In the 1970s, women in military uniforms were quite common. By the 1980s, the fashion scene had become simpler, with fewer embellishments and more practical designs. The clothing and footwear industry in Shanxi Province has a rich history, dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties when many villages and towns had tailor shops and clothing stores. After the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912, some tailor shops began using hand-sewing machines. By 1924, the footwear industry in the province employed 1,087 people and produced 370,000 pairs of shoes annually.
Following the founding of New China, the clothing and footwear industry was revitalized and expanded after 1965. Gradually, professional clothing factories were established in the province. Before 1979, garment enterprises were primarily engaged in commercial processing, charging only for labor fees. After 1979, companies gained the ability to sell their products directly and enjoyed greater autonomy and flexibility. By the end of 1985, there were 194 collective-owned industrial and garment enterprises in the province, employing 20,371 workers. These enterprises generated an output value of 190.98 million yuan and contributed 14.2 million yuan in taxes. According to surveys, in 1980, the average urban resident purchased 1.5 garments per year. By 1985 and 1988, the number of higher-end garments owned by every 100 urban households had risen significantly: 31.9 fur coats, 44 woolen coats; and 109.7 and 141 respectively.
As of early 2005, the province's textile, clothing, and daily necessities wholesale and retail sectors employed 35,800 people, generating sales of approximately 3.296 billion yuan and retail sales of about 2.095 billion yuan. Costumes, especially those worn during performances, have undergone dramatic changes over the past 60 years. As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of New China, let us explore how the concept of "clothing" in Shanxi has evolved, listening to personal stories of fashion.
In the 1950s, clothing was functional rather than extravagant. In 2009, the focus shifted towards buying big-name brands from the U.S. Narrator: Zhang Granny and Zhang from Yangquan City. Xiao Zhang recalls ordering a "Victoria's Secret" dress online, which took over ten days to arrive. She explained her motivation: "It’s not about chasing brands, but buying what I like, which makes me happy." Xiao Zhang owns multiple outfits—casual wear, sportswear, suits, skirts, and pants. She admitted, "There’s no shortage of options in stores today."
Back in the 1970s, finding the right shoes was challenging. Ma from Taiyuan recalled, "We had just 35 stores, and finding proper footwear was difficult. Now, with numerous malls like Tianlong Building, South City, and others, shopping is much easier."
In the 1990s, dressing casually was the norm. However, today, people travel to different cities to shop. Narrator: Kobayashi from Linli County mentioned, "Years ago, villagers focused less on clothing quality. Now, with my sons working in Beijing and Taiyuan, they often bring me new clothes. I have a Tang suit and an embroidered cotton jacket, which bring me joy."
After the college entrance exam resumed in 1977, I attended university. My mother worried about my appearance and arranged for tailored tunics. I embraced this style, finding it both dignified and affordable. My monthly salary was 54 yuan, and I once borrowed money to buy a 66-yuan black woolen tunic. Later, I bought a gray woolen trench coat for 130 yuan. Despite adopting modern styles, I retained my preference for traditional tunics.
Huatai Thick, established in 1928 by Huang Hou-fu, became renowned for its quality and credibility. During World War II, it produced advanced woolens. In 1955, it merged with several private stores to form a state-owned enterprise. In the 1980s, Huatai Thick thrived, employing up to 300 people and setting technical standards. Its garments were elegant and sought-after, often requiring customers to wait in line to secure an order.
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