A Yao ethnic boy from Tianlin county, Guangxi wears a suit (1986). [Photo/Xinhua]

Before the reform and openingup, blue, black, gray and green were the "main melody" of Chinese dressing.

But on March 19, 1979, the famous French fashion designer Pierre Cardin held a fashion show at the Beijing National Culture Palace, which opened the eyes of the Chinese people to different ways of dressing.

Soon, the 1970's green uniforms, tunic suits, and overalls were replaced by flared pants, bodybuilding pants and bat shirts.