The popularity of Hanfu has also led to the development of a thriving Hanfu industry. Across major cities and universities, grassroots Hanfu enthusiasts have formed numerous communities, marking a vibrant expansion in the New Hanfu industry. Moreover, educational institutions have played a crucial role in fostering a deeper appreciation for Hanfu among students. Supported by governmental initiatives like “Chinese Hanfu Day,” cultural activities promoting Hanfu are on the rise, enhancing public awareness and appreciation for traditional attire. As Chinese cultural confidence grows, traditional elements are seamlessly integrating into modern life, traditional chinese clothing female with Hanfu leading as a prevailing trend. As Hanfu continues to evolve and adapt to modern times, its journey underscores the resilience and enduring appeal of traditional culture in a rapidly changing world. This digital transformation has not only broadened Hanfu’s appeal but also revitalized traditional craftsmanship and local economies. Since the beginning of 2024, Caoxian has witnessed a surge in sales, with local enterprises capitalizing on this opportunity. Around the same time, I encountered a small London-based community of hanfu enthusiasts and joined a local hanfu club.
Hanfu has traversed time, from its origins during the prime of imperial dynasties to its repression in a China eager to modernize, and now its remarkable revival. 17 Though the Taishō period had seen a number of invented traditions, standards of kitsuke (wearing kimono) were still not as formalised in this time, with creases, uneven ohashori and crooked obi still deemed acceptable. New Hanfu, the traditional attire of the Han Chinese, has seen a remarkable resurgence in recent years, reflecting a broader cultural reawakening in China. The revitalization of Hanfu culture owes much to technological advancements and educational initiatives that have made traditional attire more accessible and appealing to younger generations. These cross-industry partnerships have diversified Hanfu’s appeal, making it accessible to a wider audience and reinforcing its cultural significance. Activities like the “Wear Hanfu and Tour Luoyang” campaign and partnerships with popular games like Honor of Kings and cultural institutions like the Palace Museum have generated immense social media buzz, attracting millions of participants and viewers. Often overlooked, however, is the role overseas Chinese have played in the revival of hanfu. Song Dynasty is one of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, and its clothing culture is also very unique.
Gao Cheng of the Song dynasty, around the year 1100 BC during the reign of King Wen, women started to use powder and in the court of Qin Shihuang around the 3rd century BC, all imperial consorts and ladies-in-waiting were already using rouge as cosmetics and were drawing their eyebrows. Key features of Song Dynasty Hanfu included its layered structure. It was also during the early years of the Han dynasty that the shape of the yuanlingpao worn in the later dynasties, such as in the Ming dynasties, started to develop. In other dynasties, the qun could be tied at the waist level. The design of the waist of the skirt was much improved. It is composed of a waist length Shirt and a double pleated skirt. The popularity of specific Hanfu styles reflects this digital influence, with orders for iconic pieces like the Horse Face Skirt soaring by 841% year-on-year.
Following a notable increase in demand after a luxury brand’s alleged plagiarism incident in 2022, interest in the Horse Face Skirt has remained robust. The Horse Face Skirt, central to the resurgence of Hanfu, has propelled Shandong’s Caoxian into the spotlight as a leading production hub. By aligning production with evolving consumer preferences and digital marketing strategies, Caoxian has emerged as a model for Hanfu production and cultural heritage preservation. The intersection of tradition and innovation in Caoxian exemplifies how localized industries can thrive in a digital age, leveraging online platforms for unprecedented growth. This economic growth is a testament to Hanfu’s potential as a cultural export and a driver of regional development. Looking ahead, sustaining the momentum of Hanfu’s resurgence will require continued support from various stakeholders, including government bodies, educational institutions, and the private sector. Hanfu’s cultural resurgence extends beyond fashion to collaborations with museums, gaming, film, tourism, beauty products, purple hanfu and even esports.
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