A closer look
Ancient Chinese fashion was not all stoic, conservative robes, especially when you could dress like a medieval Persian hipster. During the Tang dynasty, the capital of Chang'an was the most cosmopolitan city on earth. Wealthy elites became totally obsessed with foreign aesthetics flowing in from the Silk Road. Noblewomen scandalized older generations by ditching traditional modest garb to wear tight-fitting Central Asian riding gear, playing violent games of polo, and painting aggressive, alien-looking makeup patterns on their faces.
