1949 was the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and political changes were reflected in sartorial changes. The skinny, fashionable, one-piece Qi Pao quickly disappeared and women started wearing two pieces… It was like YSL putting women in suits and creating sartorial androgyny, but in China it was nationwide and pretty much mandatory. Also, hair became much more sober, usually in pigtails or flat on the head.

1950: More Sober, Androgynous Dress

1950-1955: In Pants but Still Feminine

1950-1960: Lots of Boys

1950-1960: Pops of Pink (added post-picture) for Girls

1955-1960: Some Fun and Sober Prints