Of all the dresses ever worn in Shanghai, none can match the iconic status of the qipao (旗袍).
Treat yourself to this feminine, figure-hugging symbol of timeless sensuality at one of the best qipao tailors in Shanghai. They don't claim to be the cheapest, but they stand on their reputation as the best.
Here's where to track them down on your next trip to Shanghai:
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Han Yi (瀚艺)
Hanyi is one of the most famous places to buy a qipao in Shanghai, thanks in large part to 93-year-old tailor Chu Hongsheng. Chu began his qipao-making apprenticeship at the age of 16 and still turns up at the shop from time to time, measuring clients to ensure a perfect fit.
If the stunning outfits worn by Maggie Cheung in Wong Kar-wai's film "In the Mood for Love" (a.k.a. the greatest qipao advert in world history) inspired you to buy a qipao of your own, you might be interested to know that it was Chu who made those very dresses.
If it's good enough for Maggie Cheung, it's good enough for us.
Han Yi (瀚艺), 217-221 Changle Lu, near South Shaanxi Lu 长乐路217-221号, 近陕西南路
Jin Zhi Yu Ye (金枝玉叶旗袍店)
The moment you step into Jin Zhi Yu Ye, the feel of old Shanghai becomes tangible. While the shop's decor points to a love of tradition, the qipao created by Ye Zi, a fashion-school graduate who runs the store, are anything but conservative.
Think bold colors and a wealth of prints, with a special fondness for lotus-motif fabrics. The range of silk, lace, and cotton on offer here comes from China and Japan, and a simple, unembroidered qipao can be yours in 10 to 15 days (expect up to a month for more elaborate designs).
Jin Zhi Yu Ye (金枝玉叶旗袍店), 72 Maoming Nan Lu, near Huaihai Lu 茂名南路72号, 近淮海中路
Qipao By Jane
No one has done more to bring the humble qipao closer to the modern woman than Jane Zhu (朱洁), founder and designer of Qipao by Jane, and a reliable source for some of the best qipao in Shanghai.
A riot of unconventional prints, materials, and cuts makes Zhu's qipao a hot ticket for women looking for a qipao with a twist. The "Celeste" is a great example, with its daring open back and intricate hand-done lacework along the side slit.
Shanghai Long Feng Qipao (龙凤旗袍)
This shop is a favorite among brides looking for a custom-made qipao ahead of their big day, and it's also recommended as one of the best in Shanghai by Shanghai's very own Qipao Club.
According to Chen Yueqin, manager of Shanghai Long Feng, the reason for their higher prices lies in the traditional process they use to make their pieces.
The brand's choice of materials and exquisite craftsmanship make its dragon-and-phoenix qipao ("long feng" means dragon and phoenix in Chinese) worth every kuai.
Shanghai Long Feng Qipao (龙凤旗袍), 183 Fengxian Lu, near Taixing Lu 奉贤路183号, 近泰兴路
Xin Ni (辛妮)
This shop is named after its charismatic owner, who worked as a costume designer for opera and ballet before retiring.
Xin Ni (the shop, not the owner) is ten years old, and it offers qipao that focus on clean colors and artistic embroidery. Its specialty is the hand-painted qipao, for which skilled artists design and paint symbols or patterns onto a made-to-order qipao.
A single custom-painted qipao costs between 250 and 275 dollars (1,680-1,900 yuan) and will be ready in about 15 days.
Xin Ni (辛妮), 233 Changle Lu, near South Shaanxi Lu 长乐路233号, 近陕西南路
Li Gu Long (丽古龙)
This shop also sticks to the traditional "Shanghai process," crafting its dresses entirely by hand with no zippers (every fastening uses buttons).
The materials used at Li Gu Long are what truly make their qipao special, with beautiful brocade, vintage silk, and a wealth of colors to choose from. The buttons are made from a variety of materials too, with traditional stones such as agate and jade being especially popular.
Li Gu Long, 205 Changle Lu, near South Shaanxi Lu 长乐路205号, 近陕西南路
La Vie
La Vie, by independent Shanghai designer Jenny Ji, offers yet another take on the qipao: the couture version.
All of Ji's creations are genuinely high-end, with luxurious fabrics and intricate designs that will make any woman wearing a La Vie qipao feel like a true princess.
Ji's designs draw inspiration from season to season from little slices of life, from food to antique porcelain, marking the starting point for the collection. Whatever the original inspiration, you can always expect a La Vie design to be steeped in both romance and drama.
La Vie, 306 Changle Lu, near Ruijin Yi Lu 长乐路306号, 近瑞金一路
Shanghai Tang (上海滩)
Perhaps the world's most famous qipao purveyor, and certainly one of the best in Shanghai, Shanghai Tang is the go-to spot for international shoppers to discover the beauty of this classic outfit, with seven stores across the city, mostly in the airport, hotels, and upscale shopping complexes.
Shanghai Tang, Block 3, No. 15 North Block, Xintiandi, 181 Taicang Lu, near Madang Lu 太仓路181弄新天地北里15号3单元, 近马当路
