90's Avanti 100% fashion Silk Cheongsam Sleeveless Wiggle Dress

This is a stunning example of a Cheongsam style dress, with a Hawaiian twist. It is an original Avanti piece made in the 90's as part of their "Authentic Hawaii" line. It is 100% silk and 100% dreamy to wear! It is black in color with bold dragon and blowing wind artwork in tones of teal, gold, yellow, and blue. It is sleeveless and closes via a zipper and hooks and eyes in the back. The interior is fully lined and the neckline is classic with a mandarin collar and faux button closures at the upper bodice. It has dramatic slits at the side seam...so show off those legs girl! And a fun fact about it's history.... It was previously owned fashion by Bonnie Bruckheimer in the 1990's. Bonnie Bruckheimer is an American film and television producer best-known for her work on Hocus Pocus, Beaches and Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya. It has it's original labels inside and marked as a "Medium"

History:
The cheongsam, also known as a qipao, is a close-fitting dress that originated in 1920s Shanghai. It quickly became a fashion phenomenon that was adopted by movie stars and schoolgirls alike. The history of this iconic garment reflects the rise of the modern Chinese woman in the twentieth century dating back to the overthrowing of the Qing dynasty when Chinese intellectuals began to revolt against traditional values, calling instead for a democratic and egalitarian society based on Western standards, including the emancipation and education of women. Foot-binding was outlawed and women were allowed into the education system. They became teachers and university students, they shed the traditional, ornate robes of the olden days and adopted an early form of the cheongsam, which emerged from the androgynous men's garment called the changpao. Shanghai, an active and vibrant port city with a large population of foreigners, was at the cutting edge of this fashion shift.

Condition:
Great vintage condition with no damage to note.

Measurements:
label reads Medium
Total length - 40”
Bust (pit to pit flat) - 16”
Waist (flat) - 15 1/4”
Hips (flat) - 18 3/4”
Bottom opening (flat) - 16 1/2”
Slit length - 12”