It’s a pity that the cheongsam is mainly associated with brides, Chinese restaurant hostesses and schoolteachers from the Sixties. While Maggie Cheung in In the Mood for Love and Tang Wei’s character in Lust, Caution have displayed how elegant and beautiful a woman can look in the traditional Chinese dress, many still think of the cheongsam as dated.
But times are a-changing and the cheongsam’s reputation has been evolving into somewhat of a modern fashion statement. Singapore label Ong Shunmugum’s first claim to fame was to add the contemporary peplum to the cheongsam and fellow local brand Tong Tong’s cheongsam dresses are an easy-to-wear option thanks to the lively, colourful print fabric used that’s a huge departure from the sombre allure of the traditional cheongsam.
So when you are shopping for your new outfits this Chinese New Year, why not consider the cheongsam? Designers from Tong Tong, Lady General and more share their picks of cheongsam that are great for the office, a cocktail party and even hanging out with your girlfriends. We promise, the cheongsam is one piece that can translate into many different looks – a Chinese restaurant waitress not being one of them.