Handcrafted Hanfu

HELENA HANZAL CHILDRESS, INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MAJOR

INTRODUCTION

Helena Hanzal Childress | International Business Major | hhanzalchildress@elon.edu
Sponsor: Scott Oakes

What are Hanfu? (The Inspiration)

Hanfu (汉服 - hànfú), which literally translates to "Han clothing," refers to the historical dress of the Han Chinese people. It is characterized by its flowing silhouettes, loose sleeves, and a distinct lack of buttons, instead relying on sashes and ties to secure the garments.

Hanfu Movement (汉服运动)

The Hanfu movement (hànfú yùndòng - 汉服运动) is a social phenomenon dedicated to the revival of traditional Han Chinese clothing, which was largely marginalized following the transition to the Qing Dynasty in the seventeenth century. Emerging in the early 2000s as a grassroots initiative, the movement is primarily driven by a younger generation seeking to reclaim a distinct ethnic and cultural identity through the aesthetics of ancient dynasties such as the Tang, Song, and Ming. However many also include more fantastical designs and work.

Some photos from my study abroad in China, there were many places to buy, try, on and dress up in Hanfu. I would sometimes see other people on the train dressed up in hanfu or tourists at locations dressed up in more traditional or traditional inspired outfits.

My fascination with the Hanfu Movement (汉服运动) truly took root during my study abroad program at Donghua University in Shanghai, a school know for fashion in China where I was surrounded by peers who integrated traditional silhouettes into modern life. Witnessing the vibrancy of this movement on campus was one thing, but it was the encouragement from my roommates and friends that transformed my curiosity into a personal passion. By inviting me to dress up and participate in the culture alongside them, they turned an academic interest into an immersive experience, inspiring me to delve deeper into these garments.

Prototype 1

FIRST PROTOTYPE

My first idea was to make a very small mini hanfu to get an idea for how the process would work. I also wanted to figure out what materials I wanted to work with.

Resources that helped me

There were many resources I found helpful.

Northern California Hanfu Association: https://www.norcalhanfu.org/

What's next?