Xiao Lan Hua 저고리 Size L

"Xiao Lan Hua" 저고리/Jeogori Size L

Inspired by the Fairy Xiao Lan Hua/Orchid from the Chinese Xianxia drama, "Love Between Fairy and Devil," I set out to make this top. I am well aware that a 저고리 is Korean and not Chinese.

Xiao Lan Hua is the Orchid Fairy who appears to be weak and not as powerful as the others due to her caretaker damaging her root. However, unbeknownst to all, but suspected by some, she is the Goddess of Xishan, who has the ability to revive and purify. The green color represents the energy that comes from her while using her magic. She can't resurrect others, but if there's a remnant of spirit remaining, she can revive it.

In the Korean cultural context, the Orchid is one of the "Four Gentlemen" flowers, which were representative of the four seasons, and the intellectual elite within 조선/Joseon Dynasty Korea. The Orchid specifically is a symbol of virtue, purity, and noble virtue. What does that mean, noble virtue? Because the nobility, especially the intellectual elite, had more rights in 조선 Dynasty Korea, I take it to mean: "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should." From what I've read, self discipline for people who had access to so much more was a very major value. (And it's a value I profoundly admire. Doing whatever you want whenever you want isn't all it's cracked up to be).

So to me, Orchid is a beautiful and pure spirit with a whole lot of integrity. Orchid in "Love Between Fairy and Devil" has had to deal with a lot of bullying, condescension, people using her; and she could have exacted revenge. But she didn't. Instead, she had patience, and was willing to encourage others to bring out their best side, which in turn made them feel guilty for what they had done, and ironically prompted them to take ownership of their actions.

This 저고리 is a size L, meaning it can fit up to a DD-Cup Bra size, as measurements are determined more by chest, length of torso, and height, as opposed to the circumference of the waist. For those of us with a longer torso and bigger breasts, it goes just below the bust line, so pairing it with a 사극 Paradise 치마 is a must. https://www.sageukparadise.com/sageuk.../p/chimaseparates

For those of you with a shorter torso and smaller breasts, it will be closer to midriff length.

To get this 저고리, click here: https://www.sageukparadise.com/.../jeogori-separates-size-l