Small Wonder AU (version hanfu)
Hanfu by 蜃楼 (look them up on Taobao)! It only just occurred to me that I should have steamed/ ironed the round-collared pao(袍) robe Shiina (left) is wearing. ^^;
I waited a few months for these - it’s definitely not summer anymore. XD; The quality is pretty good, especially on the belts, which are very nicely made. I’m slightly disappointed that the overcasting is visible through the sheer fabric in places, but it can be hidden in pictures. The fabric on Shiina’s pao is especially nice, it’s subtly two-toned and very soft and silky-feeling. The collar is lightly interfaced and a very nice quality gold cord loop is sturdily attached to it for the buttons (can’t help but notice these details since I sew myself... I would love to know what method they use to secure that tiny loop so well!)
Tatsue’s outfit includes shimmery grey pants which open all down the sides (like a dancer?) His pale grey inner robe is slightly shimmery, too. I added a white chiffon traditional undershirt and satin pants to Shiina’s ensemble, otherwise the pao is totally sheer. I think it would look very different, and very striking, over dark-coloured fabric, too!
I originally pre-ordered these articles because I wanted to dip my toes into the world of hanfu. I don’t have a predilection for traditional Chinese clothing like I do for traditional Japanese clothing, but I was attracted to how the colours and fabrics (chiffons, silks) in traditional Chinese clothing are less restricted by gender. I wanted to put Tatsue in pastels and diaphanous fabrics without it looking wildly “costume-y”. Overall, I like the look but it’s definitely not their everyday wear (especially for Shiina). These outfits would probably also look even better on the bigger dolls, since the fabric could be draped and swished around really majestically. ^^