Ancient China's 'It Girls': A Guide to Tang Dynasty Fashion
Before Instagram influencers and street style stars, who were the original trendsetters? Forget the 90s supermodels for a moment and travel back with us over a thousand years to the Tang Dynasty. Here, in the opulent courts of ancient China, lived the original 'It Girls'. These women, immortalized on silk scrolls, were true oriental style icons. This is your modern guide to the incredible Tang dynasty fashion they pioneered, a look into the original court lady style.
The Beauty Lookbook: Decoding Ancient Chinese Makeup
Long before today's intricate makeup tutorials, Tang Dynasty women were masters of cosmetic art. Their beauty rituals were bold, expressive, and incredibly detailed. How did ancient Chinese women do makeup? It was a multi-step process.
'Huadian': The Original Face Art with Floral and Jeweled Foreheads
The most iconic element of ancient Chinese makeup is the 'Huadian' (花钿). These were decorative ornaments placed on the forehead, between the eyebrows. They could be painted on in the shape of flowers or crafted from materials like gold leaf, pearls, or even kingfisher feathers. It was the ultimate form of expressive, temporary face art.
The Bold Brow: 'Moth Eyebrows' and Other Daring Shapes
Forget subtle, natural brows. Tang women preferred bold, dramatic eyebrow shapes. They would often shave their natural brows and paint on new ones in artistic shapes, like the popular 'moth eyebrows' (蛾眉), which were short, wide, and curved like the antennae of a moth.
The Perfect Pout: The Art of the 'Cherry Lip'
Instead of coloring their entire lips, Tang ladies favored the 'cherry lip' style. They would apply bright red pigment only to the center of their lips, creating a small, cherry-like shape. This made the mouth look smaller and more delicate, a coveted standard of beauty at the time.
Crowning Glory: An Analysis of Tang Dynasty Hairstyles
A woman's hair was her crowning glory, and this was especially true during the Tang Dynasty. The hairstyles were elaborate, architectural, and a true display of status and elegance.
The Architectural Elegance of the 'Gaoji' (High Bun)
The signature hairstyle was the 'Gaoji', or high bun. These buns were incredibly tall and complex, often built up with wires and hairpieces to achieve their gravity-defying height. They were a symbol of nobility and sophistication.
More Than Just Pins: The Opulence of Golden Combs and Phoenix Hairpins
These elaborate hairstyles were held in place and decorated with an array of stunning accessories. Golden combs would be inserted decoratively into the sides of the bun, while ornate hairpins carved into shapes like phoenixes and flowers would add the finishing touch of opulence.
The Ultimate Wardrobe: A Historical Fashion Analysis of Key Pieces
The Tang dynasty clothing itself was characterized by its flowing silhouettes, vibrant colors, and luxurious fabrics. This historical fashion analysis breaks down the key components.
The 'Ruqun' Dress: Understanding the High-Waisted Silhouette
The typical outfit for women was the 'Ruqun' (襦裙), a two-piece ensemble consisting of a short blouse ('Ru') and a long, high-waisted skirt ('Qun'). The skirt was tied high above the waist, often right under the bust, creating a long, flowing, and elegant line. This high-waisted silhouette feels surprisingly modern.
The 'Pibo' Scarf: The Ultimate Statement Accessory
What is a Pibo scarf? Perhaps the most graceful and iconic accessory of the era was the 'Pibo' (披帛), a long, narrow strip of printed silk draped loosely over the shoulders and arms. It was not for warmth but purely for decoration, adding a sense of movement and ethereal grace to every gesture. The flow of a beautiful silk scarf is a timeless expression of elegance, a spirit you can find in the quality and grace of an .
How to Bring Tang Dynasty Elegance into Your Modern Wardrobe
So, how to get the court lady style today without looking like you're in a costume? The key is to incorporate subtle elements and inspirations, not to replicate the entire look.
A Hint of History: Incorporating Motifs with a Modern Brooch
You can capture the spirit of Tang floral motifs with a single, elegant brooch. Pinning a beautifully crafted floral or butterfly brooch, like those in the , to the lapel of a modern blazer or a simple sweater adds a touch of historical romance.
The Flow of Silk: Choosing a Bag with Timeless Grace
While we may not wear long 'Pibo' scarves today, you can capture that same sense of flowing elegance with a beautifully crafted handbag. Choosing a bag made from high-quality silk or brocade, with its natural luster and graceful drape, is a wonderful way to bring that timeless Tang aesthetic into your everyday style.
Timeless Style Icons: Why We're Still Inspired by Them Today
The Tang dynasty fashion and court lady style remain so inspiring because they were unapologetically bold, creative, and dedicated to the art of beauty. These ancient 'It Girls' understood the power of a single, perfect detail and the importance of expressing oneself through fashion. They prove that true style never really fades.
FAQ: Your Questions on Tang Dynasty Fashion
What kind of fabrics were used in Tang dynasty clothing?
The Tang Dynasty was a golden age for textiles. The most prized fabric was silk, which came in many forms, including intricate brocades, sheer gauzes, and printed silks. High-quality linen and cotton were also used.
Was this elaborate makeup worn every day?
The most elaborate forms of makeup, like complex 'Huadian', were likely reserved for court ceremonies and special occasions. However, the basic principles, like the bold brows and cherry lips, were a common part of an upper-class woman's daily beauty routine.
How can I find modern accessories inspired by the court lady style?
Where can you find accessories inspired by Tang dynasty? Look for pieces that emphasize fine craftsmanship, natural materials like silk, and elegant, nature-inspired motifs. The collections at , such as our and , are deeply inspired by this timeless Oriental aesthetic, offering a perfect way to bring a touch of that classical elegance into your modern life.
