衣着与时尚：晚明知识分子对服饰的追求 = INTELLECTUALS’ PURSUIT OF CLOTHING IN THE LATE MING DYNASTY

Abstract

This essay talks about one of the reasons for the change in clothing style during the late Ming dynasty. Intellectuals during that period played a significant role in the development in different fashion style as they are considered the leader of fashion. The reasons for them becoming the leader were the difficulty in passing the imperial exam, the sudden change in social dynamics as well as the legalisation of humanely desire. All these shaped how intellectuals eventually played the role of a fashion leader during the late Ming dynasty. As a fashion leader, the fashion wave that was created by them earned a large number of followers. Every action which the intellectuals took during those times was linked to their inner thoughts. This essay will explore their inner thoughts that may clash with each other at different point in time according to their extent of their passion for fashion.