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How to date a cheongsam?

Discussion in 'PUBLIC Vintage Fashion - Ask Questions Get Answers' started by Tamzzyn, Aug 13, 2018.

  1. Tamzzyn

    Tamzzyn Registered Guest

    I picked this up originally thinking it's vintage, but now i'm not sure if it's just a more contemporary cheongsam made for tourists to China town in San Francisco!

    How can you date these?

    Thanks!

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  2. Jonathan

    Jonathan VFG Member

    They are datable, but as the style is virtually unchanged you have to go by closures (metal or plastic zipper, snaps), type of material silk, rayon or poly as well as damask or brocade style), typeface on the label (sizing)... as well as length as they generally follow the same fashionable lengths of the day. I would say this one is c. 1960ish when they were at their height of popularity because of the movie The World of Suzie Wong, which was very influential at the time. The metal side zipper, that particular gold shade which reads as rayon to me, and the typeface and sizing all fit in with that date. Also, the collars are generally not that high by the late 60s.
     

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