Prototype for the modern cheongsam

During the late 1920s, the body of the cheongsam became more slender, the sleeves were made narrower and shorter and the hemline of cheongsam rose. The exposed calves naturally became the focus of attention. As China embraced new imported textiles, light and softer fabrics were widely used to make the cheongsam. Taken in Hong Kong, late 1920s.