Pop star makes fashionable gesture

"From that exhibition, we noticed Chang's research and collection of modern Chinese clothing and fashion culture, especially his unique perspective on qipao," says Yu Ying, a researcher in the handicrafts department of the Shanghai Museum.

"Qipao takes up quite an important section of my collection," Chang says, adding that his collection totals "several thousand".

He bought some at auctions and some at antique shops in different cities. "I've collected them through many different channels," he says. "This introduced me to other collectors and I made friends in completely different circles."

Chang has long been in contact with the researchers of the Shanghai Museum, sometimes soliciting their professional opinions. A fanatic lover of traditional Chinese handicrafts, he is a loyal fan of the Shanghai Museum and would make private visits to the institution, where he especially enjoys the art gallery of Chinese ethnic groups.

A few years ago, he learned that Shanghai Museum needed qipao and other women's clothing pieces. Chang suggested the museum choose some items from his collection and offered to make a donation.

After many rounds of selection, the museum picked 10 pieces from Chang's collection and two garments for women that date to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).