Jackets (Shan) were the most common apparel for women in the Tang Dynasty. There were thin jackets for summer and thick ones for winter. Those in early Tang Dynasty were short jackets with narrow sleeves and tucked under the skirt at the waist. Jackets made of cloth or gauze, together with lace trimming of twisted golden and silver threads, went well with skirts of elaborate design.

In addition, shawls/ribbons also enjoyed great popularity among women in the Tang Dynasty. Shawls were for the married and looked much like what we have today. Ribbons, for the unmarried, were actually bands for draping over the shoulder.

Elaborate lines and striking colors represented feminine elegance. These fanciful garbs altogether made Tang women more captivating.

  Wider Collar: Beautiful and Dignified

When I saw pictures of 76th Oscar Award ceremony, I drew an immediate comparison between the evening dress by Hollywood stars and a kind of Ru Qun by Tang women. The only difference is that the latter has an even wider collar exposing the neck and more of the chest. This kind of sexy dress was mainly pursued by the wealthy to show their dignity. Defying the ethic code and against the tradition though, it was natural, beautiful, and fashionable.

The hundred-year old Cosmopolitan Magazine is the barometer of the latest fashion. Its cover girls all have 1/3 of their chest exposed.

Julia Roberts presented at the Oscar and wore a body skimming cocoa gown with plunging neckline and shimmery waist brooch. Her neckline dipping down at the front is the Cosmo standard.

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