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Historical and contemporary design development: Chinese influence
In the Area of Study: Design, you will investigate and analyse the influence of historical, cultural and contemporary developments on textiles. This tutorial focuses on the influence of China's rich textile history on contemporary designers both within China and abroad.
Activities draw on the Powerhouse Museum exhibition Evolution and revolution: Chinese dress 1700s-1990s 
presented in 1997, which coincided with a significant event in Chinese history, the hand over of Hong Kong to China by the British.
Outcomes
This material addresses aspects of the following syllabus outcomes.
The student:
H6.1 analyses the influence of historical, cultural and contemporary developments on textiles.
H4.1 justifies the selection of fabric, yarn, fibre and fabric finishing techniques for specific end uses.
Extract from Stage 6 Textiles and Design Syllabus © Board of Studies NSW 2007.
Completing the following activities will allow you to develop your understanding of the unique structural style and decorative features of traditional and contemporary Chinese costume and apparel.
Further analysis allows you to develop an understanding of the relationship of properties and performance of textiles to specific end-uses.
Activities
Visit the HSC technology syllabus support: Case studies in design, technology and cultural diversity web site and select Evolution to revolution.
Chinese dress in the Qing dynasty
- Sketch and describe three or four pieces of historical clothing characteristic of the styles of the Chinese formal court and official dress.
- Outline the differences in styles for the clothing worn by men and women.
- Describe the fabric decoration and ornamentation used.
- Identify the symbols of sovereignty and explain their significance.
Cheungsam
- Outline the development of the cheungsam from the loose fitting styles and the extended wide sleeves of late 1800s to the form fitting cheungsam of the 1930s.
- List the special skills for the traditional tailoring of the cheungsam.
- Sketch three different collars and right fastening lapels for a cheungsam including the huaniu.
- Outline the changes that the cheungsam underwent in the 1950s and 1960s.
- Describe the impact that the 1960s movie The World of Suzie Wong had on the cheungsam.
Mao suit
- Describe the features of Chinese fashion which have links to the nationalism and ideology of the People's Republic of China.
- Outline the importance of pocket designs to rank.
- Identify the garment colours worn during 1950-1970s.
- Describe the garments for men and women.
- Identify a designer who uses inspiration from the Mao or Sun Yat-sen suit style.
- Sketch and describe the garment.
Chinese contemporary designers
- Choose one garment design by a mainland China designer, a Hong Kong designer and a Taiwan designer:
- Sketch and label a garment from each designer.
- Identify similar design features.
- Outline reasons for the designer’s success.
Australian designers: Eastern influence
- Select one of the following designers and outline their background for a successful career in fashion and fabric design.
- Outline the inspirational themes which have been the focus for the designer’s work.
To further investigate the influence of historical and cultural influences on a contemporary Australian designer, Lisa Ho, click here.
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