianxia dramas (e.g., The Untamed, Empresses in the Palace, Scarlet Heart) and the help of social media, more people—especially the youth— are now normalizing Hanfu outfits in the streets of China.
The Untamed / Soompi
Scarlet Heart / Viki
“What are these flowy, multilayered silk robes worn by the 20+ wives and concubines of the emperor?” My 10-year-old self wondered as I watched historical dramas with my parents. Side note: You don’t truly know what drama is until you watch a group of women sharing a husband while their sons fight for the throne…or five royal sons fighting for one girl.
Ancient Chinese clothing has changed significantly according to the different dynasties that ruled over China. The term “Hanfu” now broadly refers to Chinese fashion before the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912).
Different color palettes, fits, and cuts of the silk robes all have historical and cultural stories behind them. For example, foreign nations influenced a more form-fitting outfit during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.), which is also seen in another historical Chinese clothing, Qipao.
Hair accessories and jewelry all play a significant role in completing the Hanfu outfit.
Kyle Fong / WWD
Kyle Fong / WWD
Seeing people of all ages wearing Hanfu outfits shows us a growing reconnection back to Chinese history and culture.
Kyle Fong / WWD
Of course, it is important to also acknowledge the danger of monoethnic and nationalistic views by some Hanfu enthusiasts who use Hanfu to vindicate the Han people’s past domination over other ethnic minorities in China.
The Hanfu revival is a meaningful movement that allows both China and other countries’ modernizing societies to appreciate the beauty in revisiting historical fashion.
Ashley Leung