It began with the Manchus.

During the early 16th-century Qing Dynasty, a chieftain created the Eight Banner System to organise warriors into eight different groups, each under its own banner and flag.

While living under the System, the Manchus - an ethnic minority in China - distinguished themselves from other citizens by wearing different clothing. The men wore chang pao (long robes) while the women wore qi pao. But the qi pao during this period was very different than the current style. The Manchu women's qi pao was loose, fully covered in the arms and legs, and weighed heavily due to multiple layers.

So how did it become the slinky one-piece we know and love today?

Enlightenment followed the end of a period that was oppressive towards women. With the creation of a new society, women across China became more emboldened to shout out for liberation and equality.

What they wore was included in this protest. Influenced by the West and other teachings, the empowered women shed the two-piece robes they were previously told to wear. They cut their hair, unbound their feet, and adopted the men's one-piece chang pao as part of their daily clothes - a feat they were once forbidden to do.

Very quickly, the qi pao became a political statement for the promotion of gender equality. It was so widespread that by the 1930s, the qi pao was normalised and had ceased to be a political tool. It was now worn by women from all walks of life, from Shanghai to Hong Kong to foreigners that were attracted to the style.

And it's still being celebrated to today, evolving with the times and forming different versions such as a qi pao top that could be worn with jeans, or even a qi pao-influenced baju kurung that is able to cross cultures and borders.