Qipao, or cheongsam ... is arguably the epitome of Chinese fashion. You can see it in art and advertising, the movies, and some brides on their wedding days. But how did this iconic clothing ...

Meticulously hand-stitched with threads of gold and silver, her long silk qipao, a traditional Chinese dress dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), is adorned with delicate floral patterns ...