Xiuhefu

The xiuhefu (秀禾服), sometimes referred to as guaqun (褂裙) or longfenggua (龙凤褂), is a type of traditional Chinese wedding dress predominantly worn by brides in Southern China, particularly in the Guangdong and Hong Kong regions. It gained significant popularity starting in the early 2000s, gradually replacing the more elaborate and heavily embellished qun kwa in some circles, though both styles remain prevalent.

The xiuhefu is characterized by its two-piece design: a jacket (褂, gua) and a skirt (裙, qun). Unlike the qun kwa, which features dense gold and silver embroidery, the xiuhefu often incorporates more colorful and varied embroidery threads, including red, pink, and orange, offering a more vibrant and contemporary aesthetic. The embroidery typically depicts auspicious symbols like dragons and phoenixes (representing the groom and bride respectively), peonies (symbolizing wealth and prosperity), and other traditional Chinese motifs associated with good luck and marital bliss.

The level of embroidery detail and the materials used, particularly the amount of gold thread, influence the price and perceived status of the xiuhefu. Higher-end xiuhefu are often completely covered in intricate embroidery, requiring skilled artisans to dedicate significant time and effort to their creation.

While traditionally worn by brides in Southern China, the xiuhefu's popularity has expanded, and it is now seen as a fashionable and culturally relevant choice for Chinese brides both domestically and internationally who seek a blend of tradition and modern aesthetics in their wedding attire. The cut of the xiuhefu is generally more streamlined than the qun kwa, offering a more figure-flattering silhouette for some brides. It continues to evolve, with modern designs incorporating contemporary elements while retaining the core symbolism and cultural significance.