How to reflect on and break the bondage of women in the 18th-century European clothing structure through clothing design? is the starting point of my project, which is based on my interest in the western clothing culture of the 18th century. The 18th-century European clothing is always full of palace style. Romantic lace, corset, and rococo clothing with feminine touch fascinated me a lot, so, I started my research. “Chinese trade” has increased since the opening of the Eastern route in the 16th century. Chinese porcelain, silk, furniture, and other artworks have been imported in large quantities into Europe, causing a Chinese fever to sweep the entire society in Europe. “Chinoiserie” became a popular and widely utilised style. Chinoiserie is the European interpretation and imitation of Chinese and other East Asian artistic traditions, particularly in the decorative arts, garden design, architecture, literature, theatre, and music . This trend first appeared in the 17th century but became more popular in the 18th century as trade with China and the rest of East Asia increased . Chinoiserie is a style that is similar to Rococo. Both styles are characterised by exuberant decoration, asymmetry, a focus on materials, and stylised nature and subject matter that emphasises leisure and pleasure. Hence, my research started in the field of clothing but also derived from ceramics, furniture, architecture, etc.
