The iconic qipao celebrates its distinct fashion culture

The exhibition uses qipao, a highly influential cultural symbol, as the starting point to systematically explore and present the evolution of fashion and lifestyle in Shanghai through the past century, he says. To best present the cut, fabrics and details of the design, the Shanghai Museum displays some of the garments without glass protectors and has special mannequins to illustrate the feminine shapes throughout the 20th century.

Accessories and other objects dating to specific featured periods in each of the four chapters are displayed alongside the garments. A cream-colored Austin 10 Saloon car stands at the entrance, greeting visitors with the glamour of 1930s Shanghai.

Pop singer Chang played an essential role in the exhibition's curatorial design. A renowned musician of enduring popularity in the Chinese music scene, Chang is also a collector of exceptional insight and exquisite taste, Chu says.

Last year, Chang donated 12 qipao to the Shanghai Museum and filmed a new music video in Shanghai Museum East. The collaboration with Chang is part of the museum's efforts to break boundaries, Chu says. "We hope to work with cultural icons and celebrities beloved by the public to tell of history and culture in a more approachable and relatable way, and to attract younger generations to visit museums."

At the opening, Chang said he has carried a special fondness for Shanghai throughout his over 30-year career. He has collected many items from Shanghai, including furniture, historical documents, and more. The qipao, he believes, represents the unique beauty of the East. He recalls that his grandmother loved qipao. "We once had a thief break into the house, who stole nothing else but her beautiful qipao," he told the media.